NEW YORK - Ray T. Dutey and other delegates from Ohio "had the best seat in the house."

Pretty impressive when that house is Madison Square Garden in New York City at the Republican National Convention during U.S. President George W. Bush's speech Thursday. The 179 delegates from Ohio had a front-row seat and Dutey has been in the middle of the action all week.

"This has really been something," said Dutey, Lawrence County auditor and co-chairman for the Bush-Cheney reelection campaign in southeastern Ohio. "You have to be here to realize it."

President Bush's speech emphasized that he would use a second term to build a more hopeful America that is "on the path to the future."

''Since 2001, Americans have been given hills to climb, and found the strength to climb them," the President said in his 62-minute speech. "Now, because we have made the hard journey, we can see the valley below.''

For Dutey, the speech was an impressive one that hit home on many fronts.

"I thought the President did a good job," Dutey said. "He laid out his domestic programs for the next 4 years. Everyone knows his offensive on terrorism. … It has just been a tremendous week."

The President unveiled modest new proposals, including steps to tighten high-school testing, encourage investment in poor communities, force deficit-reduction and expand health care.

Dutey's long-term dedication helped him get the call to his first convention. He has served in the Lawrence County courthouse for 56 years and has immersed himself in state, local and national politics. As delegates, Dutey and others officially nominated Bush and Cheney for the Republican ticket.

"It was a well-planned event," Dutey said. "The delegates did a tremendous job. … The New York Police Department has done a great job as well."

Lawrence County Sheriff Tim Sexton went along as Dutey's guest, quick to point out that both are there at their own expense. Like Dutey, Sexton said it was exciting to be a part of the historic event.

"I think the President talked on many things that affect Lawrence County. He talked about putting more money in job training and small businesses," Sexton said. "… I thought he did a good job and it was just amazing to be there and experience the convention."

In addition to other sightseeing, the group took a boat ride into New York harbor this week. Dutey said the view of the city was truly breathtaking.

"It was fabulous. IT was just something to see," he said. "We went by the Statue of Liberty and it put chills on me to think about all the immigrants that went by there seeking freedom in our country."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.