Patrick Eisenhart was the only Maine delegate at the Republican National Convention who didn't vote in favor of John McCain, choosing instead to attempt to cast a ballot for Texas Congressman Ron Paul.

He's sent in a long look at the convention that provides a unique perspective on the proceedings. Here's an excerpt; click "read more" to see the whole thing.

The "Black Out of Congressman Paul" was so intense that only a few of the state delegations dared to utter his name when it came time to count the votes. For example the Maine delegation elected to say, "Maine casts 20 votes for John McCain" rather say "Maine casts 20 votes for John McCain and one for Congressman Paul". I suspect the strategy was to give the TV audience the impression that Maine and the other states were unanimous in support of Senator McCain.

Through it all, I was proud of my fellow Ron Paul delegates who comported themselves in a dignified, respectful, and civil manner just as Congress Paul has throughout ten terms in Congress, despite being maligned by his fellow Republicans and Democrats alike. I am especially proud of all the Ron Paul people back home, especially the newcomers to the process, who got off their couches and got involved to try to help our country.

As it is true of many experiences, there is the good and the bad. First, let me say, it was a wonderful experience in meeting and making new friends among the Maine delegation and Ron Paul supporters across the nation. Thousands of Minneapolis citizen volunteers showed up to cater to our every whim. There were many receptions, but the highlight Civic Fest held at the Minneapolis Convention Center. It featured a large arena full of Americana displays, including a mock up Air Force One, a model White House, a replica of the Oval Office, FDR's and Ronald Reagan's limos, and many other Americana displays. Lee Greenwood, polka and jazz bands provided music. I had an opportunity to meet a number of celebrities including Karl Rove, former Congressman Bob Barr, New York Congressman King, the Vermont Governor, Senator Snow, Jock McKernan, and others.

Most of the Maine delegation, all McCain supporters, respected my decision to remain true to the Ron Paul supporters who sent me to the convention. We enjoyed each other's company and had great exchanges of ideas. The Maine delegation submitted my two resolutions concerning taxpayer expenditures in Iraq. Additionally, I submitted them electronically on the GOP website. It did not appear that either were given any consideration and I received no feedback. Additionally, there were no button, banners, or any real mention of the wars anywhere on the floor or among the delegates outside of the convention. I found that ironic, especially since there were tens of thousands of war protesters who marched on the capitol, demonstrated outside of the convention, and in the streets of Minneapolis. As of today, 400 people have been arrested. Last night, our delegate shuttle bus had three motorcycle escorts who diverted us through back streets to get us safely back to our hotel.

Shuttle buses, each with a police officer aboard, ran every fifteen minutes to take us for the twenty minute ride from the Hyatt Regency in Minneapolis to the Xcel Center in St. Paul. The Hyatt housed the Maine delegation as well as Laura Bush. Security was everywhere. Bags were checked at the entrance to the hotel and checked again at the elevators.

War protesters waved banners and signs en route to the convention center. Upon arrival at the convention center, soldiers, policeman dressed in black, and dogs checked the baggage compartments of our bus. A fifteen foot metal fence formed the perimeter of the Xcel center blocking the view of any of the protesters. I found it humorous when Fox News reported that delegates were being attacked. I saw and heard no evidence of this.

We had to pass through two electronic screenings similar to an airport screening. Delegates were not allowed to stray out of the pre-established pathways into the convention. Along the way, through the corridors to the convention floor, there were groups of young people being briefed as to when to fill the aisles with chants and banners for John McCain. On cue of their adult leaders they were inserted into the aisles and then, on cue, withdrawn back into the corridors.

Lining the convention aisles, approximately every fifteen feet, were security personnel. I sat on the end of our aisle to be able to stand up take pictures for a wheel chair bound delegate. The security guard did not stray far from my side and shouted at delegates at times to rise and cheer or to stop applauding to insure Palin's speech would not miss prime time TV.

With the exception of Wednesday, there were many empty seats both on the delegate floor and the alternate/guest areas above, yet Fox News reported that the Xcel center was packed. See empty seeats on this link.

During the convention, the only signs or banners that were allowed were the avalanche of McCain/Palin signs. No Ron Paul signs were allowed and no delegate, including any McCain delegate, was given the opportunity to speak except to nominate John McCain.

An obscure liberal Democrat like Tommy "Hermano" Espinoza and liberal, Independent Joe Lieberman were given speaking spots at the convention. Ten-term, conservative Republican Congressman Ron Paul was denied the opportunity to address the convention. "What's wrong with this picture?" I thought. I was told by more than one delegate that the reason Congressman Paul was not allowed to speak was because of his refusal to endorse John McCain's candidacy. "Now I get it, this is not a convention, it is more like a pep rally for John McCain! What am I doing here?"

The "Black Out of Congressman Paul" was so intense that only a few of the state delegations dared to utter his name when it came time to count the votes. For example the Maine delegation elected to say, "Maine casts 20 votes for John McCain" rather say "Maine casts 20 votes for John McCain and one for Congressman Paul". I suspect the strategy was to give the TV audience the impression that Maine and the other states were unanimous in support of Senator McCain.

Through it all, I was proud of my fellow Ron Paul delegates who comported themselves in a dignified, respectful, and civil manner just as Congress Paul has throughout ten terms in Congress, despite being maligned by his fellow Republicans and Democrats alike. I am especially proud of all the Ron Paul people back home, especially the newcomers to the process, who got off their couches and got involved to try to help our country.

I am thankful and humbled they elected me to represent them. I gave it my best shot. Hopefully, my efforts will meet with their approval.

Tomorrow my wife and I return home. I will take a few weeks to rest and to decide whether or not I am able to make any further contributions to help address the horrendous challenges our country faces.

Respectfully,

Patrick