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    Who are the NERD fund donors Mr Snyder?

    Raise the curtain.

    The Convention


    By JGillman, Section News
    Posted on Mon May 21, 2012 at 09:07:37 PM EST
    Tags: Republicans, Convention, Detroit, Caucus, CD1, National Delegates (all tags)

    After the intensity, its hard to pick up and simply write.  

    Catching up on other important aspects of life means taking a break by some from the posts one might expect after such a weekend.  A busy one to be sure and one that had an interesting result with regard to the direction of the state party.

    The convention went well.

    The Michigan GOP convention in Detroit actually was a productive affair, that offered a cautionary tone for those who do not understand the dynamics of the tea party, conservatives, or even how those 'Paul' types operate. The Republican party is cleaning itself up, and the active new blood is a big part of it.  Hopefully, it is not short lived, and some more patience is seen on both sides.

    We need to win races in November, and there are legitimate concerns from old guard and new alike.

    There is a bigger story to tell, but for now, and at least until I get some serious rest, I'll limit the commentary to the 1st district component.

    Below the fold ~

    One can read all the news reports that have been so far published about the Ron Paul contingent, its plotting, plans, and strategy.

    Makes for nifty conspiracy reading.

    But strangely, its not any different than some of the things that go on by 'regulars' who know the ticking of the clock, the summary "ayes have it" announced by the chair (in the general assembly) before anyone has an opportunity to say nay.  Its simply using the tools in place to advance any particular agenda.  Something  it would be silly to leave out of the tool box.

    A part of the game.

    And all who played the game, did so well within those rules and options available.

    The CD1 contingent was composed of more independent republicans than I had expected.  The Chair was Jeff Lamb, who has already selected the tellers, thus drawing the concern of many who had concerns about 'hand picked" vote counters.  Their concern was legitimate, yet Jeff had selected a trustworthy cross section of varying loyalties.  It was a good set, and with good people.

    A couple things more about the caucus chair that would serve as constructive critique, and as well a little praise.

    • First, he needed to enunciate.  Nothing too terrible but annoying when trying to understand  in a room with 250+ folks.  Others can learn from this.
    • He was exceptionally fair to those who wanted to participate.  One gentleman present offered the stereotypical look at a "Paul type", came across as angry, and "put upon", and continued to push motion after motion.  Mr Lamb gave him his appropriate due, allowed his motions to be made, yet did not allow the hijacking of the process. His patience could be emulated and great success in the future caucus process

    In the Friday caucusing, the first district at first had 31 folks on a list who had indicated a desire to go to the national convention.  The 1st has uncommitted delegates and the 2 voting 1 non voting delegates are likely to be Paul supporters.  What they do at the national convention however, is anyone's guess.

    This needs to be said however.  Some Paul supporters need to take a look at themselves a little more closely in how they interact with those others in the party.  The second bullet point I mentioned above, illustrates something that cannot be lost if anyone wishes to truly be effective in these political affairs.  While the chair was bending over backward to accommodate a very different set of participants, this "angry" individual came across as trying to hijack the process with repeated motions.  The motions were seconded but not adopted, and were confusing to many in the audience.

    The way in which they were presented turned a few "regulars" off, and if later motions were acceptable in some way those regulars couldn't have cared less. At some point they were just turned off.

    Suggestion to that type?  Ease up a little.  Bend it, don't break it.

    But keep being a part of it.  As a part of it.

    What we saw at the Friday caucus for CD1 was ultimately a fresh crew of active participants.  As long as they keep being a part of the process, and actually help the party elect its candidates.  If this new blood can continue promoting the most conservative candidates available through active participation, we cannot lose.  Its something that has been needed for some time.

    But if we are not blessed with those active selves for the November cycle, it will say something entirely different.

    Friday's activity was only part of the story, and I hope to see some more posted on it aside from the video presented yesterday. I would like to see some other independent reports from the other caucuses as well.  But as one person mentioned in a Facebook post "we are still decompressing".

    Indeed.  It may take some time to realistically analyze what really happened over the weekend.

    < Agema & Land Win | Holiday Weekend Money Grab Begins Today >


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    Saul "Red Ass" Anuzis (none / 0) (#1)
    by Corinthian Scales on Tue May 22, 2012 at 06:50:23 AM EST
    The big nosed Lithuanian is still trying to play up his bogeyman spin.

    Two words to ya Saul, Damage Control.

    Folks are onto you, and it's not going to work for your crony Third World voting Party schmucks anymore.

    Say what you will about the Paul supporters... (none / 0) (#2)
    by KG One on Tue May 22, 2012 at 03:53:02 PM EST
    ...that one thing that cannot be argued is that they stand on their principles.

    Unlike, other so-called "conservatives"...

    Using arguments like: Center-right & Compromise.

    And they wonder why people are so ticked off?

    Finally, the "easily-manipulated" argument?

    Sorry, sour grapes doesn't exactly suit him.

