As Mack Tours Tampa’s CEMEX Cement Factory, he Slams Nelson’s Support of EPA Measures That Would Kill up to 15,000 Jobs

 

(Tampa, Florida) – Republican Senate candidate, Congressman Connie Mack took aim today at Bill Nelson’s support of the federal government’s runaway regulatory power while touring CEMEX in Brooksville, just outside Tampa. On August 9, 2010, EPA announced the “Cement MACT” rules, placing new regulations on over 100 Portland cement plants across the country. The rules dictated by the EPA have to be implemented by 2013 and many estimates suggest it would cost the cement industry upwards of $2.2 billion to implement. This would most likely shut down 20% of domestic cement production and could create layoffs of up to 15,000 jobs between the cement and construction industries.

 

Congressional action supported by Congressman Connie Mack was taken to stop the burdensome EPA when the Congress passed the “Cement Sector Regulatory Relief Act of 2011” on October 6, 2011. At present, Bill Nelson and Harry Reid are not taking action in the Senate to stop the EPA and prevent the job killing measure from going into effect.

 

“Meeting with the men and women who work at CEMEX reminds us all what is at stake in this election. Allowing the Nelson-Obama team to continue their big government agenda, would kill job growth in our fragile economy. Whether it’s an EPA run amok, wasteful stimulus spending or ObamaCare, the Nelson-Obama agenda kills jobs. Enough is enough.”

(Tampa, Florida) – Surveillance cameras that were installed around Tampa’s downtown for the Republican National Convention will stay in place, but the Tampa City Council and police are still deciding how they will be used.

Some council members proposed moving the cameras, but Police Chief Jane Castor said moving each camera and hooking electricity to it could cost $8,000, not accounting for other costs, the Tampa Tribune said. There are 119 cameras with 78 attached to downtown buildings and intersections, the Tribune said.

The city has to decide whether to turn the cameras off, turn them on during major events, turn them on without monitoring them, or monitor them all the time, an option that would be prohibitively expensive, Castor said. The council voted to have its city attorney draft an ordinance regulating the cameras’ use.

TAMPA — The Tampa Port Authority authorized more than $9 million in new or continuing contracts Tuesday, including $4.5 million for dredging with Orion Dredging Services LLC.

The board authorized $2.3 million in continuing engineering contracts with Moffatt & Nichol; Ardaman & Associates; Nodarse & Associates; Tierra Inc.; CH2MHill; Jacobs Engineering and URS.

Another $1,850,000 in repair and environmental remediation contracts was approved with Seavy & Associates Inc. and Orion Marine Construction Inc.

Pennsylvania maritime consulting firm Martin Associates was selected to do an economic impact study at the port. The same firm was picked earlier this year to do a similar report at the proposed Port Citrus, 75 miles north of Tampa.

But the Citrus County contract was put on hold Monday because county officials and the firm are named in a lawsuit alleging violations of Florida’s open meetings laws.

Neither of those issues was raised before the Tampa board’s unanimous vote to hire Martin Associates for a $150,000 contract.

“I probably would have asked more questions if I had known about it,” said board chairman William “Ho” Brown.

The Port Citrus contract is worth up to $100,000. Citrus officials are trying to determine whether to operate a shallow-draft port at the never completed Cross Florida Barge Canal, about 75 miles north of Tampa.

Martin Associates has done work for the Port of Tampa in the past.

(Tampa, Florida) Paul Ryan, the Republican candidate for vice president, is going to hold a rally at R.E. Olds Park in Oldsmar on Sept. 15.

Area residents who want to attend are being asked to park at the Tampa Bay Downs horse racing tracks on Racetrack, where a shuttle service, starting at 7:30 a.m. will run back and forth to the park, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

The rally is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m., but attendees will be allowed into the park beginning at 7:30 a.m. Tickets are required and are available free online. A ticket, along with valid picture ID, is required for admission to the event, where airport-like security measures will be in place.

(Tampa, Florida) Eager to bring Digital Domain Media, the well known movie production company, to Florida, lawmakers funneled $20 million to the company.

