BUTLER COUNTY DELEGATE SAYS EDUCATION KEY ISSUE OF GOP

Editor's Note: Matthew Henson is spending the week in Philadelphia as a delegate to the Republican National Convention. Henson, the Butler County GOP chairman, submitted this report Monday to the Poplar Bluff Daily American Republic.

PHILADELPHIA -- Today was the kickoff for the 2000 Republican National Convention. Since arriving Saturday the excitement has been building and the delegates are all ready to get started.

Before the program begins many of us have taken the opportunity to visit Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. These great icons serve as a reminder of where we began as a nation. Philadelphia is a fitting place for a political convention, and the people here have been very hospitable this weekend.

Last night included a lighted boat parade on the Delaware River followed by a spectacular fireworks display. Today the program starts with education being one of the issues highlighted.

As the father of three young children and a member of the board of trustees for Three Rivers Community College, education is a very important issue to me. I look forward to hearing Mrs. Laura Bush as she discusses her husband's beliefs and ideas regarding this crucial issue. Also speaking this evening will be General Colin Powell.

I thank the Daily American Republic for the opportunity to share my perspective this week from the convention floor. Those who want to learn more about the delegate experience and get behind-the-scenes convention information can visit the official Website, GOPCONVENTION.COM. You can also become a dot-com delegate at that site.

I am proud to be a part of Missouri's delegation as the party officially nominates George W. Bush.