MONTPELIER, Vt. -- Democrats command most of the attention this week, on network television and in political convention-watching parties around Vermont organized by the Obama-Biden campaign. They're anxious to energize voters and this year time is short.

With Democrats In Spotlight, GOP Lays In Wait

Vermont Republicans are biding their time. Susie Hudson of Montpelier leaves Thursday for the Twin Cities, one of 17 state delegates for the Republican National Convention which opens Monday.

"I think you're going to see a lot more excitement in Minneapolis," she said. "Everyone's rallied around Sen. McCain, and it'll be a tremendous boost heading into September."

Political analysts say the compressed schedule between the two conventions may blunt the 'bounce' the Democratic ticket would traditionally receive.

Hudson is a veteran party insider and current chair of Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie's re-election campaign. She is also an elected member of the Republican National Committee, succeeding the late Sara Gear Boyd as Vermont's national committeewoman. That's why Hudson's leaving days ahead of other delegates, attending Friday RNC meetings when she expects to hear McCain reveal the identity of his running mate.

This will be Hudson's fifth national convention, and each one she calls a thrill.

"The first time you walk into the hall, it's incredible" she said, recalling different conventions held in sports arenas converted into made-for-television political theater. "I'm really looking forward to it," she said.

Hudson acknowledged watching a "very, very little bit" of the Democratic convention so far on television. "Five minutes of Sen. Clinton's speech, and about 10 minutes of Michelle Obama," she said.

Asked her impression, Hudson paused for a moment.

"You know, I looked at all the unity signs on the Democrat convention floor and everyone said Sen. Clinton did a great job and did what she was supposed to."