CRP FALL CONVENTION

The Fall Convention of the California Republican Party was held at Indian Well on September 7 through 9, 2007. The weather was hot, the debates were civil.

There were no controversial issues. The Platform Committee met at 10:00 on Friday and did not have a quorum. This contributed to the civil nature of other committees.

The Resolutions Committee presented two resolutions. The first was to support the 2/3-vote requirement to pass the California budget. The loopholes in Proposition 218 for increasing property taxes were not addresses. The second was to support President's Bush's new measures against illegal immigration.

Both passed easily by voice vote.

The Initative Committee report provided a spirited debate on the "Tribal Indian Gaming Compacts." The two positions were 1. The governor and the Republicans in the Legislature have the position that this is an attempt of the unions to obtain control and 2. Individuals that oppose any expansion in gambling. The resolution passes to support the governor and Republicans.

Other resolutions that were approved included support for Energy Independence, opposition to weakening Terms Limits, support of Fair Districts, and Presidential Election Reform.

The Rules Committee presented the most changes. Most were housekeeping items to clean up loose ends or clarify ambiguous language. There were two resolutions that effect the local Central Committees.

One would allow Central Committee members that collect signatures and are elected at election time to be members of the California Republican Party. It was approved.

The second change that effects Central Committees provides a mechanism for the CRP to provide endorsement of candidates for local office. The Central Committee must first endorse a candidate. Then the Chairman must request a CRP endorsement. Such a CRP endorsement can be provided even if there are more Republicans than there are openings. This amendment was approved. It does not supersede local bylaws. One interesting change involved delegates to the Republican National Convention. Presidential candidates must name their delegates and alternates before the Presidential Primary. That is, delegates and alternates will be known before people vote.

The 2008 Winter Convention will be in the Belly-of-the-Beast, San Francisco, next February.