Sabin at G.O.P. Convention

    Monday marked the start of the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., where 2,286 delegates and 2,125 alternate delegates from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories converged on the Gulf Coast city. Among them is Andy Sabin of Springs, a businessman who recently co-sponsored a $25,000-a-plate fund-raising lunch for the Republican candidate for president, Mitt Romney, at the Creeks, Ron Perelman’s estate in East Hampton.

    Mr. Sabin made the 1,200-mile journey to be part of the festivities on Tuesday, yesterday, and today. “The convention is spectacular. . . . The ‘we built it’ theme resonated with a very energized crowd,” he said. “Ann Romney blew everyone away. She is of particular appeal to women.”

    Mr. Sabin described the event as focusing on the “American dream of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” He said conventiongoers were honoring ordinary people who built their businesses from scratch.

    Called for further comment yesterday, he said, “Can’t really talk right now. I’m sitting next to Karl Rove at the convention.” But before hanging up, he added, “I really feel Romney will surprise everyone and win by a very large margin.”