The national Republican Governors Association is taking a Georgia-style approach to this year's gubernatorial elections, largely because of the influence of Gov. Sonny Perdue.

Former Republican Gov. Winfield Dunn is endorsing Chris Devaney’s bid for Tennessee Republican Party chairman, according to a Devaney news release.

Northwest Georgia Republicans will have a chance to learn more about presidential candidate John McCain and his vice presidential pick, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, at a public “McCain Nation” event here Saturday.

The much anticipated speech of Sarah Palin really charged up the Republican Convention in the Twin Cities, but we didn’t learn a great deal about the candidate‘s solutions for all that she criticized about the Democrats.

Democrats say their presidential nominee, Barack Obama, can be competitive in Tennessee, but the most recent polling shows Republican John McCain’s widest lead in all 50 states can be found here.

A lot of speculation and curiosity preceded John McCain’s acceptance speech last evening, but there was less anxiety than before Gov. Palin’s.

When Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain accepted his party’s nomination Thursday evening, supporters were riding high on two days of inspiring speeches.

Finally the convention has become what one expects — partisan speeches, fired-up delegates, and celebrities at every corner.

Wednesday at lunch, the Tennessee Delegation gathered on the roof top of a Minneapolis restaurant, enjoying beautiful weather to great food, and buzzing about the anticipated speech of Sarah Palin.

Tuesday night I had to have a late night food run to Friday’s by the Mall Of America.

We began yesterday morning’s delegation breakfast by receiving schedule updates.

On the plane to Minneapolis and in later conversations, our attention has been on two names we had not heard much about 10 days ago --- Gustav and Palin.

The night’s first session was truly a business session, with opening ceremonies and committee work.

Local delegates to the Republican national convention opened a scaled-back gathering in St. Paul, Minn., Monda y with prayers and fundraising for victims of Hurricane Gustav.