Twice a year, the California Republican Party (CRP) hosts a
statewide convention. I recently returned from the CRP State
Convention in San Diego. It has been my privilege to attend these
events for two decades now.
Twice a year, the California Republican Party (CRP) hosts a statewide convention. I recently returned from the CRP State Convention in San Diego. It has been my privilege to attend these events for two decades now.
Picture just under 1,000 “political junkies” from all over California, gathered for a two and a half day weekend in one hotel. Over the years, I’ve made many friends and it is good to see them twice a year. There are numerous delegates from Santa Clara Republican circles.
This convention began at noon on Friday. There was a major section set aside for vendors. Posters, books, bumper stickers, flags and every sort of political pin and clothing were available in abundance. Mixed among those tables were booths representing any number of political organizations and political campaigns.
In the breakout rooms were a series of “how-to” seminars for new candidates, campaign treasurers, get-out-the-vote, etc. Later Friday and all day Saturday there were also rooms set aside for standing committee meetings. Initiatives Committee debated and recommended positions on each initiative this November. Resolutions Committee did the same regarding member-submitted resolutions. Rules wrestled over needed bylaw changes.
It is an opportunity to meet the folks in authority as well as their staff members. I learned that state Sen. Tom McClintock is about to pull papers as a candidate for lieutenant governor assuming Arnold will run for a second term. That should be a strong ticket indeed.
Senate candidate Bill Jones addressed the delegates. I enthusiastically support him over incumbent Barbara Boxer. He will have a tough job, though. His ability to deliver a rousing speech needs some work. In that department, it appears to me the Democrat candidates are “herding” the undecided voters into the Republican coral.
One evening before dinner everyone was invited to write a letter or a post card to a soldier, then leave the table and join others packing care packages with soap, razors, socks, candy, gum, etc. In just 30 minutes with so many willing hands, we packed 5,000 care packages. By the time we returned to our dinner, they were being stacked on shipping pallets and were on their way to the dock before dessert.
Jim Rogan, an former Congressman whose district included Hollywood, was there signing copies of his new book, “Rough Edges.” When he stepped up to lead the team at the impeachment trial of (then) president Bill Clinton, he knew the Democrats would focus upon punishing him in order to intimidate anyone else from standing against them. It is called “political hard-ball.” He stood on principle. (And paid the price!) I say, “Anytime you see James Rogan as a future candidate for anything, pull out all the stops and support him.”
One evening Gov. Jim Gilmore, R-VA, spoke to the delegates. It was good to finally meet him in person (no relation).
Sundays at these conventions begin with a prayer breakfast. It is usually well attended. welcomed the group and commended them saying, “I will stand shoulder to shoulder on principle with you.”
Bill Stein, chairman of “California Republican Veterans Association” (CRVA) designed a program to open the CRP business meeting. California veterans were honored by the delegates. Featured among them were two veterans wearing their Congressional Medals of Honor. It was a great personal privilege to be in the same room, let alone to be able to meet and speak with the men wearing them.
The rest of the Sunday agenda is different. Voting delegates take their places and prepare to do the business of the CRP. Things went smoothly. There were no major confrontations being decided at this convention.
Which brings me to my recurring theme. You, need to get involved. This society is not degrading because of the “bad guys.” It is degrading because “I don’t know and I don’t care!” (ignorance and apathy). There are many opportunities to meet the candidates asking for your vote. Some of them will be exercising authority over you in just months from now. You need to hear and reason through the issues that concern you. That needs to be “outside” what is filtered to you in major media.
One source is our local chapter of California Republican Assembly which meets in San Martin on each first Thursday of the month. Local candidates regularly attend these meetings.
This Thursday, Sept. 2, James Hartman, vice-chair of CRP will be outlining the ballot propositions. The event takes places at Church of the Valley (COTV), 13380 Depot, San Martin. We gather at 7pm for coffee and a chat. The meeting begins at 7:30pm and ends around 9pm.
On Oct. 7, there is a joint meeting with Church of the Valley in San Martin which regularly hosts candidate debates so that its members – and their friends and associates – may cast well informed ballots.
On Nov. 4 (two days after election), we will be honoring candidates and recapping results.
On Dec. 2, State CRP Chairman Duf Sundheim will speak and answer questions about “Events during my watch as Chair.”
Liberty is not free. Liberty costs more than slavery because it is worth more
