Arizona Republican Party Endorses Protect Arizona Now Initiative by 3-1 Margin

The Arizona Conservative ^ | 24 January 2004 | Dennis Durband

[Spiff]

Unbelievable! This is incredible news! The rank and file Republicans just turned against the state Republican party leadership, the state's Republican Congressional Delegation (McCain, Flake and Kolbe specifically), the Republican National Committee, and against the White House who have all opposed the PAN initiative.

In your FACE!!! We're mad as hell and we're not going to put up with this invasion anymore!!

[Spiff]

PING!

[Spiff]

More to the story:

Border Disconnect Boils Over; AZ GOP Chairman Under Fire

Dennis Durband, Editor
The Arizona Conservative
24 January 2004
Arizona Republican Party Chairman Bob Fannin on Saturday repeatedly called on members of his party to avoid division over the border controversy, during the annual AZ GOP convention in Mesa. However, after the general meeting, Fannin used the occasion of an executive board meeting to chastise district chairman for not supporting President George Bush's proposed Temporary Worker Program.

The move backfired on Fannin as angry district chairman revolted. Fannin's longevity as state party chairman beyond this second year of his two-year term is now very much in doubt.

Former Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives Jeff Groscost, now chairman of Legislative District 18, told Fannin he is the problem. Fannin was told that instead of opposing the vast majority of Republicans who support the Protect Arizona Now initiative and who oppose temporary and guest worker programs, he should use his position to relay that information to the White House.

Angry district chairmen believe that Fannin is out of touch with the grassroots precinct committeemen and that they cannot depend on him. Some of the chairmen discussed finding a replacement for Fannin, whose term expires in a year. The name of former Governor Fife Symington came up in a discussion of the volunteer chairman's position.

Earlier in the day, Fannin had opened the general meeting with these remarks: "We are on a roll! Hasn't this been a great week! The president of the United States was here, and he makes everybody happy with his down-to-earth ways. One way to keep on a roll is to stay united. We have such great principles. The only way the Democrats can beat us is if they can divide us."

Before adjourning the general meeting, Fannin issued another call for unity. By then, 74 percent of the precinct captains had voted to endorse the Protect Arizona Now initiative -- in direct opposition to the White House and GOP leadership. There has been a disconnect between party leadership and the people ever since the PAN effort launched last year.

Fannin's plea for unity lasted for only a few more moments. Shortly thereafter, the border issue boiled over in the executive committee meeting.

It's not like Saturday's 317-109 vote in favor of PAN was anything new to Fannin and Republican leadership. Just two weeks earlier, the Maricopa County GOP had endorsed the PAN initiative as well.

[TYVets]

"We're mad as hell and we're not going to put up with this invasion anymore!!"

I get the same impression. :|

[JackelopeBreeder]

Yes!!!!

[GeronL]

There are a lot of FReepers going to be upset that most Republicans will oppose this...

haha

I mean when they come over the border... shouldn't we do more than play the theme song from Rawhide??

Go PAN (not Vincente's Party either) go

[SCalGal]

Go Arizona!

[JackelopeBreeder]

I hope Rasputin Rove and the RNC are having a prolonged Maalox moment. Or maybe they need Imodium.

Arizona is taking it back, folks!

Rise up, California!

[SCalGal]

I hope Rasputin Rove and the RNC are having a prolonged Maalox moment. Or maybe they need Imodium.

Looks like they will need prescription strength by the time you folks are done!

[labolarueda]

This is indeed big news.

If Bush goes against the grain and disregards such initiatives, it could cost him a few states which could mean the presidency.

This is huge, or as someone explained to me: this is hugh and series if true.

[lentulusgracchus]

The Texas Republicans did that in 1996, and they were crushed. Governor Bush ran rich-boy bidness-wing RiNO trimmers against them in the primaries, even where the conservatives were the incumbent Republicans, and beat them with big money.

Those people are locked out of the Texas GOP now, which is a rich-kids' alumnae party now. You're nobody unless you're a business executive, a rich corporate lawyer, an Ivy League or Texas alum, or someone's heir.

[SCalGal]

This is huge, or as someone explained to me: this is hugh and series if true.

Now you have to go take a shower.

[JackelopeBreeder]

A few days ago the RNC was saying Phoenix and Maricopa County were critical to the election and a number one priority. I can't wait for the spin cycle on this development.

[Hugin]

“We want to re-elect George Bush and Dick Cheney in this state,” Sen. Allen said. “If this passes, we will suffer. The White House is very concerned about this initiative. This is not going to help our president in this state.”

Pandering to illegal aliens will not help Bush win in AZ or any other state. Calling Karl Rove. Your base is speaking. You might want to listen to them.

[Terpfen]

Home invasions in Phoenix are up 140 percent.

"Home invasions?" Could someone translate, please?

[DMCA]

That is when armed people rob your home while you are there.

[Terpfen]

Holy crap. Thank you.

[JackelopeBreeder]

A Gundam fan...

[Terpfen]

A Gundam fan...

Katoki first. Tomino second.