Republicans Kick Off Convention Sept. 1 By Jessica Kaiser jkaiser@suntelegraph.com SIDNEY - This year is the first presidential election since 1928 without an incumbent president or vice president running for nomination, and as the Democratic convention in Denver winds down, the Republican Party is gearing up for their gathering in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn., as the Excel Energy Center hosts the Republican National Convention (RNC) Sept. 1-4. The last time Minnesota hosted the RNC was in 1892 when Republicans nominated Benjamin Harrison. Several local people chose to be involved in the more than century old tradition and have been given the honor of representing their district at the national convention. One of which, is Sidney’s own Pat Dorwart. Dorwart was chosen as one of the 3rd District congressional delegates to represent Nebraska at the national convention. While in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn., Dorwart told the Sun-Telegraph she was excited to see the speakers at this year’s convention. “I served as the state chairwoman for 12 years,” she said. “I was selected as the one woman to represent Nebraska at the national convention.” She said that Nebraska sends one man and one woman to represent their state. Gov. Dave Heineman nominated Dorwart and Norm Riffel of Omaha to represent him in the electoral college. Nebraska has five electoral votes. Dorwart was elected as Committee Chairwoman, and Peggy Popps of Sidney was elected as Chairman County Chairs on the State Central Committee. She said delegates were required to arrive one-week prior to the convention. She said the delegate’s obligation is for the next four years. “I think that there is a difference in the candidates this year,” she said. “McCain has more than 20 years of experience, and Obama only has about one.” She said that this year’s presidential election is interesting because of the candidate’s vast difference of opinion. “I’m anxious to know who the vice president (nominee) will be,” Dorwart said. As the RNC kicks off in preparation for Sen. John McCain of Arizona to accept the Republican nomination, the 2008 RNC announced the themes and preliminary lineup of speakers for the program. The convention’s overall theme, “country first,” is aimed at highlighting Sen. McCain’s record of leadership and service to America. According to the GOP Convention committee, each day of proceedings will center on a theme that has defined Sen. McCain’s life that would be central to his vision for leading our nation forward as president. U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman (Conn.), Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (Calif.), Vice President Richard B. Cheney, First Lady Laura Bush and President George W. Bush are scheduled to speak the first day of convention followed by others such as former New York City Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani, former Gov. Mike Huckabee (Ark.), former Gov. Mitt Romney (Mass.), and the highly anticipated vice presidential nominee.