Florida RNC Delegate Throws Friendly Jab At Cleveland While Casting Vote
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CLEVELAND (CBSMiami) -- Before the prime time speeches Tuesday night at the Republican National Convention featuring House Speaker Paul Ryan and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, the delegates had some business to attend to.
State-by-state, each delegation cast votes according to the outcome of their respective primary races.
When it was Florida's turn, the state party chair made sure to throw a friendly little dig at the host city.
"We are the state that gave LeBron James his first two championships," said State Rep. Blaise Ingoglia, the Chairman of Florida's Republican Party.
Florida is the same state that gave Donald Trump 99 delegates during the roll call vote at the RNC Tuesday night.
"You cannot win the Presidency without winning the great state of Florida. We are honored to cast all of 99 winner-take-all delegates to the next President of the United States, Mr. Donald J. Trump," Ingoglia said.
But it was Trump's son, Donald Jr., who, through a little political maneuvering on the floor, was able to cast the votes that gave his father the number of delegates he needed to officially clinch the nomination.
"It is my honor to be able to put Donald Trump over the top of the delegate count tonight with 89 delegates (from New York)," he said. "Congratulations, Dad!"
Minutes later, Donald Jr. rushed off the floor still riding high on the emotions of the moment.
"I'd say other than maybe the birth of my children, that was the coolest thing I've ever done," he said. "Surreal. Totally."
Now, the billionaire businessman from New York is banking on swing states like Florida to get him to the White House.
"Florida is Donald J. Trump's second home so we are honored to put our 99 delegates in support of his election," said Sharon Day, the Co-Chairman of the Republican National Committee from Broward.
While not every delegate is quite as enthusiastic, it seems as though the party is falling in line behind its nominee.
"I don't think it's been any big secret. I was a Rubio support from day 1," said State Rep. Jeanette Nunez from Miami. "It is what it is. We're proud to get behind the nominee. Even though he wasn't my first choice we're looking forward to a Republican taking over the White House."
Marco Rubio is not at the convention. He will address the delegates Wednesday via video message.
Florida Governor Rick Scott and Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi are in Cleveland, and will be speaking on Day 3 at the RNC.
The theme Wednesday will be "Make America First Again."
