CAPITAL REGION — The mood at the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis-St. Paul reached its peak Thursday night with nominee John McCain’s speech, local Republicans said.

“It’s very exciting,” said Chris Callaghan, a delegate from Waterford who is attending his first convention. “Gov. [Sarah] Palin has excited the group, and Sen. [John] McCain certainly has been exciting the Republican Party for a couple years.”

McCain supporters waited anxiously for their candidate to take the stage Thursday, including a group of Capital District Young Republicans who met in Albany.

“I think it’s been a pretty good show so far,” said Paul Jamison, 34, of Poestenkill, the club’s chairman.

By 9:45 p.m., about a dozen people had congregated at Tess’ Lark Tavern to watch the convention coverage on television, said Bryon McKim, 23, of Wilton.

The Republicans have forwarded solid plans for what they’ll do in the White House compared to the general ideas the Democrats have, McKim said. He watched both conventions.

“Broad-based ideas don’t change anything and don’t do anything when you get to Washington,” McKim said.

The state’s Republican National Committeeman said Thursday he thinks McCain can take New York state.

“I believe New York is in play. I’m very excited about that,” said Alexander “Sandy” Treadwell, whose four-year term as committeeman ended Thursday night at the close of the convention.

Treadwell watched the acceptance speech from the floor of the Xcel Energy Center, the hockey arena in St. Paul where McCain and the other speakers took the stage.

Before the speech, Treadwell said he expected McCain to touch on his plans for breaking the country’s dependence on foreign oil, health care, the economy and taxes.

“He’s an independent voice, and I think that appeals to Americans,” Treadwell said.

Treadwell is running as the Republican nominee for the 20th Congressional District against incumbent Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-Greenport.

Callaghan has been in Minnesota since Aug. 27, because he is on the rules committee and had to arrive early.

The extra time allowed him to do some sightseeing around the Twin Cities. “There were things to do, but the schedule was relatively light.”

Since the convention started, Callaghan has attended seminars and events during the day.

The delegates and local McCain supporters spoke glowingly of vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, saying her speech was the best of the convention before McCain spoke.

“She advised the Democrats and the media, ‘Pick on me at your own peril,’” Callaghan said. “It’s pretty clear to me that this is going to be not only an historic campaign, but also very interesting.”

Local Republicans viewed Palin’s experience taking on the old guard in Alaska as an asset to the McCain camp.

“She was an outsider coming in, and has done a wonderful job as governor,” Treadwell said.

Palin’s youth and gender are assets, Callaghan said.

“There’s a lot of very impressive young talent in the Republican Party that will be leading us in the future,” he said. “McCain has just put Governor Palin at the top of that list.”

From now until the election, it’s full speed ahead for the candidates and the voters.

“I think a lot of people are just starting to pay attention,” Jamison said. “I think one guy’s probably going to pull ahead in the next few weeks. I hope that’s John McCain.”