Jayme Stevenson attends Republican National Convention

First Selectman Jayme Stevenson, who is relatively new to the political scene, is a bit awestruck by her participation in the Republican National Convention.

Stevenson, a delegate, joined the throngs of Republicans who this week descended on the Tampa Bay Times Forum in Tampa, Fla., to nominate former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney to be the 40th president of the United States and his running mate, U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin. Stevenson is one of more than 2,200 delegates and alternate delegates from around the country, the District of Columbia and the five U.S. territories.

The convention center is packed with people and the media are everywhere, she said, and speakers are up at the podium nonstop. After arriving in Florida several days prior to the convention and serving on the credentials committee, which ensured that all protocols were followed and each person was "officially recognized as a voting delegate," she said.

Stevenson was excited to dive into the first full day of the convention on Tuesday. The convention was originally supposed to begin on Monday, but there was only a brief opening due to approaching Tropical Storm Isaac. Stevenson was joined in Florida by several friends as well as state Rep. Terrie Wood (R-141).

The highlight of her trip, she said, was when the delegates officially nominated Romney on Tuesday.

"I feel like I'm taking part in a very important piece of history," Stevenson said.

"I think that the Republicans certainly have a very strong message to get the economy back on track and I'm very excited to be a part of that message."

Later that evening, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Ann Romney, the nominee's wife, addressed the delegates. In addition to listening to the speeches, Stevenson has had the chance to meet a lot of people, including U.S. Rep. Michelle Bachmann of Minnesota, who was an early candidate for the party nomination, and former Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour.

And, she said, "On at least two previous occasions I've had the pleasure to meet both Mitt and his wife. They're wonderful people."

Since the crux of the convention doesn't usually begin until the evening, the delegates have had many activities for daytime. On Aug. 28, the Connecticut delegation went to Steinbrenner Field, the spring training base of the New York Yankees, and participated in batting practice. "It was very fun," Stevenson said.

While Stevenson may have had fun taking her turn at bat, she hasn't lost sight of why she and the other delegates are in the Sunshine State.

"The real reason why we're all here is the activities at the convention and listening to the wonderful speakers in support of Romney and Ryan," she said.

Having only been involved politics for three years -- first as a selectmen and now as first selectman -- Stevenson is mindful of how far she's gone in a short time.

"I never imagined that I would be involved in politics at all," she said, "I never thought my entry onto the board would enable me to be a larger part of the Republican Party."