Menlo Park RNC Delegate Enjoying First Convention

Despite a brief delay from Hurricane Isaac, the Republican National Convention has been taking place all week in Tampa, FL.

More than 2,200 delegates have gathered together to officially nominate Mitt Romney as the Republican presidential candidate and get the party ready for the November election.

Patch caught up with George Yang, a 35-year-old software engineer from Menlo Park (and formerly from San Bruno), for a Q&A during the convention.

Patch: How did you become a delegate for the Republican National Convention?

George Yang: Before the primary, I had debated as Gov. Romney for the San Mateo County Republican Central Committee. Apparently, people liked what I have to say.

Patch: Why did you want to become one?

Yang: It only happens every four years. An opportunity to be a participant of history is irresistible.

Patch: What did you do to prepare for the convention?

Yang: Packed lightly, applied sunscreen and brought an open mind to learn new things.

Patch: What do you hope to take away from the convention?

Yang: This is my first national convention, so I am fully prepared to be pleasantly surprised. 

Patch: Who are you most looking forward to rubbing elbows with?

Yang: The pie in the sky list includes Chris Christie, Paul Ryan and a few others. Not yet, but there is still one more day. However, I am not completely empty-handed. On my way to Tampa through Dallas/Fort Worth, I sat next to a jovial couple in their fifties whose love and respect for each other was evident. The gentleman, who was rubbing my elbow constantly in the tight economy seats, and I had an engaging and in-depth conversation with me on current issues. It happened to be Congressman Quico Canseco of Texas. 

Patch: What important issues do you want to address with other delegates at the convention?

Yang: The party should place strong focuses on the economy and averting the financial crisis facing the country. And we will place a positive and optimistic vision on the table. Both are well covered. While I am here as a Romney delegate, I believe we also need to do a better job of incorporating the energy and philosophy of the Libertarian/Ron Paul contingent into the fold of the party. 

Patch: How important is it to represent your home area at the convention?

Yang: As a first-generation immigrant, I am very happy and honored to represent our diverse area at the Tampa convention. A lot of people have the misconception that the Republicans are a bunch of grumpy white man. I am proud to report to my friends and neighbors in the Bay Area that the Republican Party is representative of our diverse country. Seated right next to me is a delegate from Georgia, a first-generation immigrant from Taiwan.