RNC - New Iberian delegate prideful

For The Daily Iberian:

By Katie Evans

Wick News Service

        ST. PAUL, Minn. – George Wright flew back to Louisiana Thursday before Republican presidential nominee John McCain gave his acceptance speech.

        Wright, who had been serving as a Louisiana delegate at the Republican National Convention, left the convention a day early and headed back to his job as an insurance agent to help his clients affected by Hurricane Gustav.

        But the three days Wright spent at the convention he described as moving.

        "It was very heart-warming," he said. "(The) outpouring their sympathies…it was a very warm situation.

        "Even in a bad situation."

        He said the decision to strip down the first day of the convention to strictly business as Gustav made landfall on the Gulf Coast was a wise one.

        "I think it was a very compassionate decision," he said.

        He spoke fondly of Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, who stayed behind in Louisiana to take care of his citizens.

        "He's doing a great job," Wright said.

        Wright continued on a family tradition by attending the convention, following in the footsteps of his great-great-grandfather, who attended the convention as a delegate in 1904, 1908 and 1912.

        "It's a compliment to him first off," Wright said of the experience.

        And Wright -- initially a supporter of Fred Thompson, a former Republican candidate -- has rallied behind McCain and his vice presidential pick, Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin.

        "You're going to see a tremendous change in what they'll be able to do," Wright said.

        He described Palin's Wednesday night speech as a "home run."

        "She's a blessed woman and very intelligent," he said, adding that he could have even seen her running for president.

        Wright attended the convention with his son, Chris, and said it's an experience they'll cherish.

        "I'll carry the pride to my grave," he said. "And I think my son, Chris, will carry it with him through his life.

[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]