MINNEAPOLIS -- The two Republican National Convention delegates from Topsham had quick reactions to Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's speech Wednesday.

"That girl rocks," said Dwayne Bickford, a Republican activist.

"Absolutely amazing," said state Rep. Kerri Prescott (R-Topsham.)

Palin, the Republican nominee for vice president, gave a highly praised speech last night, painting herself as a reformer, a family woman, but also took jabs at Democratic opponents Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

At the Maine delegation breakfast Thursday, the room was abuzz with talk of the speech, and jokes about her punchline: "The difference between a hockey mom and a pit bill: Lipstick," Palin said.

The speech showed, "Her ability to stand by herself on the world stage," Bickford said.

Bickford also said he enjoyed the speeches from Joe Lieberman and Fred Thompson, both of whom spoke Tuesday night. He has volunteered for the party since he was old enough to vote. In the mid-1990s he was chief of staff for the House Republicans, and later served as executive director of the party.

John McCain's choice of Palin as a running mate was enough to convert Prescott's 18-year-old son, who had been on the fence. Prescott is a mother of two who teaches physical education and martial arts, and owns her own business.

"I like her energy," Prescott said of Palin. "She's direct, and not afraid to go after the important issues."

This is Prescott's second convention. She said she supported McCain from the beginning.

There have been many media attacks going after Palin and her pregnant 17-year-old daughter. Prescott was not concerned about the negative perceptions.

Since the news of her nomination broke last Saturday, "They're going to try and bring out everything about her," Prescott said. "The wave will pass."