Tiernan: Recap of RNC Convention

RNC 2024 Debrief from Guest VIP Bob Tiernan
—The Oregon Republican leader wraps up week-long event in Milwaukee —
By Bob Tiernan

Lake Oswego, July 18, 2024 — “The head of the Teamsters Union, RFK Jr., and Kid Rock all walked into the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to be part of the Republican National Convention this week. Bar jokes aside, it was all part of Ronald Reagan’s big tent of diverse views to strengthen our party,” said former Oregon Republican Party Chair Bob Tiernan of Lake Oswego. “I hope Oregon voters see that Republicans support average families, veterans, parents who want a better education for their kids, seniors, small business owners, and so many others.”

At the 2024 Convention Tiernan was a Guest VIP. In 2016 he was a Convention Delegate voting for then-party nominee and now former President Donald Trump. Tiernan, a former State Representative and 2022 Oregon Gubernatorial candidate joined over 50 delegates representing Oregon at RNC 2024.

On Thursday night, Trump talked about unity in his nomination speech, a theme Tiernan heard throughout the four-day convention. “I liked what Trump said about how he’s ‘running to be president for all of America, not half of America,’” noted Tiernan. “We have to come together to talk about the issues facing our state and our country, including violent crime, rampant homelessness and out-of-control illegal immigration—all issues Trump will fight to solve among others.”

Tiernan was especially impressed by Trump’s choice for his vice presidential running mate; J.D. Vance, US Senator from Ohio. “Vance represents the conservative leadership needed for the next generation,” explained Tiernan. “His youth and enthusiasm infuse a lot of energy into the ticket.”

As a former Navy intelligence officer (with 30 years of military service) and the chief backer of Measure 11, Tiernan was very aware of heightened security during the RNC. “Federal, state and local police personnel were everywhere,” added Tiernan. “After what happened to Trump the previous weekend, I’m glad they were there. Most people felt safe and had a great time during the convention.”

Tiernan has been a leader in public service and Republican politics for decades in Oregon. He finished second in the May 2022 Governor’s Primary Race, spent many years in the Oregon Legislature and passed several statewide ballot measures. Members of the Republican party elected him to be Chairman from 2009-2011.