Digital Domain, which animated the scenes in Titanic and the Transformers, promised that the investment would lure 500 high-paying jobs to Florida. With this in mind, Florida sidestepped existing procedures to make the money available, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

Last week Digital Domain, whose offices were in Port St. Lucie, closed its Florida operations and on Sept. 11 it filed for bankruptcy, laying off about 300 Florida employees.

While taxpayers will not see a return on the $20 million, local governments could lose an additional $110 million, the Times reported.

Gov. Rick Scott has ordered an investigation into how the company received state funding and if similar incentive deals could or should be prevented going forward.

TAMPA, Fla. — Former Navy SEAL Benjamin Smith said Thursday that the Obama administration is “leaking like a sieve” about the exploits of American special forces, and that special operations are being weakened to the point where “it’s going to get Americans killed.”

“It doesn’t matter whether it’s Republican or Democrat,” Smith told The Daily Caller at the Republican National Convention, “but on the field of battle if the enemy finds out what intelligence we have, they have time to change tactics. Or they sidestep us completely because they know we’re coming.”

“Then we don’t get to fight them overseas. They come here and they kill Americans.”

Smith is a spokesman for the Special Operations OPSEC Education Fund, a non-profit group of military veterans whose TV ads have been critical of President Barack Obama for quickly claiming credit after SEALs killed Osama bin Laden in 2011.

While some political observers believe Obama’s hastily called press event unintentionally compromised American intelligence collected during the raid in Abbottabad, Pakistan, Smith said he wasn’t certain.

“Was it unintentional?” he asked. “A leak can be a mistake, or it can be intentional for either political gain or tactical or strategic advantage.”

Smith spent nearly six years as a Navy SEAL, and said he left the service when his superiors wanted him to leave the active military theater and train future SEALs instead. “I said ‘get me back out there,’” he recounted.

“I protected people for a living — both Americans and non-Americans alike,” he told TheDC.

Smith said he was frustrated with the Obama administration’s failure to protect Shakeel Afridi, a Pakistani doctor who helped SEAL Team Six identify bin Laden, then the leader of the al-Qaida global terror network.

Pakistani authorities arrested Afridi shortly after the raid on bin Laden’s compound. He was convicted in May on treason charges and sentenced to 33 years in prison.

“What do you think that tells other potential intelligence sources around the world?” Smith asked. “It says, ‘Don’t give them anything. Don’t trust them or you’ll be tortured and your family will be wiped off the face of the earth.’”

The White House, said Smith, should respect the quiet dignity of special operators and keep mum about what they do.

“Stop the leaks,” he said. “Silent professionals within special operations don’t seek accolades for achievements. They go back into the shadows.”

Obama, he added, “could take a lesson from George W. Bush, when he got Saddam Hussein.”

“The original message coming out of the press was that ‘the U.S. army got him.’ Then it came out weeks later that some kid noticed Saddam’s spider hole and told a soldier.”

“And it was a Delta Force guy. But they never sought or claimed credit for the work.”

Smith came back quickly to Obama’s media availability after the bin Laden “kill raid,” saying the intelligence information collected in Abbottabad most likely went to waste.”

“If al-Qaida doesn’t know he [bin Laden] is gone, their hackles don’t go up,” he explained.

“We had a great opportunity but the administration put all that information out there. The chance of destroying al-Qaida completely was given up within a couple of hours after the raid was over.”

Smith’s voice grew louder and cracked.

“All the work that special operators have suffered for, and given their lives for, was rendered pointless,” he said, nearly shouting over a lunchtime din at the Tampa Convention Center. “I take it as a personal insult. These kinds of leaks kill people.”

“Sorry,” he said, lowering his voice. “I will get emotional about this. It happens.”

Special to Central Florida Politics by the National Journal.

Welcome to National Journal’s Convention Daybook, which provides a floor schedule and a list of major events at the Republican National Convention each day.

 

FLOOR SCHEDULE:

Some of the best-known names in Republican politics will dominate the floor action today, from Sen. John McCain to former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. But the main event will come tonight, when Rep. Paul Ryan, the Republican nominee for vice president, takes the stage to give what arguably the most important speech of his career. Here are today’s highlights:

 

7 p.m.

