Farrell comments on Civic Fest

Jerry Farrell sends an update at 11:15 p.m. Sunday, Minneapolis time:

We have returned from Civic Fest, which was an interesting event held at the Minnesota Convention Center. Most convention delegates, I believe, attended it - there were thousands of people from all across the United States there.

Part of the fest was a series of historical displays having to do with the history of the race for the U.S. presidency over the last 200 years. That was very interesting. There was also an area where vendors were selling things that might appeal to convention goers. I bought three items, including two T-shirts; one for my two-year-old daughter Emilia and one for my one-year-old son Michael. Both shirts were emblazoned with the phrase, "Future Republican President."

Given how much Emilia talks for a two year old, she already has the "gift of gab" that goes far in politics. Michael, not talking quite yet, has a winning smile, also a helpful thing in politics. So, I want both of them to know that, yes, they can grow up to be the president of our country.

The other item that I bought was a pin commerating Connecticut resident Samuel Huntington. You thought George Washington was the first president of the United States? You are wrong - George Washington was the first president after adoption of the U.S. Constitution in 1789; Samuel Huntington was president under the prior Articles of Confederation in that period immediately after American independence came in 1783. I believe he was from the town of Scotland, Conn.

We have run into many people we know - former Congressman Larry Denardis, New Britian Mayor Tim Stewart, former Congressman Rob Simmons - and met new people - Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton, Newington Mayor Jeff Wright and former Congresswoman Nancy Johnson. Rep. David Labriola, brother-in-law of former Wallingford Town Clerk Barbara Thompson, is here as well, and state Sen. Len Fasano has also arrived.

Tommorrow we will attend a very abbreviated session of the convention - about two hours - that must legally occur for the candidate to be nominated. We are also being told that there will be some major fundraising effort, perhaps for the American Red Cross, coming out of the convention. It would benefit those affected by Hurricane Gustav. I will report in again when I can get access to a computer.