The 2024 Republican National Convention marks former Gov. Tommy Thompson’s 12th RNC in his nearly five decades in politics, but this one holds extra special meaning as it takes place — for the very first time — in his home state. “Look at this smile,” an upbeat and energized Thompson said in an interview with BizTimes Tuesday
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Two of Wisconsin's former governors and RNC delegates: Scott Walker and Tommy Thompson.[/caption]
Thompson is one of 41 GOP delegates representing Wisconsin voters at the RNC in Milwaukee this week, along with other big names like f
Hilario Deleon, chairman of the Republican Party of Milwaukee County.[/caption]
Another Wisconsin delegate, Hilario Deleon, said he's enjoyed stepping into the role of wayfinder this week, as convention visitors and volunteers notice his delegate badge and flag him down for directions or recommendations.
"I'll tell you people are loving Milwaukee," said Deleon, who is the chairman of the Milwaukee County Republican Party, in an interview with BizTimes Tuesday. "Everyone's having a great time, they can't believe how beautiful Milwaukee is, from the architecture to the lakefront. ... This is putting Milwaukee back on the map. People always kind of knew Milwaukee but they didn't really know Milwaukee."
He said 
Brandon Maly, chairman of the Dane County Republican Party.[/caption]
Brandon Maly, a Wisconsin delegate and chairman of the Dane County Republican Party, said having the RNC in Milwaukee proves that Wisconsin is no longer "fly-over country."
"This was really important, this was an important decision that was made years ago that this is going to be a tipping-point state and we need all of this energy and enthusiasm flooding Wisconsin, I just hope we can keep the momentum going after convention," said Maly.
He's also heard "all positive things" about Milwaukee from his fellow delegates but, in his eyes, it's the "spirit of unity" that has spread throughout the party following the assassination attempt on Trump that is setting the tone for this convention.
"Milwaukee has been great but if we want to talk about the energy and enthusiasm, the convention could have been held on a dumpster island and we would all be having a grand time right now," said Maly. "So many of us are ready to run through a wall or crawl over hot coals to get President Trump re-elected."
