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"There is probably action already afoot;"

You're right about that, it goes on all the time, has yearly since the beginning of this nation... but the 'action' is nothing like people here think. Joining political clubs helps, but the 'club' that has to be 'joined' isn't a club - it is the elective office at the bottom of the political ladder. In some states it is called the 'central committee' - other states distict politcal parties sparated into what are refered to as 'wards' (mostly in the eastern states.) But, these district level elected vote at the county level, and often go to state party functions and conventions, and vote there, often in exactly the wrong ways (from a conservative standpoint.)

You are most right about. '... we need to each start in our own towns and get started now on grass roots levels to elect conservative[s]'

But you'll have little effect in electing 'Congress critters/senators and get[ting] the RINOs out' - what you CAN effect is who becomes part of the elected GOP party members at the local district level - and by extension, at the state level. If you and other conservatives in your town pay attention to who gains these offices (most all are unpaid, by law) then you will do what needs done the most - and that is, keeping RINO's and inept people away from the ability to vote on state and local issues in your state - and rising within the party to the point that they have clout at the national party level.

Remember this - people think that because they are a 'registered Republican,' they are a member of the GOP. They are not. They are voters affiliated with the party, but they can NOT vote on party policy, they cannot attend state and national conventions, and vote there. They can not even vote at the county, or at district level...

Most of all, rememer this. Votes take place every month, at local, county and state levels. If the people (DUES paying, elected, or appointed members of the party) casting these votes are not conservatives, and a majority are liberals, then you do not have conservative principaled leadership in where you can most effect the course of your party - that is, in your own 'back yard.'

I'd highly advise that you call a Republican Party office in your state, find out from them the phone number of any local office in your town that might exist, or the nearest office to you. Call them, get their address and drive there - find out who the elected state party people are in your district, get their phone numbers, go see them. Find out where they meet, and go to their meetings - they will be very happy (usually) to have you. They may even 'appoint' or 'elect' you to join them (you'll have to pay state dues, usually 20-30 per year.) Now you can VOTE! Not only at the local meeting, but at the county level... you can also become a 'delegate' to state conventions, where much voting goes on. You'll soon see how conservative (or not) these people are - you'll learn who the good guys are, and who the bad ones are... and learn how to appose the bad ones.

It's a long, thankless - and somewhat expensive - but highly productive endeavor. I could go on for hours, and many pages. BUT... 'activists' who are not engaged here, are NOT doing much good otherwise. Small clubs can prepare you for this - if they're worth anything at all. Other clubs are about stoking the ego of the club leadership - and do little to nothing other than that.

Last point - you can effect the direction of the party yourself, when you do this - through your votes. All else is smoke an mirrors. Get yourself into the position of being able to vote on a monthly basis - on party direction. If you aren't doing that, you're not where you need to be.

Drop me freepmail if you have more questions. 8^)

Excellent post. I'll probably be a state delagate once again at the next state convention - which elects party leadership. I've been a delegate to every state convention that I wished to be a part of, and I'm not a big name in Republican politics.

The other thing I would add is that those who want to be active should run for a delegate position at the local level. Here, it's an elected office on the primary election ballot. I've run several times for that position myself, and won every time due to no opposition. Usually I'm the only person on the ballot and multiple positions are open.

Clubs ARE good and many of them double as PACS which are even more effective, but the major able way to make a difference is through the local political parties.