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Each day of the Republican National Convention has a different theme. Today, the theme is service, and Utah's delegates jumped at the chance.
We met up with about a dozen delegates in St. Paul at a place called Jeremiah House. With shovels, sponges, squeegees and their bare hands, they did chores around the home for unwed mothers who are required to be in school. Jeremiah House is home to 38 mothers and 56 children.
Our delegates, including the Senate president and a member of the Utah House, washed windows, organized the library and spread mulch around the garden. Sen. John Valentine, the Utah Senate president, said, "You know, sometimes Republican office holders take raps. And in this case, we're saying, ‘Hey, the president of the Senate is doing windows today!'"
Rep. Rebecca Lockhart said, "This is definitely a highlight. This is a worthwhile activity. These are things that can help the community, and it's well worth doing this."
The other half of the delegation was at another low-income housing center, doing similar projects across the river in Minneapolis.
Gloria Perez, President of the Jeremiah program, said, "I think this particular delegation is taking some leadership on this issue, and to acknowledge the fact that they're in a privileged opportunity to be here at this convention and to express their gratitude to give back to others."
Not only does today reflect a desire from Sen. John McCain, other prominent speakers today are expected to address the service theme, notably Sens. Fred Thompson and Joseph Lieberman.
E-mail: rpiatt@ksl.com