 

Mitch McConnell, Senate minority leader

Rand Paul, Kentucky senator

8 p.m.

 

John McCain, Arizona senator

John Thune, South Dakota senator

Rob Portman, Ohio senator

9 p.m.

 

Tim Pawlenty, former Minnesota governor

Mike Huckabee, former Arkansas governor

10 p.m.

 

Condoleezza Rice, former secretary of State

Susana Martinez, New Mexico governor

Paul Ryan, vice presidential nominee

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TODAY’S EVENTS

 

For the most up-to-date information, please visit National Journal’s events page, log in to NJ’s mobile apps, or contact event organizers.

 

7-12 A.M. – Need a Breather?

Sometimes even the most caffeinated journalists and politicos need to take a breath. The Huffington Post and Off the Mat, Into the World host an “oasis” for convention-goers, featuring yoga classes, massages, sleep consultations, and healthy snacks. All together now: Om. Aja Channelside, 290 S. Meridian Ave. Free.

 

8 A.M. – Prairie State Breakfast

Speaker John Boehner represents Ohio, but he’s hanging with delegates from neighboring state Illinois this morning at the Prairie State’s delegation breakfast. Puerto Rico Gov. Luis Fortuno and Ben Ginsberg, senior counsel to Romney/Ryan, will also attend. Sheraton Sand Key Resort, Grand Ballroom, 1160 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater Beach. Invitation only. Contact: gculp@ilgop.org.

 

8-10 A.M. – Playbook Breakfast

Politico’s Playbook breakfast series continues with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, former Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, and Republican adviser Liz Cheney. Rivergate Tower, 400 N. Ashley Drive. Free, but RSVP required. Contact: awilliams@politico.com

 

9-10 A.M. – Government and Technology

This Bloomberg/Google breakfast ties together three of today’s hottest topics: The Internet, jobs, and the economy. Street Smart anchor Trish Regan will moderate this discussion of how government policies can help or hinder growth in high-tech industries. Panelists include Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin and American Action Forum President Doug Holtz-Eakin. 601 S. Harbour Blvd., Suite 200. RSVP: conventions@bloomberg.net

 

9-10:30 A.M. – The Hill Breakfast

Drop by The Hill’s morning review breakfast, led by its editorial Election Team. Holland & Knight Library, 100 N. Tampa Street, 42nd floor. Invitation only.

 

9:30-11 A.M. – The Race For Congress

Will Republicans be able to capture Congress in 2012? National Journal, The Atlantic, and CBS News host a briefing on the top Senate and House races of the cycle. Panelists include Sen. John Cornyn and Rep. Pete Sessions of Texas, NRCC Executive Director Guy Harrison, NRSC Executive Director Rob Jesmer, and Jennifer Duffy and David Wasserman of The Cook Political Report. Hotline Editor-in-Chief Reid Wilson and CBS News Senior White House Correspondent Bill Plante will moderate. Carne Chophouse, 1536 E. Seventh Ave. Free. Contact: abolding@theatlantic.com.

 

10 A.M. – Ann Visits the Playground

Here’s a chance for Ann Romney to show her first-lady skills: Mrs. Mitt will attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a therapeutic playground at All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg. The playground is a “leave behind” project completed in honor of the GOP convention by the Credit Union National Association, National Journal and the League of Southeastern Credit Unions. ACH Therapeutic Playground, Corner of Sixth Street and Ninth Avenue South, St. Petersburg. Invitation only.

 

10-11:30 A.M. – Latino-Jewish Relations

Join AJC, members of Congress, and policy experts for a discussion of how the Latino and Jewish communities can work together to advance their shared interests. St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg. Free. Contact: blumem@ajc.org.

