WBFO: Collins' Speech at Convention Uncertain (2008-09-02)

Election 2008

Collins' Speech at Convention Uncertain

Joyce Kryszak (2008-09-02)

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BUFFALO, NY (WBFO) - Hurricane Gustav is playing havoc at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minnesota. Out of respect to victims of the storm, most of Monday's convention activities were suspended. Now going into the convention, Erie County Executive Chris Collins was scheduled to deliver a four minute speech Tuesday night at the Republican National Convention.

As fortune would have it, the person heading up the GOP's biggest event of the campaign is a former Buffalonian. That and the county executive's reputation as a reformer was all it took for him to be invited to speak.

Erie County Republican Party Chairman James Domagolski said it is a great opportunity for Collins - and the region - to share the spotlight.

Collins said he is not really too intimidated by the company he will be sharing on stage. But he said this is definitely an impressive milestone for a rookie politician.

Collins saidd he will be delivering his own speech - not one written for him. He said the four minute speech will drive home the theme of reform, talking about McCain's ability to buck the status quo, much like Collins has. And he said he won't miss the opportunity to talk up the region.

Collins said he will also be plugging his six sigma business approach to revitalizing the region.