Get Your Convention Updates on Hoosier Access

Hey guys, though most of us are delegates, our newest director Mike Jezierski will be live blogging from the convention all day. We will also be recording podcasts for Hoosier Access Radio. So make sure to check out HA periodically throughout the day for all the convention action you can handle!

**UPDATE BY MIKE**

9:04 AM - I’m here in the Media Room at the Indiana Convention Center preparing to live blog the festivities. The Zoeller and Costas people are in place already with signs reading “Experience Matters” for Deputy AG Greg Zoeller and a basic “Costas for Attorney General” for Mayor Jon Costas. I’ll wander about a bit and I understand the Republican Riders Motorcycle Group will be here with a table.

The Convention is scheduled to begin about 1:30 PM EDT.

UPDATE: 9:40 AM - Stopped by the Greg Zoeller table, they were very optimistic on today’s delegate count. Lots of delegates sporting “Z4AG” buttons, but the Costas people are out and about. I hear some last minute plugging and replacing may be in the works coming up to the district meetings at 10:30 AM.

I stopped by the Republican Riders table. Ernie Shearer, leader of the Republican Riders, has his motorcycle outfitted with the Republican Riders flag.

9:56 AM - Just seen Hoosier Access endorsed Attorney General candidate Greg Zoeller pass by the 7th District sub-convention meeting meeting delegates and shaking hands. I’m hearing some Paulistinians are huddled and discussing things like “parlimentary procedure”. Could they be planning a convention disruption? This could get interesting, and I’m not packing today……

10:24 AM - The delegates are slowly checking in and the district meetings will start around 10:30 PM. Seen many Marion County folks in line that Hoosier Access readers know - Marion County sheriff candidate Tim Motsinger, City-County Councilor At-Large Ed Coleman, Congressman Dan Burton’s Chief of Staff and fellow Weird Pro contributor Rick Wilson, Congressman Burton’s Press Secretary Clark Rheame (spelling?), Wayne Township Chairman Andy Harris, Pony Tail Paul Cauley, and from the Liar’s Table at the Decatur Township GOP Club Doug Meacham.

12:15 PM - Just found out some interesting information. The agenda and program are being kept secret. Nobody will know what is happening until it happens. It seems some are concerned about certain “disruptors” [i.e. the Paulistinians]. There are 2006 delegates credentialed for this convention. I was told wrong. There were 1939 credentialed delegates. See later for the actual vote count.

12:30 PM - About 12:45 PM Hoosier Access make the move from the media center to the convention floor. 1:19 PM - I’m on the floor, setup and ready to go. I have the first of several segments of the podcast ready to upload.

[The liveblog begins after the leap]

1:30 PM - State GOP Chairman Murray Clark has called the meeting to order. National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance, and prayer follow.

1:39 PM - State GOP Chairman Murray Clark is rallying the troops and railing against the Enemy

1:45 PM - Ed Simcox is now taking the podium.

1:47 PM - Jim Bopp of Vigo County has taken the podium to announce the party and convention rules

2:00 PM - Sandi Huddleston is introducing present AG Steve Carter. The AG is making a few remarks. He’s not out and out pushing for Deputy AG Greg Zoeller but he is touting the accomplishments of his office, and his personnel. Including Mr. Zoeller.

2:03 PM - Former Chair Jean Ann Harcourt is introducing Supt. of Public Instruction Suellen Reed.

2:11 PM - Luke Messmer is bringing the platform to the delegates for approval. It is approved overwhelmingly.

2:12 PM - Barbara McClellan is bring forward the list of candidates for the Convention.
The State RNC delegates is now being decided.

2:16 PM - The Electors for the Electoral College is being voted upon by the delegates.

The nominations for Superintendent of Public Instruction, Attorney General, and Lt. Governor are underway. I have audio to post soon. Tony Bennett, the candidate for Supt. of Public Instruction brought in about 100 school kids to act as his floor demonstrators. Greg Zoeller had a very strong support among the delegates. This might bode well for the Deputy AG.

3:00 PM - Secretary of State Todd Rokita is introducing Governor Mitch Daniels. I’m working on uploading the audio of the nominations.

3:05 PM - Governor Mitch Daniels is now at the podium. I’m recording the audio and will post it upon conclusion of his speech. The Governor’s remarks are mainly of his economic policies and successes.

3:35 PM - Governor Daniels is still speaking to the Convention Delegates. Gov. Daniels is giving his “swan song” as he stated he is not seeking higher office after his term as Governor is complete.

3:40 PM - Governor Daniels has concluded his remarks. The motions of selecting Lt. Governor, Supt. of Public Instruction by acclamation were made, seconded, and approved.The voting is about to begin for Attorney General.

3:45 PM - The voting machines for selecting the Attorney General candidate is now open. The delegates are making their way to the voting machines now.

4:15 PM - The Chair has announced that “in a few minutes” the voting will be closed.

4:20 PM - The Voting is closed. Delegates are being sent back to their seats.

4:21 PM - Auditor of State Tim Berry is making remarks and introducing the next speaker - President Pro Tempore of the Senate David Long. President Long just took a swipe at the Dems and Lake County by claiming Democrat road building would be limited to North Lake County.

4:30 PM - Treasurer Richard Mourdock is introducing the next speaker, House Minority Leader and Speaking in wait Brian Bosma.

4:41 PM - Chairman Murray Clark is introducing Dr. Tony Bennett, candidate for Supt. of Public Instruction. Dr. Bennett is now giving remarks to the delegates.

4:48 PM - Word is Greg Zoeller won the nomination for Attorney General. The Chairman is making remarks, and we are anticipating an announcement soon

4:48 PM - Greg Zoeller wins by about 300 votes out of 1700+ cast.

5:00 PM - Lt. Gov Becky Skillman is making remarks before the few delegates that are left. I’ll record up to adjournment and get the remainder of the audio posted this evening.

5:05 PM - Lt. Gov Skillman has concluded her remarks. All of the nominees are onstage receiving accolades of the few remaining delegates.

5:09 PM - Convention Adjourned