Delegates to the Republican National Convention were impressed with Sen. John McCain's sincerity and confidence in his address during the closing session Thursday night in St. Paul, Minn.

The senator from Arizona accepted the Republicans' nomination as their presidential candidate during a 49-minute address from St. Paul's Xcel Center. His wife, Cindy McCain, introduced him to the cheering gathering.

Do Shaver of Seven Lakes, one of two RNC delegates from Moore County, said she especially liked his emphasis on family and country and the convention theme of "Country First."

"Right now we believe him because we trust him," Shaver said.

Dr. Jim Taylor of Southern Pines said he was impressed with McCain's sincerity.

"I came away with a new perspective on McCain," Taylor said. "He showed a new confidence that he can make good decisions for the country."

Both Shaver and Taylor were interviewed on the convention floor shortly after adjournment late Thursday night.

More details of their interviews will be reported in the Sunday print edition of The Pilot.