Bishop Butler spoke briefly about the convention and the topic on everyone's minds, Sarah Palin's star-turn yesterday evening.

Following the Bishop were representatives from Michigan's Congressional delegation, beginning with die hard U of M fan Fred Upton (I actually have a great story about Fred, his fandom and the Mackinac Island Leadership conference but I'll save that for another day) and Pete Hoekstra.

Candice Miller was scheduled to speak but was swamped on radio row, handling interview requests as folks look for a Michigan woman's take on the first female Vice President of the United States.

And one who will be in Michigan tomorrow!  Senator McCain and Governor Palin leave the convention this evening and head straight to Sterling Heights, Michigan, where, I have a sneaking suspicion, those Reagan Democrats and socially conservative union members will fall in love.

Mike Cox then took the podium at Saul's request to give an update on the Kwame Kilpatrick situation.  He and his staff have been in touch with folks down in Detroit all morning monitoring the legal proceedings.  It looks, he thought, that by noon we might be rid of "one of the millstones blocking Michigan and especially south east Michigan from moving forward."  The delegation took that as very good news and applauded enthusiastically.

After the program, Cox was surrounded by microphones and reporters' pads as the local press contingent wanted the latest as well.

These breakfast programs have been an awesome way to start the day.  Not only is there an all-you-can-eat buffet complete with bacon and blueberry muffins (if I can't have pizza for breakfast that's my second choice) but the lineup of speakers and guests has been phenomenal.  They've also used them to brief folks on the day's activities and coordinate bus trips and volunteer schedules.  Kudos to team MRP on a very well run week!