GOP Convention speeches: Ruth Summers

Ruth Summers came to Maine’s GOP convention with good news. Her husband, Charlie Summers, left Baghdad Thursday and is starting his journey home.

Summers, a candidate in the First Congressional District, is serving overseas. He is expected home mid-May. In the meantime, his wife is campaigning for him.

Once he makes it back, he will debate opponent Dean Scontras 12 times in the three weeks before the convention.

The Summers’ campaign paraded in with a large crowd of people cheering, waving signs and clapping blow-up noisemakers to the tune of Lee Greenwood’s “Proud to be an American”. After the noise died down and the music quieted, Ruth Summers had only this to say:

“Ladies and gentlemen, I’ve got to let you know one thing about this wonderful candidate who will be your next congressman for Maine’s first district. Charlie Summers, Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Army, has departed Iraq, is in Kuwait, then headed to Virginia, and will be back in Maine in mid-May and he looks forward to talking to each and every one of you. Thank you very much.”

Friday’s speech had been cut down because of time constraints. Ruth Summers delivered her full speech Saturday at the district caucus. According to the written remarks, she talked about her husband’s support for lower taxes and his record of doing so in Augusta. He supports alternative energy and more benefits for veterans. He supports small businesses.

See below for video of the Summers’ campaign presentation.