ast Sunday afternoon, in a room packed with McCain delegates from around the country, we listened as the senator released us from our bond to vote for him, and asked us to join him in support of Texas Governor George W. Bush.
Some delegates immediately said they would support Bush, but the decision was not as easy for others. They had given their time and energy for many months in support of McCain and his message of reform. They were in Philadelphia representing the efforts of thousands of others back home.
The Massachusetts McCain delegation included a 23-year-old law student, many veterans (including two who were classmates of the senator), a day-care owner, a teacher, several small business owners, a software developer and a conservationist. Half of the delegates were attending their first political convention. For many others, the McCain campaign was the first time they had participated in any political effort. They represented the broad spectrum of support the senator received in Massachusetts. And here they were at the national convention, being asked to vote for Bush.
Days and nights were filled with tours of beautiful and historic Philadelphia. Our delegation attended receptions at the African American Museum, the Hard Rock Cafe, and a cruise on the Liberty Belle. We listened to governors, senators and congressmen. The food was great, the citizens of this city were warm and friendly, and the hours of sleep were too few.
As the days went on, and the McCain delegates read the platform and listened to those who spoke on behalf of Bush, their comfort level began to rise. A sense of winning back the White House and having the opportunity to reform started to take hold. Enthusiasm grew as we spoke to delegates from other states. The need to unite around those issues upon which we agree, with the understanding that we will fight for others later, drew us closer together and closer to Governor Bush.
The Republican Party is the party of reform and of progress. The preamble to the Party Platform ''commits us to civility in public life, to a new direction, new ideas, and leadership with honor and distinction ... to government reform, restoration of timeless American values, and renewal of our national purpose. We commit to bold reforms in education - to make every school a place of learning and achievement for every child. We commit to rebuilding the American military and return to a foreign policy of strength and purpose. We commit ourselves to tax reforms that will sustain our nation's prosperity and reflect its decency. We will reduce the burden on all Americans, especially those who struggle the most.''
These are some of the best traditions of our Republican Party. They reflect the views of those who believe that ''from freedom comes opportunity, from opportunity comes growth; and from growth comes progress and prosperity.''
So when walked into the convention center Thursday night to hear Bush accept the nomination, we proudly wore ''McCainiacs for Bush''
buttons.
He will restore honor and dignity to the White House, and will represent those American values that we all hold so dear. We will be there for him. It has been a week to remember.
Jean Inman is chairman of the Massachusetts Republican Delegation and chairman of Massachusetts for McCain.
