Tommy Thompson on being a Kid Rock fan: ‘Why not?



Senate hopeful Tommy Thompson was one of many GOP convention goers who attended the Kid Rock Concert on Thursday night.

Thompson, a former governor from Wisconsin, seemed to enjoy the show. Asked if he is a Kid Rock fan, Thompson smiled and said, “Why not?”

The crowd was mostly in their 30s and 40s, but Thompson, 70, wasn’t the only elder statesman in attendance.

{mosads}Scott Romney, the 71-year-old brother of Mitt Romney, was also in the house, according to a source.

Other attendees included Romney senior adviser Ron Kaufman, GOP convention spokesman Kyle Downey, Liberty Plaza’s Ron and Sara Bonjean, Purple Strategies’ Rob Collins, Brian J. Walsh of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), Brian O. Walsh of American Action Network and Lisa Camooso Miller from the American Coalition for Clean Coal Technology.

Kid Rock’s performance was electric, and took on a surprising bipartisan tone.

Before one of his last songs, he said no matter who wins the election, the country needs to come together. The line attracted strong applause.

Liberty Plaza will be loud again Thursday night when Journey plays after Romney’s highly anticipated speech.

The plaza, which is two blocks from the Tampa Bay Times Forum, is hosting a slew of activities this week, including policy discussions, delegation receptions, and of course, concerts.

Proceeds benefit a charity called Citizens Helping Heroes, a Washington, D.C.-based organization that helps wounded warriors.

Bold-faced names who have been at the Plaza over the last few days include Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus and Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) and his wife, Janna.

Before the Journey concert, the NRSC and the National Republican Congressional Committee will host a watch party from 6-11 p.m.

A big hit this week at Liberty Plaza has been a Cigar tent, which is open at all hours. 



If you’re hungry before, during or after the Journey concert, Jimmy Johns will be providing free sandwiches. Jimmy Johns donated 200 tickets to the Kid Rock show for the Green Beret Foundation to offer to military wounded warriors and their families.