2008 Republican National Convention: Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by the Honorable Rosario Marin

Posted on: September 5th, 2008
Filed Under: [ Latinas ] [ Politics ] [ Press Releases ] [ Election 2008 ]
Tags: John McCain, republican national convention
Knowledge is Power!

Below is the text of remarks that will be delivered as part of the 2008 Republican National Convention’s program this evening. The text is “as prepared for delivery” and it is embargoed until delivery. Full text will also be available later tonight on the 2008 Republican National Convention’s media portal at portal.GOPConvention2008.com under “Speeches.”

(Logo: www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080114/RNCLOGO )

Buenas noches.

I am so thrilled to be here … especially after hearing last night from our Vice Presidential candidate, Sarah Palin!

You know, I was supposed to talk to you tonight about government reform and taxes.

But having seen how the media and our opponents have treated our nominee this week, I am compelled to talk about Sarah Palin.

After all, we have a few things in common.

Like her - and millions of women across this land - I am a working mom. I have three wonderful children who have blessed my life.

Like her, I have been underestimated.

Who would have thought the girl who came to this country from Mexico when she was 14-years-old without speaking English would become the first immigrant to serve as Treasurer of the United States?

Like her, I have been the mayor of a small town. I served Huntington Park - in the glorious state of California!

But most importantly - like her, I have had the privilege of raising a son with Down Syndrome.

Eric, my first-born, is now 23. He has been and will always be the Wind Beneath My Wings. As a matter of fact, my desire to impact government and make a positive difference in my community started, almost immediately, after Eric was born.

When I was running for office, I was criticized as Sarah Palin has been. And while painful, I knew that was the price I’d have to pay to leave this country a better place for Eric and others like him.

I know I speak for the millions of families that have a child with a disability: Who better than Sarah Palin to understand the daily challenges of raising a family while holding a job, working on a career or managing your own business?

Who better than her to understand our fears, our hopes and our dreams for all our children but especially those with disabilities?

Sarah Palin will serve alongside John McCain as a passionate advocate for Americans with special needs - breaking down both physical obstacles and false perceptions of people with disabilities and ensuring that all of our children have access to the jobs, education, and privileges that Americans enjoy. Senator McCain, thank you for your choosing Sarah Palin as our next Vice President.

You have given families like mine an accomplished leader, a true advocate and a clear voice.

I know in my heart that there could be no better champions in the White House for people with disabilities and their families than John McCain and Sarah Palin.

So let’s get them there!

Gracias!

About the Republican National Convention

The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held at Saint Paul’s Xcel Energy Center from Sept. 1-4, 2008. Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, volunteers, members of the media and other guests are expected to attend the convention. Minneapolis-Saint Paul is expected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost from the four-day event. For more information about the 2008 Republican National Convention, please visit our website at www.GOPConvention2008.com and join our social network sites on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and YouTube.

Paid for by the Committee on Arrangements for the 2008 Republican National Convention. Not Authorized By Any Candidate or Candidate’s Committee. “