McCain speech follows pro football

Washington Redskins football was the first order of the evening as pub patrons waited for John McCain to take the stage after the game.

Nearly 100 people gathered Thursday night at Kirkpatrick's Irish Pub in Haymarket to talk sports and politics, with more praising the performances of convention Republicans than the football players on the field in the Redskins' 16-7 loss to the New York Giants. Many said after the game was over they planned to stick around to watch Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., accept the Republican nomination for president.

"I really thought Palin hit a home run last night," said Marshall resident Cheryl Gavitt of Republican vice presidential nominee Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin. "The whole convention is essentially a pep rally designed to rev up the party and she did a great job of doing that last night."

The Republicans wrapped up their four-day party convention in St. Paul, Minn. Thursday after speeches from GOP heavyweights throughout the week like former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani, former Maryland lieutenant governor Michael Steele and President Bush.

Republicans have stated their case for the U.S. to reduce its dependence on foreign oil by drilling for new domestic sources of oil, and harnessing clean coal and natural gas energy.

"I really think the economy is the biggest issue for this election this year, it all has to do with gas prices," said James, a federal worker who lives in Haymarket.

A recent CBS poll has put Republican nominee John McCain in a dead heat with Democratic nominee Barack Obama, both tied at 42 percent of the potential vote.

Kirkpatrick's owner Kirk Harris said this election has been an interesting process, and one that has been fun to watch.

"Barack Obama is a very charismatic person, but no matter who wins this whole election process is sure to bring about refreshing change no matter who wins," Harris said.

He is a former Capitol Hill lobbyist for the hospitality industry and has owned the Haymarket restaurant for more than two years, and another Ashburn location for the past seven, Harris said. During the last presidential election in 2004, his customers drew straws on Election Day to see who they would pick for president.

He said Bush ultimately won the election and said it was a good way to "take the pulse of the community" on Election Day. Harris said he will again do the straw poll this year in Haymarket, expecting similar results.

"We are just good Republicans around here that like to laugh, have a drink and talk politics," Harris said.