Cavalier Daily Senior Writers
PHILADELPHIA -- As the Republican National Convention drew to a close yesterday, politicians and pundits alike said they were pleased with the results, and have high hopes for the GOP's success in the November elections.
The Convention focused on four major issues -- education, defense, tax reform and Social Security, as well as nominating Texas Gov. George W. Bush for president with former Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney as his running mate.
The Democratic party will hold its convention to nominate current Vice President Al Gore in Los Angeles, Calif., beginning Aug. 14. Gore has not yet announced his choice for the vice presidential nomination, stating that his decision will be announced on Tuesday.
Bush supporters said they were pleased with the results of the GOP gathering. In an interview with The Cavalier Daily, Virginia Attorney General Mark L. Earley said he had found the Convention "very dynamic," and was particularly impressed with the speeches of Laura Bush, Colin Powell and John McCain. Bush -- the Governor's wife, Powell -- the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and McCain -- Arizona senator who bowed out of the presidential race in the spring -- all gave primtime speeches during the Convention.
Earley said he thought most Americans would be able to see that Republicans have a "vision for the future of America."
"I think most Americans make up their mind on both issues and heart," he said, adding that he hoped Bush's speech reminded the public of "why he can be such a great president."
Virginia Gov. James S. Gilmore III played a very visible role at the Convention, with a prime-time speaking slot and numerous public appearances. Earley said Gilmore will be one of three Republican governors who will represent Bush at the Democratic National Convention.
"Gilmore is personally very close to George W. Bush," he said.
Larry J. Sabato, a political analyst and government and foreign affairs professor at the University, said it is possible that Gilmore will capture a cabinet post if Bush is elected -- probably as either attorney general or secretary of commerce. Gilmore served as Virginia's attorney general before he was elected governor in November, 1997.
Earley said Gilmore is not focused on a possible cabinet appointment at this time.
"The governor has said his priority right now" is to continue fulfilling his duties in Virginia, Earley said. During his remarks Wednesday night, Gilmore addressed tax reform and leveled attacks against the Clinton administration. "Tax cuts matter to every American, especially the working poor," Gilmore said, adding that all 30 of the nation's Republican governors have cut taxes during their terms.
"Americans need a leader who will apply conservative principles to everyday concerns. George W. Bush is that leader," he said.
In an interview with The Cavalier Daily, former Virginia Gov. George Allen, who is running for the U.S. Senate against incumbent Democrat Chuck Robb, also emphasized the importance of tax relief for working families. Allen said the issues discussed at the Convention are "very consistent with what we've been talking about in my campaign."
He said he also feels education is a vital issue, and the government needs to "empower parents to help their children."
Allen and others said the Repulican issues are ones that young voters whould find particularly important. Young voters "need to understand that it is their government," he said, adding that "if young people voted more, they never would have raised the beer-drinking age to 21."
Allen pointed out the rise in the drinking age as an example of "efficious nannies in Washington ... usurping the rights of people in the states."
Rep. Bob Barr (R-Ga.) also said the Party is gaining popularity among younger voters.
In an interview with The Cavalier Daily, Barr said "the one thing I consistently hear from [young people] is give us some tax relief."
Barr said the Convention serves as a vehicle for Bush to project his message around the country and that it is "a way by which all future addresses" given by Bush will be measured. Fourth-year College students Max and Spencer Wiegard both attended the Convention. Max Wiegard said he was pleased with the entire spectacle, and he felt that the Republicans offer much to the youth of America.
The GOP is "a party I feel I can respect," he said, with "compassion for the population"
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