State GOP Rules 2010 for Conventions.

Please note, this site has some good info on it but I use it now primarily for info drops so that I can have a link to that information. The rest of the info on the side bars may be out of date. What is below is up to the date of this blog entry, 7/26/2010
Regards, Live Dangerously Be A Conservative

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REPUBLICAN PARTY OF MICHIGAN
PROPOSED RULES FOR
SELECTION OF DELEGATES AND ALTERNATES
TO THE
2010 REPUBLICAN COUNTY AND STATE
FALL CONVENTIONS
AS ADOPTED BY THE
MICHIGAN REPUBLICAN STATE COMMITTEE
ON JUNE 20, 2009
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. DATE AND CALL OF COUNTY CONVENTIONS ............................................. 1
2. COUNTY CONVENTIONS ........................................................................................ 2
3. COUNTY CONVENTION CHAIR ............................................................................ 2
4. SELECTING THE TEMPORARY CHAIR OF THE CONGRESSIONAL
DISTRICT PORTIONS OF THE COUNTY ........................................................... 2
5. COUNTY CONVENTION DELEGATES ................................................................ 3
6. PROXY VOTING PROHIBITED ............................................................................. 5
7. DELEGATE APPORTIONMENT TO STATE CONVENTION ....................... 5
8. METHOD OF ELECTING DELEGATES TO THE STATE CONVENTION 5
9. PROCEDURE FOR REPORTING SELECTION OF DELEGATES AND
ALTERNATES ............................................................................................................... 9
10. ISSUANCE OF CREDENTIALS ............................................................................. 10
11. OPTIONAL CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT CAUCUSES .............................. 10
12. FILLING STATE CONVENTION DELEGATE VACANCIES ....................... 11
13. MODIFIED UNIT RULE/METHOD OF VOTING ........................................... 12
14. PURPOSES OF STATE CONVENTION .............................................................. 12
15. A REPRESENTATIVE DELEGATION ................................................................ 13
16 STATE CONVENTION RULES .............................................................................. 13
17. WAIVER ........................................................................................................................ 13
18. AMENDMENTS TO THESE RULES .................................................................... 13
EXHIBIT A (State Convention Rules) ........................................................................... 14
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1. DATE AND CALL OF COUNTY CONVENTIONS
County conventions shall be held at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time, Thursday, August
12, 2010, throughout the state at locations registered with the Michigan Republican
Party (“MRP”) by Thursday, July 15, 2010.
The location, time and date of meeting of all such county conventions shall be
designated in the call issued for such convention by the chair of the county executive
committee (whose term of office commences January 1, 2009), by Thursday, July 15,
2010. For the purposes of these Rules, the term “county committee” shall be read to
include the congressional district committees in Wayne County and the congressional
district portion committees within the boundaries of Wayne County.
The county executive committee must forward by first class mail a copy of such
call to each candidate for state legislative office, county office, and precinct delegate for
the August 3, 2010, primary election. In addition, such call shall be sent to all
incumbent Republican members of the State Legislature and the Michigan
Congressional delegation and Statewide Officeholders (see Rule 5C) where such person
resides in the county in question. Although all candidates for state legislative office,
county office, and precinct delegate shall receive a call to the county convention, the call
must indicate ONLY DULY ELECTED PRECINCT DELEGATES, THE REPUBLICAN
NOMINEES FOR STATE LEGISLATIVE AND COUNTY OFFICE, AND INCUMBENT
MEMBERS OF THE STATE LEGISLATURE AND THE MICHIGAN CONGRESSIONAL
DELEGATION AND STATEWIDE OFFICEHOLDERS (WHERE SUCH PERSON
RESIDES) SHALL BE ALLOWED TO VOTE ON MATTERS AS MAY PROPERLY COME
BEFORE THE COUNTY CONVENTION. The call shall also provide, however, that
unsuccessful candidates for state legislative office, county office, and precinct delegate
are encouraged to attend the county convention.
In the event that delegates to the state convention to be held on August 28, 2010,
(hereinafter sometimes referred to as the “State Convention”) are to be elected by an
apportionment method in a county convention, as set forth in Rule 8A, a copy of such
apportionment shall be included in the call issued for such convention and mailed to
delegates and Republican nominees.
A copy of the official call for county conventions must be received by the County
Clerk and the MRP Headquarters, 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, Michigan 48933, by
Thursday, July 15, 2010.
If the MRP does not receive the official call by July 15, 2010, the State Party Chair
is authorized to rescind any call which may have been or will be issued by the chair of
the county executive committee. The State Party Chair is further authorized to issue a
call to that county convention.
