TAMPA, Fla. -- Virginia Del. Barbara Comstock's moment in front of the Republican National Convention Tuesday was brief, but long enough to allow her to make her case that a conservative agenda helped the Old Dominion weather the financial storm.
Wearing bright, Republican red, Comstock gave a history lesson on Virginia's contributions to the country as delegates shuffled onto the convention floor to prepare for the night's marquee speakers.
"What started with entrepreneurs arriving in Jamestown in 1607 -- and grew with the wisdom of Washington, Jefferson, Madison, shaped a nation and the world," the McLean lawmaker said. "Lovers of freedom and liberty, members of all races and religions from across the globe now live and prosper in Virginia, which is rated one of the best places to live, work, start a business, and raise a family."
As she took the stage, Comstock received a standing ovation from a scattering of Virginia delegates who had already found their seats. She was originally scheduled to speak Monday, but was squeezed into Tuesday's program when Hurricane Isaac forced the cancelation of opening day events.
Comstock was also granted the opportunity of seconding the motion to nominate Mitt Romney for the Republican candidate for president. It was a distinction she only learned she was awarded last night and it gave her a second opportunity to address the crowd. This time, the crowd was much louder and the applause much greater, when she spoke.
"It was a real honor," she said. "It was a little emotional."
Comstock, 53, has only been in office since 2010 but is already well known in Republican circles.
She worked on both of Mitt Romney's presidential campaigns, served in President George Bush's Justice Department and was a top adviser to Rep. Frank Wolf, R-Va. She assisted the 2000 and 2008 conventions and is now a deputy permanent co-chair of the convention.
After winning office as part of the Republican wave that swept Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling and Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli into office, Comstock's own star is now rising.
"Let's guarantee that our children and their children continue this American story of freedom, opportunity and prosperity for all," Comstock said. She then turned to the Virginia delegation and added: "And Virginia, let's keep winning."