I ran into Firestone at a brunch in Tampa, Fla., for the California delegation at the Republican National Convention - yes, Firestone is a delegate.
"This convention for me is not about coming and just cheering on the candidates, it's about listening to the candidates and having them tell me their plan and how they're going to enact that plan," he said. "I don't want sound bites, I don't want bumper stickers, I want to know how things are going to change, because right now the country is going in the wrong direction."
Firestone appeared on the hit reality show in 2003. His last name, first known for its tires and now for its wine and beer, is legendary. In that regard, Firestone can relate to Mitt Romney, whose father, George, was a successful businessman and governor of Michigan. Firestone and Romney are now making a name for themselves.
"I don't know if I identify with him because of the similarities from family or anything like that, but I identify with him because I think that he has a clear vision that he wants to give his sons, the next generation, the opportunities that he had," Firestone said.
Firestone is driven and articulate in his stance on politics. He lives with his family in Santa Barbara.
Look for ongoing reports from David Ono at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla. Eyewitness News will also be at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., in September.
