Erik Haapala is a self-described “political junkie.”

While some people follow their favorite sports teams with a religious fervor, Haapala loves the political arena and the issues that drive our daily lives.

So, for him, the upcoming Republican National Convention is the Super Bowl of politics.

“I’m excited, but it’s going to be a very different experience,” Haapala, 36, said about attending his first national convention.

Haapala, chairman of the 7th District Minnesota Republican Party, earned his delegate seat at the 7th Congressional District convention in April. He will be one of 41 Minnesota delegates to submit a vote for the Republican party’s presidential nominees, presumptively set to be Arizona Sen. John McCain.

While some Republican party members may question McCain’s “maverick” approach to politics, Haapala believes he has always been a man of principle.

“He is a storied conservative in the areas which most of us care about,” Haapala said.

“When it comes to conservative principles and credentials, John McCain has always been on the Republican side and always on the conservative side,” he added.

Read the complete story in the Aug. 21 Independent Review print edition.