West Tennesseans talk this week’s Republican National Convention

JACKSON, Tenn. — As the 2016 Republican National Convention is underway, local republicans are keeping a close eye on Cleveland.

“I anticipate an exciting convention,” Madison County Republican Party chair Mike Peery said. “I know the chatter has been division. I think we’re going to find out otherwise. Mike Pence was an excellent choice for VP.”

With Donald Trump as the presumptive nominee, leaders hope the party will unify.

“I hope it will clear the air and a lot of people will see he is a businessman and he’s going to surround himself with the best people possible to advise him,” said Senator Ed Jackson of District 27.

Recent shootings of police officers and deputies are bringing attention to law enforcement. Leaders say that’s only the beginning of the issues needing to be addressed.

“It’s tragic what’s happening to this country, and we cannot let that keep going,” Sen. Jackson said. “Border control, healthcare, ISIS, international affairs, trade — there are so many topics that need to be addressed.”

Regardless of which party you pledge, Republicans say the week will be entertaining.

“Donald Trump will put on a good show. It will not be a boring convention,” Peery said. “You’ll see policies, directions, but I think you’ll see a lot of entertainers. It won’t be your normal convention week. It’ll be fun to watch.”

Congressman Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee is slated to speak. Donald Trump is scheduled to give his nomination speech Tuesday.