HOUSTON -- Days before the start of the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn., local convention delegates are breathing a sigh of relief following the announcement of Sen. John McCain's choice for a vice presidential running mate, KPRC Local 2 reported Friday.

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"A great, perfect choice. I couldn't be happier," said Stan Stanart, who will be attending the convention as a delegate. "Being on the ballot in November -- that's significant to me because I believe that will bring out our conservative voters."

Many Harris County Republicans said they admire Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's record of being a pro-life conservative who passed ethics reform and cut taxes.

"The fact that she's a woman is irrelevant to me. Her policy and what she has done -- that's what's important to me," said Paul Stang, a 21-year-old senior from Houston Baptist University who is one of the youngest members of the Texas delegation.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the Harris County Republican Party called McCain's decision a "bold move."

Jared Woodfill said he believes the McCain/Palin ticket will help broaden the appeal of the maverick Arizona senator by attracting more independent voters and disgruntled Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton supporters.

"There's really a opportunity to bring over those moderate female voters. We look at polling numbers, and Barack Obama hasn't been able to close the gap with Hillary Clinton supporters," Woodfill told KPRC Local 2.