Republican National Convetion

ST. PAUL, Minn.  - Specific names for John McCain's vice-presidential nominee were never asked for by higher-ups when consulting with state chairs, according to Chris Cavey, the chair of Maryland for McCain.

Cavey said questions were geared towards characteristics voters would like to see in McCain's running mate, but specific names were never thrown into the ring.

"In hindsight, they did it intentionally," Cavey told PolitickerMD.com. Cavey said that conversations with other state chairs revealed their experience was the same.

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Former Lt. Gov. Michael Steele says he has not ruled out the idea of running for Governor in 2010.

In addition to his family and "situations on the ground," Steele said the mindset of voters would play a crucial role in his eventual decision.

"No one wants to run for an office and be a punching bag for the other side," Steele told PolitickerMD.com. "If Marylanders are ready to take it up a notch and do something a little bit different then we'll take a look at it."

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Maryland for McCain campaign’s eastern shore coordinator says the Republican Party’s response to convention scheduling sensitivities involving Hurricane Gustav is consistent with Republican philosophies.

“Most of the people here are doing what Republicans do,” Andrew Langer told PolitickerMD.com at the Xcel Energy Center. Langer also serves president of the Institute for Liberty, a conservative small business advocacy group.

“Just find a way to build a community response to situations: not always having to rely on government,” he said.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – For Maryland’s former lieutenant governor, the shifting schedule of the Republican National Convention means that he’s stuck waiting to see where his speaking slot might bounce next.

Michael Steele was originally scheduled to speak on Tuesday evening as the last speaker before primetime. He was then moved to Monday.

Because of the changes to the convention’s fluid schedule, Steele will now make his address on Tuesday at 9:50 p.m. Eastern time.