Written by Rudy Cajka,  Delegate from Senate District 12  - Denton's Robson Ranch Community

We all know that things are bigger in Texas, and our  bi-annual Republican State Convention is no exception., qualifying as the nation's largest political convention with nearly 7000 delegates and alternates attending  June 12-14 in Houston. Political discussions were hot and heavy, matching the typical Houston June weather! As a result, the Texas GOP platform remains the most conservative in the country and a slate of conservatives will represent Texas both at the. National Convention and on the Republican National Committee.

Denton County, one of the "reddest" counties in Texas, was well represented, sending more than 200 delegates and alternates to the convention. The DCRP also was well-represented on the important committees which begin the convention's work prior to delegates' arrival.. Denton County Republicans played many important roles at the convention and were a key part of the proceedings, including serving on the committees which accomplish much of the convention's work as they meet for a number of days prior to the convention's opening session and chairing the caucuses where much of the voting takes place. They included:

• Nancy Dillard --  State Nominations Committee from Senate District 12
• DCRP Chair Dianne Edmondson - Caucus Chair for Congressional District 26
• Tom Ferguson  - Caucus Chair for Senate District 9 and Presidential Elector for CD 24
• Richard Hayes -- Rules Committee from Senate District  30
• Tim Hoy -- National Nominations Committee from Congressional District 24
• Bill Lawrence -- Permanent Organizations Committee from Senate District 12
• Lewis Lowe -- Credentials Committee from Senate District 9
• Deon Starnes -- Platform Committee from Senate District 30
• Tom Washington -- Rules Committee from Senate District 9

Denton County's delegates and alternates actively participated in all of the convention activities including attending and voting in Senate Districts  9, 12 and 30 caucuses,  Congressional District 24 and 26 caucuses as well the General Sessions of the convention.  Party rules and state law mandate certain functions for state conventions.

Key activities this year were:

• Election of the State Republican Chairman and Vice-Chairman.
• Preparation, development and approval of the Texas State Republican Party Platform.
• Update and approval of the Party's Rules for Conventions and Meetings.
• Election of State Republican Executive Committee (SREC) members from each of  Texas' 31 State Senate districts.
• Election of delegates and alternates to the Republican National Convention to be held Sept. 1 - Sept. 4, 2008 in Minneapolis- St. Paul where Sen. John McCain is expected to win the GOP presidential nomination.
• Election of Presidential Electors from each of the state's 32 Congressional districts.
• Election of a Republican National Committeeman and National Committeewoman.

Keeping us on the edges of our seats, many votes were very close - only one or two votes determined the outcome in several instances.

We  also enjoyed meeting Republican office holders and candidates from both the state and federal levels at the many receptions and dinners held during the convention.  Among the weekend's highlights were the speeches given by Newt Gingrich, Senators John Cornyn and Kay Bailey Hutchison, and Governor Rick Perry in the General Assembly; Mitt Romney at the Republican Party of Texas Banquet; and Phyllis Schlafly at the Texas Eagle Forum Banquet.  Our participants met and discussed current issues with Denton County legislators including Congressmen Michael Burgess and Kenny Marchant;  State Senators  Chris Harris, Jane Nelson and Craig Estes; and State Representatives Myra Crownover and Tan Parker, all from Denton County. Other Denton County elected officials in attendance included  Tax Assessor/Collector Steve Mossman and Judges Joe Bridges and Darlene Whitten.

In an exciting finale, nine Denton County Republicans were honored by being elected as delegates or alternates to the Republican National Convention.

Attending a State Convention is a privilege for Republicans who are active in the Party and interested in important current political issues.  In addition to all of the convention business, attending a Texas Republican convention gives the attendees the opportunity to meet other Republicans from all over the state, exchange ideas, increase their enthusiasm for the Republican Party and its principles and, of course, a state convention provides a lot of fun for the attendees.  In the future, we hope that even more Denton County Republicans can attend the next Texas state GOP convention which will be held in Dallas, TX in 2010. Contact our DCRP Headquarters to learn how YOU may be one of them!

 

DENTON COUNTY REPRESENTATIVES ON STATE AND NATIONAL COMMITTEES

State Chairman
Tina Benkiser

State Vice Chairman
Dr. Robin Armstrong

State Republican Executive Committee
Jane Burch and Tim Hoy (SD 9)
Jean McIver and Tom Quinones (SD 12)
Ashlea Quinonez and Clyde Siebman (SD 30)
Republican National Committee (RNC)
Cathie Adams and Bill Crocker (all of Texas)

Please visit the Denton County GOP website  (www.dentongop.org) for more information.