 

10-11:30 A.M. – The GOP in Tomorrow’s America

You won’t want to miss this one: National Journal, Univision News, and ABC News have partnered up to produce “The Republican Party in Tomorrow’s America: The Hispanic Surge and the New Landscape of American Politics.” Panelists include Texas Gov. Rick Perry, Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida, and Republican strategists Whit Ayres and Ana Navarro. National Journal’s Ronald Brownstein, Univision News’ Jorge Ramos, and ABC News’ Diane Sawyer will moderate. University Club of Tampa, 201 N. Franklin St., Suite 3800. Invitation only, but members of the media may RSVP to register@nationaljournal.com. Click here to view the livestream.

 

10 A.M.-Noon – Young Republicans for Marriage Rights

Log Cabin Republicans and Freedom to Marry are hosting a brunch to highlight the young conservatives who believe in marriage rights for all. Special guests include Margaret Hoover, CNN contributor, and Andrew Langer, president of the Institute for Liberty. Holland & Knight, 100 N. Tampa St., Suite 4100. E-mail RSVP@logcabin.org to register.

 

10 A.M.-Noon – Electoral Dysfunction

Hit the road with political humorist Mo Rocca in this film about how voting works — or doesn’t — in America. Organizers of the 2012 IMPACT Film Festival describe Electoral Dysfunction as “irreverent, engaging, eye-opening, and nonpartisan.” Channelside Cinemas, 615 Channelside Drive. Free. Tickets available here.

 

10 A.M.-Noon – Energy Opportunities With Newt U

Ah, late August. If you listen closely, you can hear the sound of No. 2 pencils being sharpened across the country. Today’s edition of “Newt U,” a series of workshops hosted by former Speaker Newt Gingrich, will focus on America’s energy opportunities. Wyndham Tampa West Shore, Royal Palm 3, 700 West Shore Blvd. The event is open to credentialed convention media and activists and party officials attending the convention.

 

10 A.M.-2 P.M. – Homeruns for Happy Kids

You don’t have to a baseball enthusiast to hit “Homeruns for Happy Kids,” a charitable event that will include batting practice, concessions, and tours of Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays. Proceeds will benefit The Rays Community Fund Grant Program. Tropicana Field, 1 Tropicana Dr., St. Petersburg. Free, but a donation to the charity is recommended. Register here. Contact: khuber@conventions2012.com.

 

11 A.M.-2:30 P.M. – African Americans and the GOP

Learn about the historic relationship between African Americans and the Republican Party at this forum cohosted by local GOP chapters and the Ebony Elephant Foundation. Forum tickets: $25. Tickets to the forum, plus a VIP lunch and reception: $150. Stetson University College of Law, 1401 61st St. South, Gulfport. Contact: khori@ebonyelephant.org.

 

11 A.M.-12:30 P.M. – Government and Innovation

Innovation is more than a campaign trail buzzword. The New York Times’s Tom Friedman and Prime Policy Group Chairman Charlie Black will take part in a Bloomberg/Google lunch on how innovation is a key American differentiator and how government can help encourage innovation. 601 S. Harbour Blvd., Suite 200. RSVP: conventions@bloomberg.net.

 

11 A.M.-2 P.M. – Cheap Burgers and Beer

Yelp is a lifesaver for long slogs on the campaign trail (do you really want McDonalds again?). Yelp Tampa Bay is setting up pop-up lounges throughout the week to highlight local businesses. The company will provide special deals to those who check in with Yelp’s mobile app. Wednesday’s deal: cheap burgers and a free beer. Ragin’ Sports Bar and Grill, 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd., Suite 140. Free and open to the public.

 

11 A.M.-2 P.M. – On the Dock by the Bay

Join members of the Senate and Congressional Western Caucuses for water sports and bayside fun (two words: volleyball courts). Crabby Bill’s at Rocky Point, 7770 W. Courtney Campbell Causeway. Contact: khuber@conventions2012.com.

 

11:30 A.M.-1:45 P.M. – Energy at a Crossroads

Calling for deregulation is easy. Achieving deregulation? Less so. The Wall Street Journal’s Stephen Moore moderates this panel discussion on energy policy, “Energy at a Crossroads: Which Path Will Washington Take?” which is hosted by the American Energy Alliance. Panelists include Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming, Rep. Mike Pompeo of Kansas, and AEA’s Thomas Pyle. A buffet lunch will be served. Liberty Plaza, 180 S. Morgan St. Free. RSVP here.

