By Carl Weiser
Enquirer Washington Bureau

Geoff Davis, Republican candidate for Congress in Northern Kentucky, addresses delegates Monday during the Republican National Convention in New York. (The Associated Press)

ELECTION 2004

Convention coverage • Ohio GOP's woe • Davis gets NY minute • GOP touts moderates • Gay activists won't push floor fight • Laura Bush's star is rising • Ohioans get special treatment • Convention blog watch • Convention photo gallery More election news • Election special section

NEW YORK - Geoff Davis got his New York minute Monday.

The Republican candidate running for Northern Kentucky's House seat spoke for about that long to the Republican National Convention.

He pledged to lower taxes, stop frivolous lawsuits, strengthen the borders and help the troops. And that was all he had time to say.

"Very succinct," Kentucky Gov. Ernie Fletcher said.

Davis was one of 26 candidates picked to deliver speeches, and one of only eight to stand behind House Speaker Dennis Hastert as he talked of the importance of keeping the House under Republican control. Hastert will join Davis Sept. 16 for a campaign visit to Ashland.

Since few Northern Kentuckians would have been watching C-Span at 11:45 a.m. Monday, the speech's impact was mostly that it happened at all: It showed the party cares enough about the race to give Davis national exposure, and it lets donors know this is a good race to invest in, said Greg Shumate, Kenton County's Republican chairman.

He can use the footage in ads, or on his Web site or in videotapes.

"From this day forward, he can talk about being at the convention and talk about speaking the convention," said Rep. Tom Reynolds, R-N.Y., who chairs the committee charged with electing Republicans to the House.

Davis noted the contrast with Democrat Nick Clooney, who skipped the Democratic National Convention in Boston.

"I'm not afraid to stand next to the leaders of my party. I don't run from my party and its values for the sake of political expediency," Davis said after his speech.

Clooney, who spent Monday meeting with Northern Kentucky veterans, said he didn't see the speech, but "I'm sure it was a big thrill for him."

He said he wasn't sure it would have any effect back in the district but should help with Davis' fund raising. "That's what it usually is about," Clooney said.

The two are running to fill a seat left open by retiring Rep. Ken Lucas, a conservative Democrat. It is one of the top races in the country. All 435 U.S. House seats are up for election this November, but only about two dozen are considered contested.

Also speaking at the convention was Mike Sodrel, a Seymour, Ind., trucking company owner running against Democratic Rep. Baron Hill in southeastern Indiana.

"My great-grandfather's obituary said, 'He was intensely American although he was born in a foreign land.' He loved God, family and country," Sodrel said. "So do I."

Davis' remarks

Remarks by Geoff Davis, a Republican candidate for the congressional district in Northern Kentucky, as prepared for delivery Monday at the 2004 Republican National Convention on Monday:

I'm Geoff Davis. I'm running for Congress because I believe our nation needs policies guided by conservative principles and values.

I will stand with President Bush to lower taxes - so families can keep more of what they earn. I'll fight to stop the frivolous lawsuits that drive up health care costs and hurt jobs. I was proud to serve in the United States Army.

When I serve in Congress I will work to strengthen our borders and ensure our troops have the training and tools they need to win the war on terror at home and abroad.