Patt Parker

ST. PAUL, Minn. - A guest of the Maryland delegation wishes former Gov. Bob Ehrlich (R-Baltimore) would have attended the Republican National Convention.

"I think he's just missing a lot of excitement," said Jeff Parker, who's wife -- Patt Parker --  is an at-large delegate and president of the Maryland Federation of Republican Women .

"He's been one of us. So, on a personal level I miss having him here," he said

Parker had a few thoughts on what it will take for John McCain to deliver an effective speech.

ST. PAUL, Minn. - November 4 could be the day a Republican presidential candidate won Maryland according to the chair of Maryland Women for McCain.

"I'm an eternal optimist. I haven't done the numbers yet," Patt Parker told PolitickerMD.com.

Parker - an at-large delegate for John McCain and president of the Maryland Federation of Republican Women - says the way Republicans' handled Hurricane Gustav demonstrated their sense of community. Sometimes people shortchange the GOP in this respect according to Parker.

A group of state Republican leaders and activists who supported various presidential candidates early in the primary process have formed a “unity team” as a suggested fusion slate to represent Maryland at the 2008 Republican National Convention.

“The idea is to bring everyone on board in support of Sen. (John) McCain,” Corey Stottlemyer, the former political director of the state Republican party and unity team member, said.

Chris Cavey, the first vice chairman of the state party, is leading the effort.

“We have presented the unity team as a suggestion for those who do not necessarily have a ballot,” Cavey said.

The plan is not endorsed by Jim Pelura, the chairman of the Maryland Republican Party.

“The Maryland Republican Party does not have slate,” Pelura told PolitickerMD.com.