Luis Fortuño, a Republican who represents Puerto Rico in Congress as its resident commissioner, delivered a short address to convention delegates Wednesday evening laced with populist themes intended to reach voters facing economic difficulties.

“My friends, you know as I do, the people of America are running on empty,” Fortuño said. “From Alaska to Puerto Rico, and from Maine to Hawaii, American families are hurting.”

Fortuño, who is Hispanic, was preceded on stage by Texas Railroad Commission Chairman Michael Williams, who is black.

In advance of the highly anticipated address tonight by Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R), the vice presidential nominee, later this evening, the roster of speakers is heavy on women and racial minorities.