Former New York Gov. George Pataki, moments after addressing N.J.'s GOP delegation at the Hilton.: Politicker photo 

MINNEAPOLIS - McCain as military protector provided the solemn motif former New York Gov. George Pataki used this morning to finally prompt a standing ovation from his New Jersey audience.

"There are no finer people in our country than those who put on the uniform for our country," said Pataki, and a pattering of hands started that grew steadily as the former governor added of McCain, "I pray he spends the next four years protecting our country."

Hitting another responsive chord in the crowd, Pataki told a story about a reporter - and there were some groans as he provided the setup - who asked him if the massive loss of oil in the Gulf as a consequence of Hurricane Gustav were not sufficient proof that America shouldn’t drill.

More groans.

"Sen. McCain knows we have to diversify," Pataki cried over the sudden upsurge of hand claps at the mention of the presidential candidate’s name. "We can’t have all our eggs in one basket!"

Introduced earlier by State Republican Chairman Tom Wilson as the man who turned New York "into the shining, golden city that it became," the former governor wound down his short speech by again hitting the warrior theme.

"Sen. McCain understands that we have to stand with our soldiers so that those who attacked us never have a chance to do it again," Pataki said.

The delegates came out of their seats.