Maui Republicans were thrilled with Sen. John McCain's choice of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as a running mate - even if they may have hoped he'd pick a certain other strong-minded female GOP governor from a geographically isolated state.
"Obviously Linda Lingle wasn't available," joked Maui Republican Chairwoman Kay Ghean. "I think it's fabulous."
Next week's Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn. - where Lingle will speak Tuesday - will be Palin's moment to introduce herself to the party and "bring a more conservative voice" to the McCain campaign, Ghean said. It will also be an opportunity to appeal to "disgruntled" Hillary Rodham Clinton supporters who long to see a woman in the White House.
"This woman has succeeded on her own abilities, and every woman should support that," Ghean said.
The four-day convention starts Monday and is expected to culminate Thursday with a speech by McCain accepting his party's nomination for president.
Wailea resident Jana DiMartino, an alternate delegate, said she was looking forward to the camaraderie of being with "like minds." She had a great time at the convention four years ago.
"It's so exciting; it's hard to explain," she said.
DiMartino is very concerned about security issues, and is a strong supporter of McCain.
"He understands better than anyone the sacrifice it takes to keep our country safe," she said.
Ghean liked Palin's strong principles and family life, and felt she would balance McCain's strengths.
"I think she's going to be a perfect complement to him," she said.
As for Sen. Barack Obama's speech at the culmination of the Democratic National Convention on Thursday, where the Democrats' candidate for president called out McCain by name as "more of the same" policies the nation has seen under the Bush administration, and challenged him to a debate, Ghean chalked up the comments to "youthful exuberance."
"He can't compete on any level," she said.
Ghean didn't expect her party's nominee to respond in his speech.
"McCain is enough of a gentleman and a thinker that I don't see him getting involved in a street fight," she said.
In contrast with Obama's "pablum," Ghean said she expected more policy discussion from the GOP.
"With the Republicans, there'll be more meat on the bones," she said.
DiMartino was already in Minnesota this week, after spending the last few days preparing for her role by poring over the news and following the Democratic convention. She said it was inspiring to come together with so many other politically involved people.
"It's our nation at its best," she said.
* Ilima Loomis can be reached at iloomis@mauinews.com.
