For the first time in decades, Brownwood and Brown County have representation at a political party’s national convention. Local citizen and businessman Dennis Graham was selected as one of three Texas state delegates from U.S. Congressional District 11 to attend the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio this week.
According to Brown County Republican Chairman Robert Porter, Graham’s representation of Brown County at the convention is a great honor and opportunity.
“It is a great honor for the county and for Dennis himself. It is a very special and unique opportunity very few people get to experience,” said Porter who explained that Graham had expressed that his goal was to attend the national convention, and the two worked to campaign and get him elected. “It’s a process to get elected, you have to run in your congressional district and get elected, and many of the people in the district want to go. We elected three delegates and Dennis was one of them. It means a lot to both Dennis and Brown County to have a representative at the national convention.”
Graham states he is honored to be a delegate and that this is something he has dreamed of for many years. This year was particularly special to be elected as a delegate because he is attending the convention on his 65th birthday today, July 20th.
“Attending the Republican National Convention is lifelong dream come true,” said Graham. “I have met so many people that I have watched for years on TV, it’s very exciting, I don’t even believe some of the pictures and especially how nice everyone has been.”
Graham has had a chance to meet Republican Presidential Nominee Donald Trump’s vice presidential running mate, Indiana Governor Mike Pence, who shook his hand and wished him a happy birthday after posing for a selfie (pictured below). He has also been spotted on national television news coverage of the convention several times by local friends and family.
Porter stated that being a delegate is a commitment of both time and finances. “This is not a paid position. These delegates are traveling at their own expense, they are not compensated for attending,” explained Porter. “This takes a great deal of personal time and financial commitment. We owe a debt of gratitude to Dennis that he was willing to serve.”
Porter stated that he has personally been watching the speeches and happenings at the convention, on television.
“They have themes each night that are addressing concerns we have as a nation, not just as Republicans have,” said Porter. “Most people want to preserve our freedoms that we have fought and died for, for over 240+ years.”
Porter encourages that citizens get involved with the Brown County Republican Party as a volunteer. People are needed to help in grass-roots efforts to educate voters, and as volunteers, to help man the Brown County Republican Party Headquarters when it opens in September, Porter said. Those interested in volunteering can call Robert Porter at his office 325-646-9586 or contact the
Graham arrives at the convention in Cleveland.
Security is tight, according to Graham, pictured above officers made a human chain, blocking protesters and making a safe path for delegates to enter the convention.
Graham poses for a photo with Governor Mike Pence, Donald Trump’s vice presidential running mate.
View of the conference from the Texas delegation’s seats.
Graham and other Texas delegates are pictured on Fox News during the opening ceremony and Pledge of Allegiance.
Wednesday morning, Graham began his birthday by having breakfast with his wife Kimberly (center right), Congressman Mike Conaway (left) & his wife Suzanne (center left), and two staff members.
