Reporting from St. Paul.

Editor's note: Darla St. Martin, NRLC co-executive director, and Karen Cross, NRL political director, were on the ground in the Twin Cities for the GOP Platform Committee hearings and the Republican National Convention. That week produced not only the strongest GOP platform language on abortion ever but also a pro-life governor from Alaska whose selection as pro-life Sen. John McCain's running mate galvanized the convention and tens of millions of Americans. Following are excerpts from Mrs. St. Martin's and Mrs. Cross' daily blog:

September 1, 2008

Greetings from St. Paul and Day 1 of the Republican National Convention. Upon our arrival, we are met by staff from our state affiliate, Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life. As the days and nights blur into one another, we will come to deeply appreciate all of MCCL's extraordinary generosity.

Today, our prayers go out to the residents of the Gulf Coast threatened by Hurricane Gustav. Because of the storm, the convention schedule is sharply abbreviated. Most of the country will only see the perfunctory issues (credentials committee, rules committee, platform committee, etc.). First Lady Laura Bush and Cindy McCain each delivered brief remarks before the convention recesses.

One special note: the platform committee report is adopted by the entire convention, making the GOP's platform (containing the strongest-ever language on life) official!

Of course, the entire convention and, indeed, the entire country are abuzz with the selection of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as Senator John McCain's running mate. Like Sen. McCain, Gov. Palin is a strong pro-lifer and will serve as a positive witness for life.

We look forward to the days ahead and we'll keep you posted.