CLEVELAND, Ga. — State Sen. Jeff Mullis and Rep. Jay Neal, both of Chickamauga, have been unanimously elected as 9th Congressional District delegates to the Republican National Convention in September.

They will serve along with Josh Turner, of White County, as district delegates to the Minneapolis presidential convention.

One of the three alternate delegates is Leon F. Ellis, of Forsythe County. He is a former U.S. Air Force officer who was a prisoner of war in the Hanoi Hilton at the same time as Sen. John McCain, the presumptive Republican nominee.

Don Hutelin, a Catoosa County resident and member of the district nominating committee, said he finds the connection between Mr. Ellis and Sen. McCain “intriguing.”

“It’s unlikely there will be many such unique connections between a delegate and the presumed party nominee,” Mr. Hutelin said.

Mr. Ellis could not be reached Tuesday for comment.

The two other district alternate convention delegates are Betty Chambers, of Hall County, and Dr. Charles White, of White County.

Ninth District Chairman Kevin Harris said it’s uncommon to have two delegates from the same area, since the district has 15 counties.

He said their unanimous selection by about 200 district delegates on April 19 is even more unusual.

“Northwest Georgia has strong leadership in the Republican party at this time,” Mr. Harris said.

Rep. Neal said he was surprised to be chosen.

“The 9th District is a huge geographical area,” he said. “I’m honored the delegates wanted me to go as a convention delegate. Jeff needs to be at the convention because he is co-state coordinator of the Georgia Advisory Committee for McCain.”

Mr. Harris said he is proud that Republican elected officials must campaign, just as other party members do, to be delegates.