Reflections on a Precinct Convention

Harris County Precinct 805 had its regularly scheduled Precinct Convention at 7:30 pm, right after the polls closed on a highly contested gubernatorial primary race. The polling location and meeting place was the same as it has been for many years for this highly Republican precinct (over 85%).

Much talk has been made over the past year or so about how angry the American people are about their government. About how the Republican Party had lost its way during the last decade. About how the party needed to get back on track on fundamental principles of smaller government, lower taxes, strong national defense, border security, etc.

It was anticipated that there would be a large voter turnout and increased participation in the party processes.

There was not…

Statewide, a highly contested three way gubernatorial race was decided by less than 19% of the registered voters. 19%! 4 out of 5 registered voters decided not to express their wishes about who the next governor of the state of Texas will be. The Democrat party pulled about 5% of the registered voters. 95 out of 100 registered voters showed no interest in their race.

Our precinct convention was attended by about 12-15 people. We went through the usual parliamentary procedures that go with any party convention and then we got to the part where we select delegates to the State Senate District Convention. Our precinct is allowed 28 delegates (and 28 alternates) to this convention. With the low turnout, anyone who wanted to go was given a delegate position. A precinct of around 4,000 voters could only turn out 12-15 people on a Tuesday night.

The issue of platform propositions came up next. Several people had good propositions that were voted on and passed with little discussion. I was able to introduce and pass the following resolution (written by Norman Adams).

"Texans resolve to urge Congress to develop a SENSIBLE IMMIGRATION POLICY! Americans deserve a policy that controls our borders, positively identifies all noncitizens, deports those with violent criminal records, and includes no shortcuts to citizenship. Work visas for noncitizens should be issued only to those who submit to a positive ID process and agree to pay penalty taxes in excess of taxes paid by citizens. Employers of noncitizens should be required to match those penalty taxes as an incentive to hire US Citizens first!"

This proposal was discussed favorably by all attendees and passed with unanimous consent of the convention.

Primary elections and Precinct Conventions are where the work to reshape and rebuild our party must take place. This is where we must elect new candidates who adhere to the Republican Party of Texas Platform. This is where we must find new leadership to build the strong Conservative party.

It appears we failed this year as nearly every Republican incumbent was re-nominated to stand for election in November, regardless of their big spending voting records. Regardless of their abandonment of Republican Party Platform positions.

We now move to the State Senate District Conventions. Those of us who have been selected as delegates must engage the party to pass platform proposals that reaffirm our position as a Conservative party. This is the next step in the battle. Let us not fail our fellow Conservatives.

Let us resolve to take this battle to the RPT State Convention this summer. Texas IS a Conservative state! Let's make certain that the Republican Party of Texas is as well.