 

Noon-1:30 P.M. – Energy and the Presidency

Politico is hosting a lunch conversation with energy experts and policy leaders. Speakers include energy entrepreneur T. Boone Pickens, Alliance to Save Energy’s Kateri Callahan, American Petroleum Institute’s Martin Durbin, Nuclear Energy Institute’s Alex Flint, and Solar Energy Industries Association’s Rhone Resch. Rivergate Tower, 400 N. Ashley Drive. RSVP required.

 

Noon-3 P.M. – Young Republicans Mixer

Savvy networkers know how to multitask. Mingle, play arcade games, and watch sports at this mixer, hosted by the Young Republicans National Federation. RSVPs get you two drinks, complimentary appetizers, and a one-hour game-play card. Game Time, 1600 E. Eighth Ave. RSVP here.

 

12:30-5:30 P.M. – What Is Working

“Opportunity: What Is Working–A Bipartisan Search for Solutions to the Jobs Crisis” has two components: It’s a luncheon, and it’s also a job-creation exhibition. The invitation-only lunch panel will be moderated by NBC’s Tom Brokaw and run 12:30-2:30 p.m. The free exhibition will showcase innovative ideas, small businesses, and entrepreneurs and run 2:30-5:30 p.m. Cuban Club of Tampa, 2010 N. Avenida Republica De Cuba.

 

1 P.M. – ‘Our Sacred Honor’ With Rick Santorum

Former Sen. Rick Santorum will introduce this screening of Our Sacred Honor, which walks through crucial moments in early American history. Citizens United Theater at Liberty Plaza, 180 South Morgan St. RSVP and photo ID required. Register online for free here. Contact: LaurenF@citizensunited.org.

 

1-2:30 P.M. – Energy in the Modern World

Energy pioneer T. Boone Pickens and Bloomberg Government energy analyst Rob Barnett will chew over energy policy and new industry opportunities. The interview will begin at 2 p.m. and be preceded by a casual lunch. 601 S. Harbour Blvd., Suite 200. RSVP: conventions@bloomberg.net.

 

1-4 P.M. – America’s Leadership in the World

A series of speakers will discuss GOP achievements in international development at “America’s Leadership in the World: Our Legacy, Our Future,” hosted by the International Republican Institute, U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, and ONE. Featured speakers include former White House Chief of Staff Joshua Bolten and foreign policy advisers to Mitt Romney. Centro Asturiano Theater, 1913 N. Nebraska Ave. Free. RSVP required: mbartlett@usglc.org.

 

1:30-3:30 P.M. – Health Care Town Hall

Join The Hill, the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, and health care experts for a town-hall forum on health care policy. The Italian Club of Tampa, 1731 E. Seventh Ave. Invitation only.

 

1:30-3 P.M. — Europeanization of the United States

A panel of European members of parliament will discuss the euro crisis and Europeanization of the United States in this panel called, “Hey America! Don’t take this road!” hosted by the YG Network. Woman Up! Pavilion, 615 Channelside Drive. Contact: info@ygnetwork.org.

 

1:30-3 P.M. — Wisconsin Boat Party

From Pierre-Auguste Renoir to Andy Samberg and T-Pain, boat parties have captured artists’ hearts and minds. Today, the Wisconsin delegation hosts its own boat party to honor former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson. Yacht StarShip, 603 Channelside Drive. Free and open to the public.

 

2-3:30 P.M. — Women in Innovation

Celebrate the importance of women in innovation with this Global Women’s Innovation Network tea and champagne reception. Holland & Knight LLP, 100 N. Tampa St. #4100. Free for GlobalWIN board members, supporters and friends. Contact: 202-548-0021.

 

2-4 P.M. — ‘41’ Showing

41 is a documentary that tells President George H.W. Bush’s story in his own words. Part of the 2012 Impact Film Festival. Channelside Cinemas, 615 Channelside Drive. Free. Tickets available at impactfilmfund.org.

