Twenty-one Mainers are expected to arrive in New York City this weekend. They won’t be there for sightseeing, although some of them hope to find an hour or two for that.

They are headed to the Big Apple as delegates to the Republican National Convention. The convention starts Monday and will end Thursday with President’s Bush’s nomination acceptance speech.

Among Maine’s slate of delegates are four from central Maine, three who represent the Twin Cities area and one from Oxford County.

Two state legislators, Sen. Richard Bennett, R-Oxford, and Rep. Lois Snowe-Mello, R-Poland (who is seeking a Senate seat this year), are part of the delegation. Bates College student Oliver Wolf, who leads young Republicans on campus, also is attending. Stavros Mendros, a former state representative and one-time congressional candidate (who also is seeking a state Senate seat this year) will be at the convention after spending time in Athens, where he attended the Olympic Games.

Warnings of possible terrorist attacks, reports of planned protests and unprecedented security measures have not discouraged the delegates. They are eager to show sup

The delegation from each state has been assigned a project while in New York, Snowe-Mello said. Maine delegates are tasked with cleaning up the streets and parks in Chinatown, she said.

On Page A9, is a look at the area’s delegates to the convention, their political backgrounds and thoughts on the upcoming convention.

GOP Bios

RICHARD BENNETT

Age and residence: 41; of Norway.

Occupation: Corporate consultant.

Family: Wife, Karen; daughter, Abigail (8); son, Nathaniel (6).

Political background: Maine Senate, 1996-2004; president of the Senate, 2001-2002; state representative, 1990-1994; Republican nominee for U.S. Congress, 2nd District, 1994; Maine delegate to 1996 Republican National Convention.

Why did you want to be a delegate to the Republican National Convention? “Serving as a delegate is a unique opportunity to be a part of history and to engage in the most important process of choosing our president. As a strong supporter of President Bush, I wanted to play a meaningful part in his re-election effort. The president’s clear, unequivocal and decisive leadership is needed in these difficult times. Whether you support President Bush or not, you know where he stands. I believe the greatest danger lies in electing a president who does not know his own mind, or who does but is unwilling to bring it to light. I want to be part of a Republican Party that is offering a constructive, compassionate and happy vision for our country’s future. This convention will express that vision and, I hope, rally the country to the causes of national unity, personal freedom, and a culture of responsible ownership.”

With concern about possible terrorist attacks during the convention, as well as planned protests, are you concerned about your safety? “No, not in the least.”

STAVROS MENDROS

Age and residence: Age not available*; Lewiston

Occupation: Web designer.

Family: Not available.*

Political background: Served two terms as state representative, 1998-2002. Ran for 2nd Congressional District seat in Republican primary, 2002. Is currently Republican candidate for Maine Senate District 16, challenging incumbent Sen. Margaret Rotundo, D-Lewiston.

Why did you want to be a delegate to the Republican National Convention? Not available.*

With concern about possible terrorist attacks during the convention, as well as planned protests, are you concerned about your safety? Not available.*

*Mendros didn’t respond to several requests for information.

LOIS SNOWE-MELLO

Age and residence: 56; Poland.

Occupation: State representative.

Family: Husband Brian, three grown children.

Political background: Served four terms as state representative, 1996-2004. Is currently a candidate for state Senate District 15, challenging incumbent Sen. Neria Douglass, D-Auburn. Has served as officer on various Republican committees, both state and local. Became involved in politics as an independent about 15 years ago. Belonged to a group called HELP, or Help Educate Legislators and Promote Public awareness, where lawmakers were invited to answer questions at public forums. Later joined presidential candidate Ross Perot’s United We Stand Party and served on its board of directors. Became a Republican after she was recruited by party members. “I honestly felt the Republicans were more for the people.”

Why did you want to be a delegate to the Republican National Convention? “I was nominated to be one. I thought it was exciting to go down to New York. I’ve never been to a national convention before. I’m the type of person who really enjoys all types of political arenas. I felt very honored to be nominated.”

With concern about possible terrorist attacks during the convention, as well as planned protests, are you concerned about your safety? “I went to Isreal in December. I went over the Gaza Strip and got shot at. I went back to Isreal in June. I believe it’s God’s will, what will be, will be. Of course, I’m concerned. But you can get killed crossing the street. As for the protesters, I think they add to the spice of life.”

OLIVER WOLF

Age and residence: 21; Bates College, Lewiston.

Occupation: Student.

Family: Single

Political background: Has been interested in politics since he was 11 years old. Now, as a Bates College student entering his junior year, he is president of Bates College Republicans and vice president of Maine College Republicans. The statewide group has 13 chapters and more than 700 members. Wolf is responsible for helping to recruit volunteers among college students and register them to vote. He also is a volunteer for the Bush-Cheney campaign as well as the 2nd Congressional District candidacy of Brian Hamel. He worked two years ago on the campaigns of U.S. Sen. Susan Collins and 2nd District Republican nominee Kevin Raye. He has met Vice President Cheney and hopes to meet President Bush at the convention.

Why did you want to be a delegate to the Republican National Convention? “I think that electing a young person as a delegate shows that the Republican Party is really one of diversity and opportunity for young people who want to strengthen the Republican Party, that it is the one that is reaching out to young people. I was actually top vote-getter in the 2nd Congressional District. Eighteen- to 24-year-olds are really a key swing voting block. We’re the ones who are crucial to this campaign and for this election. I’m also a firm supporter of George W. Bush.

With concern about possible terrorist attacks during the convention, as well as planned protests, are you concerned about your safety? I’m not concerned about my safety. I know that the Republican National Committee has been working hard throughout the past several months to ensure our security, and I know that security was very safe at the Democratic convention. I have confidence in our government and the law enforcement in New York.