I have received dozens of calls over the last month about CRA and how one goes about getting a CRA endorsement. People could read our bylaws at the CRA website. I’ve learned that it easier to find my phone number on the site then click the by-laws link. So here is a quick primer.
Statewide endorsements and Board of Equalization are done at the Statewide Endorsing Convention. We recently had one in Bakersfield. Delegates sent by units and the Board of Directors then endorse statewide candidates and initiatives.
All endorsements at all levels require a two-thirds vote.
CRA is a conservative organization not only in beliefs, but also in how it operates. The state does not endorse in local races.
If the local race partisan or non-partisan has more than one unit in that area (meaning ANY of the geography regardless of size), a local endorsing convention must be called with delegates from all the affected units. With the current gerrymandered seats, some legislative districts could have several clubs that need to be invited to participate. A single club in a city may be able to vote in three or four districts depending on the boundaries.
If there are no overlapping boundaries the endorsement can be done by the local unit. If there are no units, the Board of CRA may make endorsements.
As CRA President it my responsibility to carry out the local wishes as best as possible, even if they don’t make sense to me.
It also requires candidates to be accountable to the local units in their area, not the "state" CRA. This is a good thing.
You can get all the details at the CRA website or I’m sure you will be calling me soon!