When I happily endorsed my friend of a quarter-century, Celeste Greig, for re-election as President of the California Republican Assembly I told her that I would pen something for her here on the FlashReport. On more than one occasion I have sat down in front of my computer to do just that. But each time I have found that writing an endorsement column for Celeste is not as easy as I would like. No, not because of reservations about Celeste. Celeste is a great person, a good leader for the CRA, and you’ll read more about my thoughts about Celeste below. This piece has been difficult to write because you cannot really talk about a candidate for CRA President without a candid discussion about the state of the CRA today.
Founded in 1934, the history of the California Republican Assembly (CRA) is as impressive as it is long. That having been said, I think it is normal for all organizations to go through ups and downs. There is no doubt that the CRA is in the midst of a downturn, that has been long in the making, and hopefully with another term as President, Celeste can play a key role in turning it around.
I served as CRA President from 1995-1997 — which were of course different times than today, not just for the CRA, but for the Republican Party in general. But at the time our model for successfully infusing new blood into the organization and keeping it vibrant was to encourage grassroots activism, and specifically to encourage activists who supported various candidates for national, state, or local office to join and become a part of the CRA. Even back then, some would complain that many joined the CRA just to “endorse their friends” — I didn’t see it that way. Well, the metrics speak for themselves. We had over 20, 000 dues paying members, registered more new Republicans than any other volunteer organization (to the chagrin of the California Federation of Republican Women), and I couldn’t begin to list the great speakers, and programs that took place.
These days, the CRA is a shadow of its former self — and it seems that the organization has been plagued with some in positions of leadership (this would not be Celeste, by the way) who would keep the CRA small under the banner of purity (perhaps less ideological, and more motivational), and there are some leaders in the group who, frankly, are the sort of folks that you would not choose to voluntary association yourself.
This is where my column starts to resemble a “Rocky” movie — as we lift from a low-point to finish on a high note.
There is no other organization like the CRA — and it has the ability, truly, to grow back into California’s premiere conservative Republican grassroots organization. And that opportunity will start at it’s upcoming 78th annual state convention, taking place in just under two weeks right by the San Francisco International Airport. The convention will not be large, but it will be critical to the forward-momentum and growth of the organization.
Key to that momentum will be the re-election of Celeste Greig as President. Using the word “adult supervision” I suppose could be demeaning to some, but it apply applies here. Celeste brings some critical traits to the helm of the CRA right now — maturity, wisdom, perspective, and a commitment to the organization that will serve her and the group well. Celeste is unflagging in her ideology – a true conservative whose passion for freedom and liberty is so strong that it is infectious! There is no important battle for the cause in which Celeste faulters for even a moment when engaging for our team. Celeste’s re-election, ideally paired with the election of her team (and equally as significantly the hopeful defeat of some of the immature types that seem intent on promulgating infighting) is very important, indeed. Critical, I would say, for the future of the CRA.
If you are a delegate at the CRA convention, casting a vote for Celeste will be the easiest vote you make at the convention. I support Celeste in her bid for re-election, and I hope that you will to. The liberals in California, regardless of which major party they hanging in, have every reason to be concerned about a resurgent California Republican Assembly.