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WORLAND — Rep. Nathan Winters (R-Thermopolis) said it was an amazing honor that he was elected as a statewide delegate to the Republican National Convention.

During the GOP state convention, Winters was one of 12 national delegates selected at that time, with other selected at the county level. He said he was honored and humbled to be the third top vote-getter amongst those seeking to be a national delegate, behind only Harriet Hageman and Ed Buchanan.

Winters was also one of three delegates from Hot Springs County to attend last week’s RNC in Cleveland. Jim Collins was the county delegate and Charley Curley was elected as a national delegate at the state convention.

“This is the first one I attended. I didn’t set out planning to go or intending to go,” Winters said, adding that he had several people prior to and on the way to the state convention ask if he would consider running for a national delegate position.

He said there were challenges, surprises and positives to take away from the Republican National Convention.

One of the challenges and surprises, he said, after having worked with local media he got a taste of national media.

“I would watch what was going on, on the floor and then watch news and it was not necessarily same thing there were stark differences,” he said.

As for the many speeches, Winters, a Cruz supporter, said he appreciated his focus on the Constitution but was surprised at the length of his speech.

He said he liked the comments from Marcus Luttrell who “spoke from the heart and reminded us what it means to be an American.” Luttrell is a retired United States Navy SEAL. According to his website, he received the Navy Cross for his actions in 2005 facing Taliban fighters during Operation Red Wing.

When asked, as a Cruz supporter, if Winters became a Trump supporter following the convention, he said he was asked similar questions by several news outlets, mainly foreign media including from Central and South America.

“To me the most important decision we’re facing in the upcoming election is who will appoint next Supreme Court justice. We already know type of person Hillary Clinton would appoint. I do not trust her to make the right choice,” he said. The shoes of Antonin Scalia (who passed away Feb. 13) are big shoes to fill. He was one of the greatest jurist of our generation.”

He added that he thought Trump’s children did a great job in their speeches, although he didn’t agree with all of their perspectives.

“I do think that one thing was highlighted. Donald Trump has raised a good family and that shows a lot about his character. Donald Trump does care for his country. He may say things in a brash way and there are elements I’m not in full agreement.

“One thing came through in his speech, he loves his country and wants to restore American prominence in the world.”

Winters added that in his opinion, the addition of Gov. Mike Pence to the “Trump ticket is a great addition. He gave a wonderful, powerful speech.”

In looking back at the overall experience, Winters said, “I didn’t know what to expect when I went. It was a very educational experience.

“It was an honor to go and a blessing to know across the state people believe in the ideals I stand for.”