My Impression of the State Convention
July 13, 2008 13 Comments
It was a big day for the conservatives at the Republican Party of Iowa State Convention. Almost the entire slate of candidates went to socially conservative candidates. In addition those attending the convention ousted current Republican National Committeeman Steve Roberts and State Representative Sandy Greiner. Many of us in attendance felt that due to the disastrous elections of 2006 it was time for a change in leadership. So accordingly we elected Steve Scheffler and Kim Lehman to represent us on the RNC. We can now only hope that they will be able to use their leadership skills to revive our ailing party.
The day started off ominous. There were many counties that were not allocated enough seating. There was even a couple of counties that were not allocated any seats. Not a good way to start a convention that was already showing signs of division. Unfortunately there were some people that leaped to conclusions and started on the character assassinations right away. These people felt that it was a deliberate attempt to silence them. Because of this seating confusion the first vote of the day in my opinion is somewhat suspect. I do not think that the counties that had a lack of seating could get an accurate vote count. This vote was to strike rule number 26 concerning the election of at large delegates to the Republican Party National Convention in Minneapolis.
Steve King was the next person to speak, he used the projectors to show repeated pictures of Supreme Court Judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg. If I was hungry at that point those pictures sure cured me of that. Showing those pictures that early in the morning was a rotten thing to do to us. Anyhow, King repeatedly stated that if we didn’t elect McCain that was what we were going to end up with on the Supreme Court. He animatedly implied that McCain would pick strict constructionist judges if he were elected president. I don’t know if I believe the same but we shall see.
Right after King speaks, Bob Vander Plaats introduced Mike Huckabee. This is the part of the show that many people had been waiting for. Mike gave what was possibly his greatest speech ever. One of the stories that he told was about a woman who when lacking money to give to his campaign gave up her wedding ring for Mike to use for his campaign. Of course he had to stump for McCain, but mostly he did so by examining Obama. He praised the Obama for his climb because many people claim that there is a racial barrier. However Mike did state that we could not allow Obama to rise any further.
After Mike spoke the nonleader Stu Iverson took nominations for National Committeeman and Committeewoman. Steve Scheffler went on the offensive early by taking jabs at the establishment. Following Scheffler was his opponent Steve Roberts. Roberts denounced the robocalls by saying that it was unconscionable for Iowans to use them against Iowans. Roberts also implied that he had not supported Iowa. Of course in this race it was Steve Scheffler that won and will have the honor of representing Iowa on the RNC.
Next candidates for the National Committeewoman were able to address the crowd. There were three candidates for this post; Sandy Greiner, Kim Lehman, and Linda Harrington. The first candidate to speak was Sandy Greiner who implied that Kim Lehman would be divisive. Sandy Greiner is a retiring legislature that has been volunteering for the Republican Party for over forty years. The next speaker was Kim Lehman. Lehman went on the offensive against the establishment. She especially railed against them for their support of social issues. The main message of her speech was that she would do her best to represent all Iowa Republicans while supporting all issues important to us.
Linda Harrington was the candidate that was able to speak. She worked on the campaign of Presidential candidate John Cox. Throughout her speech she made no mention of social issues.
Next up is the election of at-large delegates to the National Convention. This is another point where there was some friction. Once group of delegates felt that they were denied seating because of Gopal Krishna so they wanted to have him removed from the candidate list and replaced by John Ortega. This passed narrowly so Krishna is not going to the National Convention but Ortega is. All in all there was a lot of debate and a lot of name calling on both sides of this issue.
Next was the adoption of the State Party Platform. There were some amendments that were made to the platform, but I won’t go through them here. If you would like me to post them let me know and I will do so.
As I said at the beginning of this post, it was a huge day for the social conservatives of Iowa. And it was a great day to be a Republican. To me it looks like the Republican Party of Iowa definitely has a bright future.
After attending the State Rep. Convention, both Friday and Saturday, I find I have a lot to sort out, reflect upon… and lots of questions. It was my first convention… so I was a middle aged rookie.
The numerous photos of Ginsburg repeatedly flashed up on the big screens were a BIG turnoff for me. I found them to be offensive, uncalled for, and very unkind.
At some point, some speaker talked about treating others as we want to be treated. There surely was a better and more appropriate way to get the intended point across than showing those photos. It may seem to some reading this that I am picking on a minor point… but I think it is a major point- how uncivil we have become as a people.
I found myself wondering if the Democrat Convention was at all like the Rep. one, but I have NO desire to attend to find out. Maybe the name calling, yelling, and disorganization appealed to some- like in a sporting event when the coach gets a technical just to (hopefully) jazz up the crowd and players.
