The long list of republicans basking in this week’s limelight in Philadelphia does not include the name of John Ashcroft. Dozens of up-and- coming lawmakers and struggling politicians locked in close races are using the national convention stage to improve their chances. Ashcroft is in Philadelphia, but for whatever reason isn’t scheduled for stage time while he’s here. Delegate Merre Putnam says she was, “very surprised…very surprised,” and wondered if it was a logistical error. State republican party chair Ann Wagner downplayed the possible snub, saying Ashcroft was needed in Missouri, not in Philadelphia.
