Balloons, signs and buttons

Hundreds of people are filing into the Augusta Civic Center this morning for the Republican State Convention. Political signs - complete with SUSAN (as in Collins) spelled out in the grass - greet the delegates, alternates and guests who traveled to Augusta for the two-day event. There are women wearing matching American flag shirts, men in suits, and plenty of people handing out literature for their favorite candidate. The official stuff begins at 9:30, with opening comments, a prayer, the national anthem and pledge of allegiance. Augusta Mayor Roger Katz is scheduled to speak, and at 10:30, there will be a presentation of the GOP legislative candidates. More speeches this afternoon will be followed by the headliner tonight - former presidential candidate Mitt Romney.