 

3-4 P.M. — Future of Journalism

The final installation of the three-day “Future of Journalism Symposium,” hosted by the Franklin Center for Government & Public Integrity, the Heritage Foundation, and the Leadership Institute, will cover how to find your audience online. Sheraton East Hotel, Cyprus Room, 10221 Princess Palm Ave. Register here.

 

3-4:30 P.M. — Conversations With the Next Generation

Join National Journal, The Atlantic, and Microsoft for “Conversations with the Next Generation.” This town hall will feature Josh Romney, StudentsFirst founder and CEO Michelle Rhee, Rep. Aaron Schock of Illinois, and other political, media, business, and policy leaders. NBC Special Correspondent Chelsea Clinton and Chief White House Correspondent Chuck Todd will join NJ’s own Jim Tankersley to moderate the discussion. Two and a Half Men star Angus T. Jones will be there. Will you? Improv Theatre, 1600 E. Eighth Ave. Invitation only. Students interested in attending should contact Katie Lovett at events@theatlantic.com.

 

3-6 P.M. — Wisconsin Tailgating Party

Who says tailgating is just for football games? The Wisconsin delegation is hosting a big party ahead of hometown hero Paul Ryan’s vice presidential nomination acceptance speech. Event planners are calling the party “A Tribute to Wisconsin.” You may have heard it referred to as “the beer and brats bash.” Liberty Plaza, 180 S. Morgan St. Free and open to the public.

 

3:30-5 P.M. — Grover Norquist College Lecture

Americans for Tax Reform President Grover Norquist will give college students a primer on the political process in this lecture at the University of South Florida (St. Petersburg), sponsored by the USFSP Office of International Affairs and the International Council of the Tampa Bay Region. Contact: 727-873-4985.

 

3:30-5 P.M. — Rick Santorum Rally

Hear ye, hear ye. “Calling all patriots!” says a flier for this rally, at which former Sen. Rick Santorum and wife Karen will throw their support behind Mitt Romney’s presidential bid. Liberty Plaza, 180 S. Morgan St. Free, but RSVP online required. Contact: 412-219-2012.

 

3:30-5:30 P.M. — International Reception

Join AJC for a reception featuring ambassadors and diplomats from Argentina, Norway, Israel, France, Malaysia and more. Mindy Solomon Gallery of Art, 124 Second Ave. NE, St. Petersburg. Free, but please RSVP: blumem@ajc.org.

 

3:45-5:30 P.M. — Cocktails With Tim Pawlenty

Join the Foreign Policy Initiative for cocktails and conversation with former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty. “Peace Through Strength: Restoring American Leadership in the World” will be moderated by William Kristol, founding editor of The Weekly Standard. Event will be followed by a cocktail reception with hors d’oeuvres. The Tampa Club, 101 E. Kennedy Blvd., Suite 4200. RSVP here.

 

4 P.M. — FreedomWorks Meet-and-Greet

You may have touched base through the FreedomWorks “FreedomConnector,” but here’s a chance to meet FreedomWorks staff and activists in person. The organization’s president, Matt Kibbe, will be delivering remarks. Palma Ceia Golf Course & Country Club, 1601 S. MacDill Ave. RSVP here.

 

4 P.M. — Mike Huckabee Movie Screening

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee will introduce this screening of The Gift of Life, an antiabortion documentary to be shown by Citizens United. Registration is free and online. Liberty Plaza. 180 S. Morgan St. Photo ID and RSVP required.

 

4-4:30 P.M. — Individual Freedom and the Internet

Got 30 minutes? You’ve got time to drop by a seminar of individual freedom and the internet, cohosted by Google and Bloomberg. 601 S. Harbour Blvd., Suite 200. RSVP: conventions@bloomberg.net.

 

4-6 P.M. — Israel’s Security

The Republican Jewish Coalition recognizes the U.S. leaders fighting for Israel’s security at this reception. Delegates and alternates welcome. Crowne Plaza Hotel and Resort, Treasure Island Ballroom, 5303 W. Kennedy Blvd. Contact: grassroots@rjchq.org. Open to RJC members and convention delegates and alternates.

