Oregon delegates at GOP convention rattled but not worried

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The first meeting of Oregon’s delegates to the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee happened Sunday. Oregon is represented with almost 60 delegates and alternates, along with their guests.

Several told KOIN 6 News they got word of the shooting at a rally for Donald Trump in Pennsylvania while they were traveling to the convention. They say they were horrified by the news, praying for those who were injured and their families.

“I was descending into Salt Lake City and the live stream stopped and, about five minutes later, I started getting messages from people that he’d been shot,” recalled Dan Mason, the RNC National Committeeman for Oregon. “And obviously the next couple of hours were a big question mark because you assume, in that moment, you just assume the convention’s over.”

While the convention is a go, there’s no question security will be stepped up.

“You get a different credential every single day,” Mason added. “Each member, delegate, alternate guest has to sign off on their credential for that day. So the Secret Service and all security apparatus folks have an understanding of who is walking into that building.”

But the Oregon delegates say they are glad to be a part of the convention. Those who have been to several conventions made sure the first timers feel comfortable and safe.

“The RNC, the host committee here, has done a really good job of making sure our venue is safe, that we were going to be safe here. I would imagine security is probably going to be stepped up even a little bit more. I feel comfortable. I’m always around people, always watching where I’m going,” noted Tracy Honl, the RNC National Committeewoman for Oregon.

“But personally, I’m not any more worried.”

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