var so = new SWFObject(‘http://www.staterinteractive.com/player.swf’,’mpl’,’665′,’450′,’9′);

so.addParam(‘allowscriptaccess’,’always’);

so.addParam(‘allowfullscreen’,’true’);

so.addParam(‘flashvars’,’&file=KW_083112_RomneyReax_SOT.flv&image=http://www.staterinteractive.com/photos/fall12/0131tv2.jpg&frontcolor=6666FF&lightcolor=EEEEEE&skin=http://www.staterinteractive.com/snel.swf&streamer=rtmp://flashmedia.kent.edu/fms-jmc/kentWired’);

so.write(‘tv2news’);

Video by Jasen Sokol.

Local Republican activists say they saw a different side of Mitt Romney in his speech to the Republican National Convention Thursday.

A group of about 15 people gathered at the Romney campaign office in Acorn Alley II to watch the Republican presidential candidate’s address, in which he talked about his family and cracked several jokes while making the case for why he should be the next president.

Freshman finance and accounting double major Kayla Morrison took notice.

“I think he’s a little more laid back,” she said. “The initial jitters are kind of wearing off and I really think he’s stepping into the spotlight.”

Kent State College Republicans Secretary Alan Rhea also saw a change in Romney’s demeanor.

“Mitt was more energetic than usual,” he said. “He was less rigid. He got some of his personality out there a bit.”

Kent resident Jon Ruth is unemployed and said he doesn’t often listen to candidates’ speeches. He says, though, that he believes Romney and running mate Paul Ryan’s policies will be better for him.

“I think we’ll have an administration that will be predictable, accountable, and looking out for what’s best for all Americans.”

Rhea said that while he is already involved in the campaign, Romney’s acceptance speech encouraged him to keep working.

“It revved me up,” he said.

Jasen Sokol is the anchor of Portage Pulse, TV2’s new public affairs program airing Sundays at 11:30 AM beginning September 16. Contact him at [email protected]