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Anderson’s Waldrep enjoys first visit to GOP’s big show
Bob Waldrep
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ST. PAUL — Anderson County Council member Bob Waldrep, a delegate to the Republican National Convention, says Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin’s willingness to take on the “dark side” of politics in her state should make her popular with women voters.
The 72-year-old lawyer and former state senator has been milling with delegates from all 50 states as a first-time delegate.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do because I’ve worked in politics the last 35 years,” he said. “This is kind of the highlight, going through the process. It’s kind of like Wimbledon for a tennis player.”
He added: “It’s been very exhilarating to have this exchange with these folks (other delegates) and to have relationships with other states.”
Waldrep has been involved in insurance reform and issues involving the allocation of water resources in the Savannah River Valley between South Carolina and Georgia as an elected official — and with greater accountability for local officials — but clearly appreciated being on the national stage with U.S. senators, congressmen and major party leaders.
Speaking on Tuesday evening during a break from the convention proceedings, Waldrep assessed the strengths of his party’s nominees.
McCain, he said, “represents to me a man who has been committed to the service of his country. He’s a proven man of character. I think he’s his own man and I think he’s proven that many times over.
“I don’t always agree with him, but I find him to be the best leader for this country and the best leader for the free world.”
Like most Republicans and pundits in St. Paul, Waldrep said he was surprised at McCain’s pick of the Alaska governor for vice president.
“But the more I found out about her, the more supportive I’ve been,” he said.
“She has a lot of similar characteristics of John McCain in that she’s independent-minded; she’s been a leader; and she’s been willing to take on the dark side of politics.
“The most refreshing thing is that when you find a person with the kind of approval ratings she has in her home state, I just think she’s an exciting person. The fact that she’s a lady also adds a dimension that should be, hopefully, exciting to the Republican women and the women in the country.”
In addition to his duties with the Anderson County Council, Waldrep is in a private law practice with his daughter, Elizabeth. Another daughter, Arren, is in law school in Charleston. And a son, Lee, is a photographer for National Geographic currently on assignment in Alaska.
During an interview near a concession stand selling all things McCain-Palin, Waldrep held but did not wear the plastic imitation straw boater hat many in the South Carolina delegation are wearing. His tie displayed the state symbols of the crescent and palmetto palm.
Of the hat, he said: “It makes me think of vaudeville, for some reason. I’m about ready to do a little tap dance.”
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republicans are maggots. they feed off of others. go ahead and vote for john insane. he was brainwashed by ho chi minh and hasn't got over it "my friends".
Wow! I hope Comeon is not in the Party of Inclusion because I am beginning to think that Dems are a pretty mean spirited bunch.What with the attacks on a candidate's family and the hatred evidenced by things like plots to kidnap delegates at the St Paul Convention, senseless rioting in the streets and destroying property. Surely, this is not the Party of Barack Obama. Why is he not condemning these actions. Don't say he has because as yet he has not.
cwilson4,
"The conservative voters of Anderson County are proud to have Bob Waldrep represent us at the RNC. We know our local party is in capable hands and he will fairly represent us regardless of where he is. Keep the faith Bob!!!"
PLEASE tell me you are joking? I am a conservative voter and I am NOT proud to have Mr. Waldrep representing me. As for capable hands.....not. I think it is questionable that he can find his way home from there....Good Grief, Charlie Brown. Now you want to talk about someone that will be missed? Mr. Melendez, you will be sorely missed.
The "conventions" have become nothing more than big parties to pat one another on the back and give the media something to do for a week. What's the big deal if you get to go? Oh yes, it's a free trip to go somewhere, be made to believe you're part of the circus, and yes, get you name in the local paper. I guess to some that's a big deal.
in response to cwilson4
"Hussein Obama supporters", "muslim ticket".
I'll assume this to be a joke. Unfortunately there are actually people that believe stuff like this and they are voting for leadership of our country.
in response to Niblits
Unfortunately, the idiotic and false Muslim slant against Obama is just the Republican's way of avoiding the fact that they've done nothing good in 8 years - that's why GWB is hardly mentioned at the convention. "tax and spend liberals" was getting old, so they had to come up with another attack moniker. But, the funny thing is, Obama isn't talking about raising taxes or "growing the government." Bush has spent trillions he doesn't have fighting a war that shouldn't have happened, and grew the largest bureaucratic organization (Homeland Security) ever created in American History to fight a threat he ignored his first 8 months in office. Better off than we were 8 years ago? Absolutely not.
I'm a former Republican committeeman who quit when they elected that idiot 43. I voted for JMcC in the SC primary - but won't vote for him now, now that he no longer is the "maverick" and keeps saying how he agrees with GWB. Four more years of this? Please!
in response to Comeon
By all means Comeon, have your political preferences but please, do not denigrate the man's five year prisoner of war incarceration. Walk a five year mile in those shoes before you mock him. Yes, that was the price he paid for you, your parents and the rest of America during the horrendous Viet Nam War. You should be ashamed of yourself.
in response to Comeon
Unbelievable...has anybody noticed how unhappy and despicably mean the far left has become?
It's like they look in a mirror every day and hate what they see.
I respect anyones opinions but COMEON is enough to make a democrat turn republican just to be different from him.
What a jerk!
In response to my own comment, after rereading it I realized how insensitive it must sound to others. I would like to clarify that I wasn't saying that "a pregnant teenager" wasn't something to be concerned about. What I mean is that the media should not try to use that against the Republican VP candidate in such a way as to throw a slur upon the daughter's or her mother's character. I think the fact that the family stood behind both teenagers says a lot for the parents.
Well, I'm stumped! We all have our "senior moments" and guys you can laugh out loud. I just posted my comment about another article in the online AIM to the wrong article. That's what going without sleep for two days will do for you. Otherwise have a great conversation. I'm going to catch some zzzzzzzzzzzzz's!
john insane didn't pay a price for me or you. and this jerk as you call me served over 2.5 years in vietnam. being captured by the enemy or getting blown up does not make a hero. looking in the mirror does not make me mad but seeing out the republicans have lied and are responsible for so many innocent soldiers' deaths. prison is where the leaders need to be.
Actually, Comeon I did not call you a jerk and if you served in VN then I salute you. My brother also did 4 tours in VN and I myself served 10 years in the US Army of which I am very proud of. My husband has just finished serving his 28th year in the Army. Any person who has ever worn the uniform of the United States of America deserves respect for that service time and that is what I am pointing out to you. Denigrate the Republicans til the cows come home if you must after all that is what the fight for freedom of speech is all about. Just show a little respect for the man's time in service is all I am saying.
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