Members of the Wood County delegation to the Republican National Convention returned home early Saturday morning.

For Greg Smith, it was his first trip ever to a major party convention.

He says the local delegates were encouraged by addresses last week by both the party's nominee, Senator John McCain, and by running mate Sarah Palin.

And Smith believes they have effectively countered criticism by the Democratic ticket.

"I think many of their attacks are just totally unjustified and unfair," Smith said Saturday afternoon. "I also think it's going to help a lot of Democrats make their decision when it comes time to vote in November, that the Republican party is the party that reaches out to all people, including women."

Smith says that, in spite of a shortened convention brought on by Hurricane Gustav, the party managed to get all its work done in the convention's remaining three days.