Last Friday at a meeting in Orange County, the Board of Directors of the California Republican Party voted to affirm current party rules that state that you must be registered as a Republican in order to cast a ballot in California’s Presidential Primary this coming February.
As many FR readers know, last February I was elected by CRP delegates in the southern part of California to serve as their regional Vice Chairman on the Party’s Board of Directors. Along with my board colleague, Vice Chairman Tom Del Becarro, we jointly introduced a successful, one sentence resolution opposing any change in our current rules.
My decision to co-author this important statement from our Board came in light of news from National Committeeman Tim Morgan that if this current rule were to change, and non-Republicans were allowed to vote in the Presidential primary, it would likely not cost California any delegates (even though a change at the upcoming September convention would be after the deadline for states to submit their delegate selection process to the RNC).
**There is more – click the link**
July 16th, 2007 at 12:00 am
I heard that former Chairman Duff Sundheim berated Paul Bruno from Monterey for his vote in favor of your motion. Is that true?
July 16th, 2007 at 12:00 am
I think it would be fair to say that Duf is very passionate in his belief that non-Republicans should be allowed to vote in our primary. Because of that passion, he was clearly disappointed in the outcome of the vote. If he shared any thoughts after the vote with Paul Bruno, he did that in private.
July 16th, 2007 at 12:00 am
We know that Duf Sundheim always votes wrong on every issue (he is as predictable as Jimmy Carter in that respect), but can you tell us how the other Board members voted?
Thanks.
July 16th, 2007 at 12:00 am
I would like to offer a clarification. The resolution as voted upon stated –
Resolved: The Board of Directors of the California Republican Party supports our current rules that require that you must be a registered Republican to cast a ballot in the Republican Presidential primary in February, 2008.
Based upon the discussion and the vote, it is clear that the Board is split on this issue.
July 16th, 2007 at 12:00 am
If we want to shrink our numbers to just the “pure” Republicans, this is the way to do it. My daughter, who supports us on all the major issues, recently registered to vote and being independent minded, registered as a Declined To State against mt advise. I hate the thought of her voting in the Democrat Primary and forming some very bad habits. When we lived in Texas it was an open primary and the R’s held every statewide office, plus both chambers of the state house. Looks like Duf was right on one issue anyway.
July 16th, 2007 at 12:00 am
What kind of dumb-dumb would want NON-Republicans to have a say in and vote in Republican elections. That would be akin to letting the Burger King Board of Directors vote on policy, plans and directors for McDonalds. Think about it… that would be silly!!!
July 17th, 2007 at 12:00 am
As CRP Secretary, I’ve been asked to list the votes in regard to the vote on this resolution. Since this is public information and any CRP Member can access the minutes I’ll do so. I think it shows that Paul is right, it was a split Board.
Ayes: Del Beccaro, Forbis, Carlson, Bruno, Gadke, Fleischman, Boyd, Alby, Ackerman, Villines, Krvaric.
Noes: Maltby, Pruner, Buhler, Warren, Sundheim, Butcher, Morgan, Kise(Schwarzenegger), Francis.
July 17th, 2007 at 12:00 am
Only Republicans should vote in the Republican Presidential Primary.
And, only Republicans should be allowed to cast votes for Republican candidates.
And, all Republican voters should be asked to pass drug tests.
And, all Republican Board Members should be screened on their immigration status.
And – under Arizona law – the Republican Party’s license to do business in California would have been suspended for 10 days for negligently hiring illegal immigrants.
A second violation would put the GOP out of business!
July 17th, 2007 at 12:00 am
Thank you for the names, Jalene. As I mentioned before, having NON-Republicans voting in Republican elections is about as smart as having the Burger King Board of Directors voting on policy, plans and directors for McDonalds. DUMB! Now I know who I DON’T invest my $ with, those guys would lose it!