Oxonians Attend Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio

The Republican National Convention begins tonight at 6:20 p.m. (CT), and among the delegates and attendees were Oxonians Geoffrey Yoste, Russ Jones, William Alias, Jr. and Donna Ruth Roberts, to name a few.

UM alum, Geoffrey Yoste, the principal of Yoste Strategic Partners, LLC, is an alternate delegate representing Lafayette County with William Alias, Jr. and Donna Ruth Roberts.

William Alias, Jr. is the owner of Oxford-based Security Credit Services and Security Card Services that he manages with his son, William Alias III. Donna Ruth Roberts is a retired business owner who established Donna Ruth Else Roberts Council Scholarship Endowment for business majors at the University of Mississippi.

John Owen Yoste (bottom right), Geoffrey and Julie Yoste (center and right) with Diane Hawks and Ellen Jernigan from Hernando, Michael Cravens and Hunter McElroy from Washington, D.C. Boyce Adams from Columbus.

As a lifelong Republican whose first campaign was in 1988 for Trent Lott, Geoffrey Yoste said, “I was originally a Kasich supporter but after our primary, I pledged to support Donald Trump.”

This is Yoste’s first time at a Republican National Convention. Yoste and the delegation enjoyed a gospel breakfast hosted by Congressman Greg Harper. He also got to see Sam Moore play with the band which he thought was amazing. When asked about his favorite speaker at RNC, Yoste said, “Laura Ingraham was by far the best!”

Attending the RNC with him is his wife, Julie, and his son John Owen, who has worked with the Mississippi Republican Party office at the convention. John Owen  checked delegates in and issued credentials each day.

Yoste said, “My wife Julie described (RNC) best: it is like a political Mardi Gras.

Another Oxonian there is Russ Jones, senior vice president of news operations for USA Radio Networks that produces news airing on over 600 radio stations across the country.

His family moved to Oxford over four years ago, and his mother-in-law owns Bea’s Antiques on North Lamar. Jones said that they have come to cherish Oxford and felt it was especially meaningful this year to witness Governor Phil Bryant announce the delegate vote for Mississippi on the floor of the convention.

Russ Jones with Governor Phil Bryant (picture courtesy)

“This is my third convention to cover over the years,” Jones said. “My first convention was in 1976 in Kansas City when I played the tuba in Ronald Reagan’s California Here We Come pep band when he ran for president. Wherever he went we went. It still remains to be a thrill and an honor to the cover the political process in the U.S.”

William Alias Jr. and his son, William Alias III, will submit a letter to HottyToddy.com on Monday describing their RNC experience.

The Democratic National Convention will begin next week at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Do y’all know any Oxford and Ole Miss folks headed out there? Let us know by commenting below!

In the meantime, enjoy pictures submitted by Geoffrey Yoste and Russ Jones below.

Geoffrey and John Owen Yoste were a part of the MS delegation at 2016 RNC.

John Owen Yoste with former Texas governor Rick Perry.

John Owen with Mississippi state treasurer Lynn Fitch

Russ Jones said, “From the 30,000 ft view on radio row.”

Julie Yoste poses with the MS delegation sign at RNC.

Senator Trent Kelly speaks with U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan on stage. (photo by Geoffrey Yoste)

Geoffrey Yoste said, “We even had fun with our bulldog friend, Megan Mullen (pictured left).”

Geoffrey Yoste with son John Owen and wife Julie at the RNC in Cleveland, Ohio.

RNC takes a break. (Photo by Russ Jones)

Russ Jones said, “These guys are raising money for college by selling Trump Flakes and Hillary Crunch. Pretty clever – $40 for one box – $60 for two.”

Russ Jones said, “Just interviewed Chris Soules – he was on the Bachelor- talking about agriculture, ethanol and renewable energy. He wanted more time with me, but I had to move on.”

Russ Jones said, “Got to meet John Tiegen – a survivor of the Benghazi attack. Great guy.”

Callie Daniels Bryant is the senior managing editor at HottyToddy.com. She can be reached at callie.daniels@hottytoddy.com.

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