 

4-6 P.M. — Housing America’s Veterans

This National Association of Home Builders-sponsored reception, hosted by The Hill, will celebrate homebuilders’ contributions to housing veterans. The Italian Club of Tampa, 1731 E. Seventh Ave. Invitation only.

 

4-6:30 P.M. — Cuban Food and Cigars

Cuban food and fine cigars make a perfect welcome to Ybor City. This reception, hosted by the Credit Union National Association, features both. Grounds of GTE Federal Credit Union, 711 E. Henderson Ave. Free. RSVP: RNCRSVP@cuna.com.

 

4:30-6 P.M. — Young Voters and the Economy

Will a lackluster economy turn young voters into Republican voters? National Journal and The Atlantic will team up with Generation Opportunity to host a cocktail hour (and a half) of discussion to weigh the question. Carne Chophouse, 1536 E. Seventh Ave. RSVP required. Contact: abolding@theatlantic.com.

 

6-7 P.M. — Free Pony Party of America

The Free Pony Party of America doesn’t have its own convention, but it still galluped into Tampa. Vermin Supreme, performance artist and presidential candidate, will discuss bullhorn crowd de-escalation tactics with folks who stop by for this event. CL Space, 1911 N. 13th St., Suite W200. Free.

 

7-11 P.M. — Wednesday’s Main Speeches

Rep. Paul Ryan headlines today’s convention floor action when he speaks at the end of the night. Other highlights: Govs. Susana Martinez of New Mexico and Luis Fortuno of Puerto Rico, former Govs. Mike Huckabee of Arkansas and Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, and Sens. Rob Portman of Ohio, Rand Paul of Kentucky, and John McCain of Arizona. Entertainment by The Katinas. Tampa Bay Times Forum, 401 Channelside Drive. Credentials required to attend.

 

7:30-10:30 P.M. — Cocktails, Courtesy of NJ

National Journal and The Atlantic offer a relaxed atmosphere to meet other convention stakeholders, watch a broadcast of the floor speeches, chat about the day’s events, and–of course–sip cocktails. Carne Chophouse, 1536 E. Seventh Ave. Invitation only.

 

9 P.M. — ’80s and ’90s Concert and Party

Lovers of ’80s and ’90s rock music are sure to think this party is all that and a bag of chips. Gregg Allman of the Allman Brothers Band and alt-rock trio Better than Ezra will perform, and there will be a video-game lounge on site provided by the Entertainment Software Association. The Ritz Ybor, 1503 E. Seventh Ave. By invitation.

 

10 P.M. — Maverick PAC Celebration

If you’re an emerging young GOP leader–or just want to party like one–head over to Maverick PAC’s convention celebration, Mav Bash. Rep. Aaron Schock of Illinois, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, and other elected officials will be featured guests. Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, 400 N. Ashley Drive. RSVP: pasha@maverickpac.com.

 

10 P.M. — Kid Rock Concert

Wanna be a cowboy, baby? Belt out those lyrics along with Kid Rock at this concert in Liberty Plaza, sponsored by the American Action Network and Citizens Helping Heroes. 180 S. Morgan St. Invitation only.

 

10 P.M. — Veterans Benefit Concert

Honor female elected officials and aspiring women leaders while raising money for veterans at this party and benefit concert. Lifetime television network, Got Your 6, and Mission Continues are throwing a star-studded private event, featuring remarks from columnist Meghan McCain and a performance from country star Sara Evans. Who could ask for more? Glazer Children’s Museum, 110 W. Gasparilla Plaza. By invitation.

 

11 P.M.-2:30 A.M. — Southern Hospitality Party

You don’t have to live below the Mason-Dixon line to have a great time at this after-party. Called “A Taste of Southern Hospitality,” the bash highlights Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Arkansas, Tennessee, and the Carolinas. Raymond James Stadium, 4116 Himes Ave. Free and open to the public. Contact: 608-770-2819.