Of the nation's 50 governors, only Republicans George Ryan of Illinois and Tommy G. Thompson of Wisconsin have served continuously in public office longer, and only Thompson, now in his fourth term, has more continuous service as a governor. But Engler suffered a high-profile setback in this year's presidential primary. Abraham, a former state GOP chairman who will be attending his eighth national convention, likely will have a prominent role at the convention. The first-term senator is embroiled in a close race with his Democratic challenger, 8th District Rep. Debbie Stabenow. The delegation is packed with state legislative leaders and party officials.
Conservatives prevail in the Michigan delegation.
Well-known social conservative delegates include Auburn Hills Mayor Tom McMillin, the former state field director for the Christian Coalition who was a delegate for conservative commentator Pat Buchanan at the 1996 Republican convention and unsuccessfully challenged 9th District Democratic Rep. Dale E. Kildee in 1998. The true McCain delegates are an eclectic bunch.