To a new person, it seemed to be a bitter and unfriendly gathering of people.
Had it not been for the Huckabee speech and one other speaker (Bill Salier, spelling???) it would have been a rather expensive, disappointing way to spend a weekend.
Guess one has to have a strong stomach for politics- or be on blood pressure medication. I sat in my assigned spot (at least I had one) and hoped that the other delegates had taken their medication before attending.
Huckabee said that the grass roots were the “heart and soul” of politics, and inspite of my dismay and discomfort at the convention- that is what I will work to continue to be- some of the heart and soul.
Great assessment of the convention. I loved when Lehman said that she wanted to unify the party around the platform. AMEN!!!!
It is always amazing to me how grown-ups can act like children, which I witnessed at this convention. It is pretty amusing to watch. I especially liked the immature behavior of those who were anti-Huckabee and decided to walk out when he was introduced. Grow-up.
Other than that, however, I am so pleased with the day and furthering our agenda of life and family.
One thing that I noticed was the lack of delegates in attendance at the convention. Now, I know the event was rescheduled, but I can’t think that was the whole reason.
From what I know from some counties, it was not easy to get a delegate spot… and then to see so many empty seats.
I find this sad and disturbing.
Actually, from my notes on Sat.:
Delegates at the convention: 1,296
Delegates who could have been there: 2,804
There seems to be a lack of just general organization in the counties- even communication about the basics – especially once the dates were rescheduled.
I know I am new at this whole process but these are my observations.
Leadership at all levels is so important!
were we at the same convention? Gopal was defeated by over 120 votes- somewhere around 15%- to me this is big message that the true Grassroots Iowa Republicans are not behind the Polk County based single issue orientated establishment and their win at all costs intimidaton of Republicans who may agree with their social values but do not agree with the messengers nor want to be preached to by sanctimonious hyprocrites that do not practice “Biblical” behaviour in their backroom doughnut shop meetings
Excuse me, akble, before you get so cocky about Gopal’s defeat. Let me remind you that the vote turned into an anti-polk county vote, period. It had nothing to do with single issues or hyprocrites. There were a lot of new delegates there who had no idea who or what Gopal stood for, but the argument was presented in such a way that there were too many delegates from polk county. No issues came up, just county prejudice.
just as there were many “uniformed” members voting in the Scheffler block that do not know the lengths and tactics they use to “win at any costs”
Gopal’s statement that all delegates to National Convention go through him- the “team captain’ and that they would vote as he said regardless of their own convictions or gain his support- then to tell a delegate that in his country- thought the USA was his country – that they have dogs and elephants and should the dogs not stay in line the elephants merely step on them and eleiminate them- great Chrisitan principle huh? and certainly ok for a top official from a “Christian” organization to use such intimidation to solidify his power as the real insider establishment that runs our- no the Republican Party of Iowa- open you eyes!! this is not about social conservatives but about egos and power corrupt backroom tactics to satisfy such egos – if those “new delates’ did understand what he truly about as well as a lot of good members of his organization they would have made the margin even greater
There have been so many accusations thrown around, but no proof……………..
proof? what constitutes proof? can give you many examples – still it comes down to who do you believe? who benefits the most? the voting list passed out before the voted Friday night were an “approved candidate list” approved by who?
The subsequent meeting afterwards to choose the 22 At large delegates had a list presented to them – as brought up on the floor convention day and not denied by the reporter as preapproved- by who?
Explain how the wife of the speaker was included as a National alternate when in fact she was defeated TWICE in voting Friday night by her full District? once as Delegate and then again as Alternate she was voted down yet two hours later she is approved by the committee headed by her husband off the infamous “Gopal list” – what credentials did she pocess that put her ahead of the State Co-Chair who was not even considered ?
Sorry not trying t create problems but to open eyes as to the tactics used – not by any organization but rather a couple leaders on their behalf-
Can we stop the bickering, regardless of what side you are on, the important part is to work toward taking the government back now.
Well, not to stir things up, but I recall the vote was not narrow at all; something like 750 for removal, and 250 against. We could call up the official record by contacting the state HQ and asking if someone really wants the official results.
Hmmm. Those numbers aren’t correct.
After reading all these comments I’m thinking
I really missed a bunch of “STUFF” at
State Convention. Should have come with one
shoe on and barefooted with the other foot with
my broken big toe. However, my phone rang
and rang for hours. Delegates just could not
believe what was happening. Was very discouraging
to “first timers”, too. Looks like we have a bunch
of work to do in order to unite our Party.
I’M READY!!! WILL Y’ALL HELP??
debyerly @mchsi.com
641.423.6577