GOP gubernatorial nominee Jon Huntsman Jr., a delegate, isn't going, not because of security concerns, he says, but because he sees his race with Democrat Scott Matheson Jr. as too close for comfort and that the time could be better spent campaigning.

"With 70 days left in the campaign, it does not seem like a good idea to be spending a tenth of that campaigning in Central Park," said campaign manager Jason Chaffetz. "We'd rather be spending that time in Orem and St. George."

Gary Herbert, Huntsman's lieutenant governor choice, will represent the Huntsman campaign in New York.

This marks the first time that Republicans have held their national convention in New York City (Democrats have done so five times previously). Even so, the Republicans' choice of New York City, where Democrats outnumber Republicans 5-1, has drawn criticism from some who see it as a tasteless attempt to capitalize on the 9/11 tragedy for political gain.

One group plans to surround the site of the World Trade Center tragedy with bell-ringing activists to shield it from Republican exploitation, the Baltimore Sun reported.

For Utahns, though, the convention is all about party politics: Getting President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney nominated (they will be), tweaking the party platform (it might be) and using the national platform to energize Republican voters and sway undecided and independent voters (yet to be seen).

Delegates have a wide range of issues they consider "top priorities," from pro-life planks in the party platform to opposition to gay marriages. For several, the top priority is fighting the war on terrorism.

"Without question, the No. 1 issue facing America is security, both at home and abroad," Peay said. "To enjoy the freedoms and lifestyle of America, we must win the war on terrorism."

To a person, the delegates are supporting the Bush-Cheney ticket, even those who quibble over policy differences.

Paige Marriott is pledging to support Bush until her knuckles are sore from knocking on doors. But she is looking to the president's nomination acceptance speech next Thursday to "offer me hope and optimism."

"The president needs to unveil a bold plan to take more than Republicans forward in the next four years, but all Americans," she added.

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E-mail: spang@desnews.com