2002 Texas GOP Convention - Observations from a Freeper Delegate

09 June 2002 | PetroniDE

[PetroniDE]

The Texas State GOP Convention was held in Dallas, Texas on June 7-8, 2002. The following are personal observations and activities from a Freeper's first time attendance as a delegate at this convention.

Thursday, 6 June 2002

I drove up from Houston with two other H.A.T. Freepers (Humblegunner and Flyer, they were my guests). Since the schedules would vary between delegates and non-delegates, we drove in separate vechiles, forming a two-car convoy. The drive took about 3-1/2 hours and we checked into the hotel ahead of schedule.

This was set-up day for the convention exhibits. The FR booth was already set-up and the three of us assisted in manning the booth. Even though the convention started on Friday, there were several committees in session (committee sessions started on Tuesday) and significant number of people in attendance. The only bad thing that happened was that some of the freep photos had not yet arrived. Eight freepers met for a nice BBQ dinner in the West End area.

Friday, 7 June 2002

The missing FR booth pictures arrived. They were set-up in the FR booth in addition to the FR Inaugural Ball Video. During the morning, I helped man the FR booth and talked to several people about FR.

The First General Session Convened at 1:00 pm. Mostly speeches, but a nice salute to all members/former members of the armed service branches (complete with their respective fight songs).

The First SD (Senate District) Caucus Session Convened at 5:00 pm. (Note: I am in SD17). Speeches by local candidates, and election of Permanent Caucus Chairman, Permanent Secretary, and Chairman of Credentials, Rules, Platform/Resolutions, Permanent Organization, and Nomination Committees. One of the speakers had noted that hearing are scheduled this summer in Austin, TX regarding textbook content of Texas History (I do not recall which person stated this). Fifteen freepers met for dinner at the Y.O. Ranch (west end). Good food (steak) but a little pricy.

Saturday, 8 June 2002

The Second SD (Senate District) Caucus Session Convened at 9:00 am. More speeches by local candidates. Election of SREC Commiteeman and Committeewoman. In my SD, both elections had multple candidates. Nominations regarding chairman and vice-chairman, Republican party of Texas were also held. After the caucus, I manned the booth for about an hour (giving MAF and others some needed relief) before the final general session.

The Second General Session Convened at 1:00 pm. Party Rules and Platform were approved. Heated debate occurred on several rule modifications. Three rules involved removal of term limits for National Committeeman/woman, State Party Chairman/Vice-Chairman, and SREC. I made a motion (eventually passed) that resulted in all three rules being adopted/not adopted in a single vote. As this was my first state convention, I did not plan on making a lot of motions, points of order, or debate speeches. However, after consultation with my SREC, conclusion was made that this was a good motion to make. Three of the H.A.T. FR members investigated Dallas pizza after the convention.

[Theodore R.]

I agree, and it would surely help to have some Republican nominees who felt as seriously about the forthcoming general election as you and I do! Thus far, Perry and Cornyn seem unaware that an election is on the horizon: they are too self-confident, and you and I know that too.

[Theodore R.]

Delwin Jones is a RINO in the tradition of Senator Jeff Wentworth, "R"-San Antonio. But the Lubbock Republicans refused to deny him renomination when they had a perfect chance to do so on March 12, 2002. I guess they just don't look past the word "incumbent."

[bobbyd]

You have FReep mail.

[lone star annie]

I was a delegate at the GOP convention and very much enjoyed it. From what I was told the people who wanted a loyalty oathe show up every 4 years to cause trouble then don't work very hard during the elections.

We should not require anyone to follow the platform 100%, but should expect to be challenged in the primary if they are not conservative enough. We need to all work in November or we will be seeing Ron Kirk and Tony Sanchez on a daily basis.

[PetroniDE]

This convention was my first. I intend to return.

I concur that the time to remove politicians who stray too much from conservative positions is in the primary. That was one (of several) reasons why the rule amendment was faulty IMO. Like them or not, for the '02 cycle, the GOP is stuck with the elected candidates. The opponents are NOT conservative, by any stretches of imagination.

Oh well, that part is history now. Time to start on the eampaign/election efforts.

[chad_dimple]

PetroniDE, MAF, BIGUN, all:

it was great to see y'all at the convention. I am soooo proud of my state, country, and fellow conservatives when I see us working for a better country; rather than putting blinders on or just whining like some others (esp. non-voters)!

Hope to see you all again soon!

[Bigun]

Yes indeed! Great meeting you Sir and I heartily concur!

[richardsongop]

I am in SD16. You are absolutely right. The time to choose our nominees for 2002 has past and we need to get out and work for the GOP ticket. Like most conservatives, I concur with the intent of rule 43, but we need to find a better way before the 2002 convention. From where I sat, I also thought the vote was close.

[richardsongop]

Make that the 2004 convention.

[richardsongop]

I am glad you enjoyed it. I have been attending since 1982 and still look forward to the next one. The better job we do this election, the more fun the 2004 convention in San Antonio will be. It will not be fun if Sanchez is in the mansion in Austin or Kirk is in on the hill in DC.

[PetroniDE]

2004 convention site already selected (San Antonio)? Sounds like fun.... Plan on being there.... Never been to San Antonio. Maybe Houston will host in '06. L.P. Brown will be gone by then.

[LurkerNoMore!]

It was wonderful to meet you and your brother!