New Hampshire delegation

MINNEAPOLIS-- Former New York Gov. George Pataki began his speech to the New Hampshire delegation by remembering a former Granite State supporter.

"I can't think of New Hampshire without thinking about Mike Whalley," Pataki told delegates.

Whalley was the House Minority leader before his death in March. The Alton state representative was Pataki's before he decided not to run for the presidency. While exploring a presidential run Pataki opened an office for his political action committee in Manchester to help coordinate 2006 election efforts.

MINNEAPOLIS--Despite being stripped of half the delegation, during the roll call of the Republican convention, Peter Spaulding announced that the New Hampshire delegation's 24 votes went to U.S. Sen. John McCain.

When asked why he said 24 votes Spaulding told PolitickerNH.com, "cause I feel that we're entitled to 24 votes, how they count them is up to them [the RNC]."

MINNEAPOLIS-- New Hampshire delegates will return home with countless stories, but state Sen. Bob Letourneau (R-Derry) might have the best story of all.

After returning from the convention hall, Letourneau, along with other delegates, met Gov. Sarah Palin who was signing autographs and taking photos at the Hilton. According to Letourneau, Palin said she remembered the state senator because he was sitting in the front row of the New Hampshire delegation.

MINNEAPOLIS-The oldest son of U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) visited the New Hampshire delegation to thank them for their support of McCain during the primary.

"I'm here to say thanks because without the folks in New Hampshire, and the hard work from a lot of the people in this room, we wouldn't be doing what we're doing here in St. Paul," Doug McCain told delegates at their morning breakfast at the Hilton hotel.

DES MOINES-On September 2 the New Hampshire delegation and the South Carolina delegation will hold a joint breakfast at the Republican National Convention.

Speakers will include Cindy McCain, former Sen. Dan Coats (R-Ind.), Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez and former Gov. Buddy Roemer (R-La.).

DENVER--Being a delegate from New Hampshire did have its advantages this year. Invitation-only parties, free breakfast, gifts galore and hearing speeches from prominent Democratic leaders.

New Hampshire Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley said he was amazed by the diversity of the speakers that spoke before the delegation.

DENVER--New Hampshire Democrats wasted no time this morning preparing for U.S. Sen. Barack Obama's speech at Invesco field.

Delegates were busy coordinating schedules, meeting spots and state Sen. Peter Burling (D-Cornish) and Martin Gross was going to buy hats and sunscreen for delegates.

DENVER--Even though he spoke before the delegation with the first-in-the-nation primary, U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards (D-Tex.) said his visit was not a hint to a future presidential campaign.

Edwards was often mentioned as a possible vice-presidential nominee during the recent vetting process and told the New Hampshire delegation that it was an "honor" to appear on the vice-presidential shortlist.

Gov. Mitch Daniels (R-Ind.) and Gov. Rick Perry (R-Tex.) are scheduled to speak before the New Hampshire delegation during the Republican National Convention, PolitickerNH.com has learned.

The two governors will address the delegation during their morning breakfast. The details are still being determined.

DENVER-On the second day of the Democratic National Convention, the New Hampshire delegation is getting their sea legs.

"Any of the snags that may have existed, people have hopefully worked out," said David Scannell, New Hampshire Democratic Party Executive Director. "People seem to have find some sort of groove by now."