    Once again, the Murkowski response (none / 0) (#3)
    by Pogo on Tue May 22, 2012 at 11:13:17 PM EST
         At Friday's caucus in the 11th district, the old boy network was careful to not let any of the levers of power out of their grasp. They pre-selected a Romney's relatives slate. Everyone knew going in the results were pre-ordained, and with rules that few understood until they tried to nominate alternate candidates, no one else had a chance. While I'm not a C4Ler, I voted with them just to add to the protest vote.

         At the May 22 (Tuesday) 11th CDRC committee meeting, one of the state committee members announced that Saturday afternoon's state committee meeting (after the convention) resulted in some new rules  on the books. From now on at County conventions, elected Precinct Delegates who are not present will have preference over non P.D.s who are present when it comes to voting for delegates to state convention. There was some mention of them "sending a note" saying they wanted to go, not clear if that was mandatory. This change was suggested by Sol Anuzis, and approval voted by the the State Committee. I guess that "welcoming new blood" thing is out of fashion now, it didn't last long.

         Mr. Carl Berry, head of security for the convention, stated that the police had to be sent in at two of the May 19 District caucuses, over some sort of fracas. He didn't go into details. He also mentioned that in talking with Mr. Priebus, he was 80% sure that the Michigan national delegates that were penalized will be admitted as full voting members.

    My report on the convention (none / 0) (#6)
    by Republican Michigander on Wed May 23, 2012 at 05:20:42 PM EST
    Crossposted on my blog

    It was an interesting convention this year. I was a little miffed that it was held this time in a city that votes at least 93% Democrat each election, but it is what it is. It was definitely run much better than the infamous Breslin Center convention in 2010. Schostak learned from probably the biggest blunder in an otherwise very good and underrated chairmanship of his predecessor Ron Weiser.

    Most conventions are two day affairs. Friday Night is the caucus in our districts, and Saturday morning is when all of the state delegates votes. There was a lot of grumbling in some quarters over some of the results of the national delegate system this year. National delegates to the RNC convention is more of a symbolic role in nominating the next POTUS. There are some issues with rules committee or issues committee with platform, but I really find the platform hype to be overrated. I don't care about it much and haven't read it in years. As far as the national delegate goes, it's a bigger deal to others than me this year. I went as a non-delegate to convention in 2004. It was a great experience and I may go again someday. I did not run as delegate/alternate this year. It's generally a formality for the nomination and it's going to be for Romney. I was a Santorum voter. I'm not going to go for Romney. I'll hold my nose, but my efforts are going to be concentrated on the downticket races. If someone like a Mike Pence was the nominee, I'd definitely want to go.

    When I make my decisions for any position, especially a delegate position which is a big deal to those who want to go, I look at first to see if the individual running for that position has paid his or her dues. I don't mean membership dues or monetary dues, but time. It's hard to believe to some, but I'm considered an old timer in local party politics. Eleven years. I haven't been around the longest, but longer than most. I've held various titles and positions since then at either the county or district level. I say that not to brag, because I wasn't running for a national delegate position. That's the prism I have when I make my own decisions who to support as national delegate. Experience matters. The system used in district 8, was a fair system based on a gentleman's agreement between the county representation. One delegate and one alternate chosen by each of the three counties. There was some grumbling (not like 2010, but mild discontent) about it by those who weren't active in our meetings, but the plan was in effect. Each county "sub-caucus" chose its delegates. It was a fair system, and some people didn't like the results. Too bad. The process was fair, and the results were what they were. Those that do not like the results need to learn from it.

    One winner was the local tea party leader. He's a new activist, although extremely active with his group and has been at most of our events in the time he has been active.You can argue longevity, but I don't think he's going to disappear any time soon. There was a tie for second with someone I did not know at all (In my 11 years active) and one person who is sometimes at a meeting and at most conventions although most of us didn't know him well. Down in the pack were people who were active for years. I hope that the two who tied for alternate (tiebreak went to the person I've sometimes seen at a meeting/ most conventions) become more active, especially with our downticket races. My reaction is and was this to the results. Congratulations. "You have a lot of support. We have a lot of contests besides the presidential race and we need your help." I'd like to turn what many other old timers think is a negative into a positive. In other words, pay your dues. I don't mean with money, but time. I don't mean with other organizations, but with either County Party or District Party (or both). We need you.

    The complaints I've heard with District 8 were relatively minor compared to what I've heard with other districts with descriptions of hostile takeovers and other stuff. I wasn't there, so I'll let others describe what happened.

    I'm not that surprised at the results for RNC Committeeman. The writing was on the wall. I was a Saul supporter, but I've heard good things about Dave Agema, although I don't know him. I wish him well. Terri Lynn Land knows probably just about everybody at the convention which worked in her favor as she won her race as RNC Committeewoman.

