Kevin Harris, chairman of the Republican Party for Georgia’s 9th Congressional District, was selected this month to be one of 60 Georgia Republicans to attend the Republican National Convention this summer in Minnesota.

Mr. Harris talked with the Chattanooga Times Free Press about being named an alternate delegate, his expectations at the national convention and his party’s standing in local elections coming up in November.

Q: What does it mean to you to be chosen as an alternate delegate for national convention?

A: In any political party, either Democratic of Republican, it’s about the highest honor anyone can receive is to be named to go to the national convention. So, it’s a huge honor. ... The process is so selective for people in the Republican Party. Georgia has more than 6.5 million citizens, and out of those, less than 200 get to go as delegates or alternates to the conventions.

Q: What are you looking forward to in being able to go to this convention?

A: The main thing I think a lot of Republicans are concerned with is making sure (Arizona Sen. John) McCain picks a viable vice presidential candidate that can balance the ticket. A lot of us would prefer somebody who has very conservative credentials as his vice presidential running mate. ... My main thing is just to find somebody who’s strong on the issues of budget reform, tax reform, immigration, abortion and some of the issues all of us care about.

Q: Are all the delegates McCain delegates?

A: Something people who are new to the process don’t understand is basically whether or not you are for Ron Paul or Fred Thompson or McCain or (Mike) Huckabee or whoever, you are required by state law, required by the electoral process system, to go with the one person who won the state or that district.

So, as of right now, I would be pledged through the first two ballots, whether I wanted to vote for McCain or not, I’m pledged to Huckabee because Mike won state of Georgia, and until he releases those, we’re pledged to Mike Huckabee. He’ll probably release them before the convention for a unified convention, but as of right now, even the McCain people are pledged to Huckabee until Huckabee releases those pledged delegates.

Q: How do you think the legislative session went overall, and how will it affect North Georgia legislators in upcoming elections?

A: The legislative session probably wasn’t as successful as it could’ve been. But the bottom line is, it’s the first time in the state’s history they were trying debate how to cut taxes instead of raising them. I think that’s the clear difference you’ve seen between Republicans and Democrats ... it’s about cutting taxes and cutting spending rather than how to raise it. ...

As far as North Georgia politics goes, I don’t think you’ll see that much of a difference going into next year. The Democrats did a very poor job of candidate recruitment. So, even if people were upset or didn’t like how Republicans have done, the Democrats didn’t give North Georgia voters an opportunity to make any changes.

Q: What do you think about the race for the District 3 House seat?

A: Out of the entire state, not only North Georgia, but the state, I think the attention will be on that 3rd House district seat. There are three viable candidates in the race. Brad Scott is very young, but he’s been very active in the Republican Party. A lot of people know him. Mr. (Tom) Weldon has been in the community for several years, and a lot of folks know him. Mr. (Robert D.) Jenkins is from Dalton, and he’s also an attorney, so he’ll have a lot of support, as well. That may end up being one of best races in whole state, not just North Georgia. ... Regardless who turns out in that race, either of the three be able to beat the candidate Democrats put up in November.

Q: What do you have to say about former Transportation Board Chairman Mike Evans’ resignation and upcoming election to fill his seat?

A: All of us wish Mike and Gena (Abraham) well, now that he’s resigned. And wish them much success.

It appears for the first time in a while, the board seat may go back toward the west end of district, may go toward the Whitfield area this time. Two very viable candidates are (former state Sen.) Steve Farrow and (Dalton businessman and longtime Republican activist) Phil Neff, both from Whitfield County. ... It appears, if nothing changes, that seat’s going to go more toward Dalton. ... It’d be nice to have a good election with no political ramifications in this election cycle with DOT. I think everyone would be more pleased with that.