Former Ohio Attorney General Betty Montgomery

The convention is over, but its powerful messages and messengers have energized our party -and America-remarkably. Phone lines, internet mailboxes and campaign headquarters have been swamped with citizens across the country who want to be part of this campaign. It is truly amazing to hear the outpouring of support for the history-making GOP ticket.

One story reflects the almost immediate effect this convention and our candidates have had on America. As we were celebrating at a Thursday evening closing party for Ohio's delegation Ellen, from Northeast Ohio, came up to me. I didn't know her. She told me she was a lifelong Democrat, a Hillary supporter, and had come to the convention as a guest. She had been teased by her siblings-all of whom were Republicans- who told her that she would return from the convention as a Republican. Well, she wasn't ready -yet- to switch parties she said, but she WAS ready to make her own principled stand. She told me she wanted to volunteer to help the ticket. She wanted to form a "Democrats for McCain" committee in her local, Democrat leaning community. She was impressed with the sense of duty McCain expressed, and the principles both McCain and Palin had not only spoken about, but had lived. Here was a ticket that had experience. Here, she said, was a ticket that related to the needs of ordinary Americans. Here was a ticket that hadn't just voted "present" when tough issues arose. Here was a ticket she wanted to support.

This is just one story which has been replicated in hundreds of communities around the country. This ticket will win because ordinary Americans want to be led by those they trust and those who are not afraid to take a stand for America's future. Ellen says the convention underscored the values which made this country great. She said that it's time to get back to our "true values". I agree.

Betty Montgomery was Ohio's first female Attorney General. During her term, she increased state support for local law enforcement and upgraded the state's crime labs. Her top priority as Attorney General was the protection of Ohio's seniors, youth, and crime victims. In addition to serving as Attorney General, Montgomery was Ohio's first female auditor of state and served as a state senator.