COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Republican National Convention starts July 15 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It will culminate with thousands of Republican delegates from 56 states and U.S. territories officially casting their votes to nominate Donald Trump for president.
Ohio's presidential delegates are now getting ready to play their important role in the process. Ohio Republican Party Chair Alex Triantafilou is one of them.
Triantafilou has been at every Republican National Convention since 2004 and has been a delegate several times, including this year.
"These things are ultimately a way to come together as Republicans and to unite the party," Triantafilou said.
Franklin County Republican Party Chair Meredith Freedhoff is a delegate for the first time. She says she is excited to talk with delegates from other states.
"See what's going on in their communities and on the ground and with their candidates, really excited to learn some strategies," Freedhoff said.
They take their delegate responsibilities seriously as a key part of the Democratic process.
"We still have a robust two-party system," Triantafilou said. "As much as it might be under attack sometimes, it is still an important part of how we select our nominees for president."
"I believe we're going there to nominate [former] President Trump officially to be on our ballot and also to show the solidarity and unity in the Republican Party," Freedhoff said.
The Ohio State University Political Science Professor Emeritus Paul Beck says the convention will essentially be a coronation of Trump as the nominee, and he expects it to go smoothly.
"I think it's going to be an easy convention for the Republicans," Beck said. "There may be a fight over his vice-presidential running mate, but I doubt it, actually."
That running mate could be Ohio Senator J.D. Vance. He is considered a top contender for the role. Triantafilou and Freedhoff like that idea.
"I think this is a whole new realm of time for politicians to be more outsiders, more well-rounded, have life experience outside of Washington, D.C.," Freedhoff said.
"He's a person who is the future of our party in many respects," Triantafilou said. "I think he would be an outstanding choice, but we will support whoever President Trump chooses, and I know Senator Vance will as well, but forgive us here in Ohio for rooting for our hometown guy,"
The Republicans will also set the GOP platform at the convention. Triantafilou and Freedhoff expect it to focus on the economy, including inflation and jobs.
"Energy costs have driven up the costs of everything we buy," Triantafilou said. "Middle-class families are suffering day to day with the cost of things. Inflation should be a huge issue."
Other big issues they see on the platform are immigration/border security and national security.
The Republican National Convention runs July 15-18.
The Democratic National Convention in Chicago runs August 19-22.