Photo courtesy of Patrick Mara

The Republican National Convention takes place this week in Tampa, Fla. Patrick Mara is a delegate to the convention representing the District of Columbia, and an elected member of the D.C. State Board of Education. On the first full day of the convention, Mara found himself impressed with the nominee’s wife, exchanged education policy with Republican celebrities and hit the party circuit.

If you didn’t see Ann Romney last night, you missed a great speech. One of those rare moments when the stage isn’t occupied by a seasoned politician.

Before the evening’s speeches, I met 50 percent of the famous Hollywood Republicans at the RNC.

Then, after speaking with a reporter from The Washington Post, it happened: Jon Voight walked in. That’s right, I was eye-to-eye with a full one-half of the Republican convention’s Hollywood contingent. Recognizing the commitment to meet the editorial expectations of this high-paying writing gig (Editor’s note: Stop griping, Mara!), I knew I needed a photo.

Voight, apparently an education policy buff, asked me about “that mayor and that woman.” In education-speak outside of D.C., this typically means former Mayor Adrian Fenty and former D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee, both of whom Voight was a huge fan. An education dialogue ensued while a the crowd of photo-seekers grew. Surely they were there to greet a D.C. education policy expert, and not the Oscar-winning star of Midnight Cowboy.

In the afternoon, I attended a meeting of the Permanent Committee on Organization where I sat with New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s brother, Todd. We took roll call and then all voted yes on the leadership of the convention.

In the evening, I did a floor interview with Kojo Nnamdi and a photo-op with his flat self.

Following the speeches last night by Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, former Sen. Rick Santorum, Ann Romney and Christie, I made my way to Homocon, a GOProud event at The Honey Pot in Ybor City. This was the most D.C.-specific event I could find.

Capped off the evening with a jumbo slice across the street. The slice was a bit less jumbo than one you might find in Adams Morgan, but at $3, it was a steal.

Patrick Mara is a delegate to the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla. and an elected member of the D.C. State Board of Education.