1. We’re excited that you will be chairing Alabama’s delegation to the Republican National Convention. Can you talk a little about your role as delegation chair?
Being elected delegation chair is a huge responsibility and honor. My passion for this is to enable all our delegates to be an effective group that honorably represents Alabama as we work to elect the next President of the United States, Mitt Romney. We’re at a dangerous crossroads. Every election is important but this election is the most critical in our nation’s history.
2. Senator Waggoner is serving as Vice Chairman of Alabama’s delegation. He was a Newt guy but gave a full-throated endorsement of Governor Romney at last weekend’s GOP Executive Committee meeting. How are you two working together as Chair and Vice Chair?
Hand in glove. It’s not about any one individual, it’s about working as a team toward our goal of representing Alabama honorably with unified support for our conservative convictions. I reached out to other camps to encourage them to offer themselves for committee slots and it’s been exciting to see us all come together. We have a great delegation.
3. Tell us about the delegation…
When we first met, I asked them, “How many of you are going to the convention for the first time?” About half raised their hand. That’s refreshing. We have college students, entrepreneurs, homemakers, businesspeople — a great cross-section of people who said, “we matter, we count, we believe.” We’ll remember this as a once-in-a-lifetime, historic event. I’m thrilled to be working with these folks.
We have right around 100 people going so the logistics for the trip are huge. We’ve engaged Kate Anderson to be our delegation aide. She’s experienced and knows what to expect. Bill Harris is the National Chairman of the convention and he’s an Alabamian so that will be helpful as well.
4. You were with Mitt Romney before being with Mitt Romney was cool. In 2008 he wasn’t able to win the nomination but you stuck with him. What did he do differently this time to win?
I’ve known Governor Romney and Ann for a long time and we have a great friendship. I was honored to be their Alabama State Chair in 2008 and now again in 2012. People recognize the #1 issue is their ability to find a job. I stuck with the Governor because I continue to believe that he’s the man to put Americans back to work.
5. The Romney veepstakes has been a hot topic lately. Who will the Governor select?
The media love to opine but it could end up being someone who’s not even being talked about now. I trust his judgement. He has proven himself time and time again and he will select someone who brings talents and skills that will compliment him.
6. This election will come down to just a handful of swing states. How is the Romney campaign making sure those states will be red in November?
I can tell you that the Governor’s team has 13 swing states in mind and they are marshaling the resources to focus on those states. We’ll have opportunities to help in some of those swing states. Volunteering for the Romney campaign is a joy because they match your skills with what they need rather than just giving you busy work. We’ll have Alabamians going to a variety of states.
7. Do you think recent votes in Wisconsin (recall on GOP Governor failed) and North Carolina (Same-sex marriage ban) are any indication of what may happen in November?
Those votes woke everyone up and show that people are paying attention. I think those votes are definitely an indication of what’s likely to happen in November.
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