    The lesson all sides need to take from the convention is this. Organization is king. Organization doesn't start two weeks before a convention. It doesn't start two weeks before the county convention. It starts before May 15th at 4PM at the filing deadline with precinct delegates announcing their run for office. It continues with write-in campaigns for precinct delegate openings before the August primary. Precinct delegates are those who vote for state delegates to convention, who caucus in district and as a whole. They also elect our executive committee members and our district committee members, and state committee members. It was our district caucuses that elect the national delegates. It is the committee of a whole that elects our RNC Committeeman and Committeewoman.

    Those who are organized, often win.
    http://www.republicanmichigander.blogspot.com/2012/05/may-2012-michigan-republican-convention.html

    It was an interesting convention this year. I was a little miffed that it was held this time in a city that votes at least 93% Democrat each election, but it is what it is. It was definitely run much better than the infamous Breslin Center convention in 2010. Schostak learned from probably the biggest blunder in an otherwise very good and underrated chairmanship of his predecessor Ron Weiser.

    Most conventions are two day affairs. Friday Night is the caucus in our districts, and Saturday morning is when all of the state delegates votes. There was a lot of grumbling in some quarters over some of the results of the national delegate system this year. National delegates to the RNC convention is more of a symbolic role in nominating the next POTUS. There are some issues with rules committee or issues committee with platform, but I really find the platform hype to be overrated. I don't care about it much and haven't read it in years. As far as the national delegate goes, it's a bigger deal to others than me this year. I went as a non-delegate to convention in 2004. It was a great experience and I may go again someday. I did not run as delegate/alternate this year. It's generally a formality for the nomination and it's going to be for Romney. I was a Santorum voter. I'm not going to go for Romney. I'll hold my nose, but my efforts are going to be concentrated on the downticket races. If someone like a Mike Pence was the nominee, I'd definitely want to go.

    When I make my decisions for any position, especially a delegate position which is a big deal to those who want to go, I look at first to see if the individual running for that position has paid his or her dues. I don't mean membership dues or monetary dues, but time. It's hard to believe to some, but I'm considered an old timer in local party politics. Eleven years. I haven't been around the longest, but longer than most. I've held various titles and positions since then at either the county or district level. I say that not to brag, because I wasn't running for a national delegate position. That's the prism I have when I make my own decisions who to support as national delegate. Experience matters. The system used in district 8, was a fair system based on a gentleman's agreement between the county representation. One delegate and one alternate chosen by each of the three counties. There was some grumbling (not like 2010, but mild discontent) about it by those who weren't active in our meetings, but the plan was in effect. Each county "sub-caucus" chose its delegates. It was a fair system, and some people didn't like the results. Too bad. The process was fair, and the results were what they were. Those that do not like the results need to learn from it.

    One winner was the local tea party leader. He's a new activist, although extremely active with his group and has been at most of our events in the time he has been active.You can argue longevity, but I don't think he's going to disappear any time soon. There was a tie for second with someone I did not know at all (In my 11 years active) and one person who is sometimes at a meeting and at most conventions although most of us didn't know him well. Down in the pack were people who were active for years. I hope that the two who tied for alternate (tiebreak went to the person I've sometimes seen at a meeting/ most conventions) become more active, especially with our downticket races. My reaction is and was this to the results. Congratulations. "You have a lot of support. We have a lot of contests besides the presidential race and we need your help." I'd like to turn what many other old timers think is a negative into a positive. In other words, pay your dues. I don't mean with money, but time. I don't mean with other organizations, but with either County Party or District Party (or both). We need you.

    The complaints I've heard with District 8 were relatively minor compared to what I've heard with other districts with descriptions of hostile takeovers and other stuff. I wasn't there, so I'll let others describe what happened.

    I'm not that surprised at the results for RNC Committeeman. The writing was on the wall. I was a Saul supporter, but I've heard good things about Dave Agema, although I don't know him. I wish him well. Terri Lynn Land knows probably just about everybody at the convention which worked in her favor as she won her race as RNC Committeewoman.

    The lesson all sides need to take from the convention is this. Organization is king. Organization doesn't start two weeks before a convention. It doesn't start two weeks before the county convention. It starts before May 15th at 4PM at the filing deadline with precinct delegates announcing their run for office. It continues with write-in campaigns for precinct delegate openings before the August primary. Precinct delegates are those who vote for state delegates to convention, who caucus in district and as a whole. They also elect our executive committee members and our district committee members, and state committee members. It was our district caucuses that elect the national delegates. It is the committee of a whole that elects our RNC Committeeman and Committeewoman.

    Those who are organized, often win.


    If it's county decision, I don't have an issue (none / 0) (#10)
    by Republican Michigander on Sat May 26, 2012 at 03:09:01 PM EST
    I'll need to see the details.

    If it's a state requirement, I have a big issue. To me, I don't like micromanagement of counties. It will teach activists that county parties matter.

    However, my personal view is T.S. to those who don't show up. A lot of my party votes are based on effort and those who show up.

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