Attending the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis has been a whirlwind experience for my wife Jeanne and me.  With an unfinished, oversized and overdue budget looming over California's Legislature, I had planned to remain in Sacramento to fight against bloated spending and push for a sensible budget - but when the legislative overlords announced that no budget would be presented or voted on, I made last minute arrangements to attend.  

When the threat of Hurricane Gustav, poised to batter states along the Gulf, seemed destined to postpone the convention, I again scrapped my plans to attend. 

Then Senator McCain scaled back much of the convention and GOP delegates put together relief packages instead of hosting pre-convention parties, and the hurricane passed on.  Jeanne and I made new arrangements and made the trek to the twin cities.

So, despite the short notice and last-minute changes, seeing the events of this convention first-hand has given me a new hope for the Republican Party - and for the future of America. 

With the challenges facing the Country and the logistical problems with the convention, I entered the building filled with skepticism and cynicism, wondering whether the Republican Party could pull off a successful convention.  I was blown away.

I have always respected Senator John McCain, as both a veteran and public servant.  He's shown both courage and leadership - and a willingness to buck the system and his own party to do what is right.  However, I was unsure of his ability to reenergize a party that is facing a formidable odds and an eloquent foe in the general election. Senator McCain injected new life into the GOP and this election by selecting Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate. 

Like many delegates, I must admit that I knew little about Governor Palin prior to her nomination as Vice President, but as I learned and watched, I was impressed and convinced that she will make a fine Vice President.  

Last night, Governor Palin gave an authentic and heartfelt speech that struck a chord with me.  Her words were not those of a polished career politician or practiced orator.  Instead, I was able to identify with her experiences as a local elected official.  She is a smart choice for Vice President because she represents the future - new hope and new ideas.  She understands politics on a state and local level, something that is invaluable considering the delicate relationship between the levels of American government.

She has the experience of a small town mayor and a state that has seen more than it's share of challenges.  She's not a beltway insider -- but she's solved real life problems of small-town America and governed a state about the same size as Delaware. 

I believe the nominations of Senator McCain and Governor Palin will generate excitement and results for the Republican Party, because Americans demand change and American look to the future. 

As I listened to the speeches given by both candidates, I noted delegates of this year's convention would have been well suited as supporters of Abraham Lincoln or Theodore Roosevelt.  I saw a desire for the party to return to its roots, but reach for the future - and to fix broken systems. 

The message is clear: the Republican Party is ready for an historic election in November.  The Republican National Convention has not only reinvigorated the party, but it has revitalized my desire to find a solution to this year's budget stalemate - to hold firm to principle, but also reach for new solutions and fresh ideas.  I hope that my Republican colleagues found the same inspiration in the convention that I did.  It is my optimistic belief that Republicans in the State Legislature can channel the early founding principles of our party to pass a responsible budget this year and in future years as well.