As soon as I arrived at the Xcel Center, I was ushered to a hospitality room along with all other state chairmen to await the official nomination of Gov. Sarah Palin as our vice presidential nominee. The motion was approved by voice vote of the delegates at around 6:30 p.m.

Immediately following the vote, the RNC legal staff brought all chairmen to a table for us to sign documents required by law that will place Sen. McCain and Gov. Palin on the ballot in our respective states. Although it was a procedural and legal act, I must say that it was an humbling and awesome experience to have that opportunity to place the names of those two individuals on Alabama’s ballot as our Republican nominees. I even got to keep the ceremonial pen I used!

The culmination of the week’s convention did not disappoint. The entire crowd has been anticipating Sen. McCain’s acceptance speech and I believe he did an excellent job. It might not have been filled with the pomp and circumstance and show business effects that took place in Denver a week ago, but it was a message delivered by someone who is presidential.

Last night, Governor Palin talked about the need to establish a bipartisan coalition to meet today’s challenges. Tonight, Sen. McCain talked about his record of fighting to change and reform Washington. Unlike Barack Obama, John McCain can actually talk about a record of bringing change.

John McCain’s address focused on reforming Washington, shaking up the status quo, challenging the establishment, and putting government on the side of the people .He also spoke about the need to achieve strategic energy independence from foreign oil and get our economy back on track.

In their addresses, Governor Palin and Senator McCain made very clear contrasts with Barack Obama and I’m certain they will continue to do so throughout this campaign. There are clearly stark differences between the two choices for President of the United States and the paths they plan to lead our great country down. I believe the American people will consider those choices carefully and in November will make the right decision and choose substance and experience over rhetoric and promises.

Tomorrow, I will attend a brief RNC meeting featuring Gov. Mitt Romney and then will head back to Alabama. It’s been an exciting week, an exhausting week and I believe a successful week.