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2. COUNTY CONVENTIONS
Except for Wayne County (where conventions are held by congressional district
or parts of congressional districts within the boundaries of Wayne County), there shall
be no separate congressional district conventions; only county conventions are to be
held pursuant to these Rules. For the purposes of these Rules, the term “county
convention” shall be read to include those conventions held by congressional districts in
Wayne County or parts of congressional districts within the boundaries of Wayne
County. Where county conventions are held in counties containing more than one
congressional district or parts of more than one congressional district within the
boundaries of the county, the county convention shall meet as one body for all business
purposes, including the election of a chair of the full convention in accordance with Rule
3, except that the various congressional districts or portions of congressional districts
within the county shall caucus separately, in sub-conventions, at that county convention
for purposes of selecting delegates and alternates to the State Convention. The
temporary congressional district chair (as selected pursuant to Rule 4) for each such
congressional district portion of the county, shall call such congressional district subconvention
within the county to order. In addition to electing delegates and alternates
to the State Convention, each county convention shall discuss (but not necessarily take
any action upon) the issues that will be considered by the State Convention.
3. COUNTY CONVENTION CHAIR
The county convention shall be called to order by the chair of the county
executive committee. The county chair shall act as temporary chair until the delegates
elect a permanent chair. A permanent chair shall be elected as follows: The county chair
shall cause to be read both the list of precinct delegates duly elected at the August 3,
2010 primary as certified by the County Clerk, and the list of at-large delegates. As the
name of each delegate is called, the delegate shall state his or her choice for permanent
chair. The person receiving the majority of the votes of the delegates present shall
become permanent chair. The convention may waive the reading of the list of delegates.
4. SELECTING THE TEMPORARY CHAIR OF THE CONGRESSIONAL
DISTRICT PORTIONS OF THE COUNTY
The temporary chair of each congressional district portion of a county shall be
selected as follows:
If a chair of one of the current fifteen (15) congressional districts resides in
a congressional district portion of the county, this person shall be the
temporary chair of that congressional district portion of the county.
If no chair of one of the current fifteen (15) congressional districts resides
in a congressional district portion of the county or is unable to attend the
county convention, then the vice chair of the congressional district shall be
the temporary chair of that congressional district portion of the county.
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If no chair or vice chair of one of the current fifteen (15) congressional
districts resides in the congressional district portion of the county or is
unable to attend the county convention, then the chair of the congressional
district shall designate the temporary chair of that congressional district
portion of the county.
If no chair, vice chair or chair's designee of one of the current fifteen (15)
congressional districts resides in a congressional district portion of the
county or is unable to attend the county convention, then the county chair
(or the State Party Chair, if in Wayne County) shall select the temporary
chair of that congressional district portion of the county.
5. COUNTY CONVENTION DELEGATES
A. Delegates
Delegates to county conventions held August 12, 2010, for the purpose of
electing delegates and alternates to the State Convention, shall be the precinct delegates
as elected at the August 3, 2010, primary election, and the most recent Republican
nominees for state senate, state representative, county-wide and county commission
positions, all incumbent Republican members of the State Legislature, the Michigan
Congressional delegation, and Statewide Officeholders (see Rule 5C) where such person
resides in the county in question. These nominees will be henceforth referred to as “atlarge
delegates.”
In the event that a delegate arrives at the county convention following its
commencement, that individual shall be immediately seated after reporting to the
secretary of the county convention. Such delegate thereafter shall cast his/her vote on
all convention business.
B. Filling of Precinct Delegate Vacancies
For purposes of filling a vacancy in precincts where no precinct delegate
was ever elected, a county convention may fill such vacancy for the balance of the
unexpired term by a majority vote of the precinct delegates present, provided that the
vacancy shall be filled by a person who is a qualified registered elector residing in the
precinct in which such vacancy occurs.
For purposes of filling a vacancy in precincts where a vacancy results from
a precinct delegate, duly elected, having died, resigned, or changed voter registration out
of the precinct from which the precinct delegate was elected, a county convention may
fill such vacancy for the balance of the unexpired term by a majority vote of the precinct
delegates present, provided that the vacancy shall be filled by a person who is a qualified
registered elector residing in the precinct in which such vacancy occurs.
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For purposes of filling a vacancy in precincts where a precinct delegate,
duly elected, fails to attend this particular county convention or, if the convention
wishes, the vacancies described above, such convention may fill such vacancy on a
temporary basis for only this convention by a majority vote of the precinct delegates
present, provided that the vacancy shall be filled by a person who is a qualified
registered elector residing in the precinct in which such vacancy occurs.
For purposes of filling a vacancy in precincts where a precinct delegate,
duly elected, is also a delegate at-large, a county convention may fill such vacancy on a
temporary basis by a majority vote of the precinct delegates present, provided that the
vacancy shall be filled by a person who is a qualified registered elector residing in the
precinct in which such vacancy occurs.
Where a precinct delegate vacancy is filled on a permanent basis, the
convention chair and secretary shall forward such names and addresses with
precincts/wards indicated to the MRP headquarters by Monday, August 16, 2010, along
with the certified list of delegates and alternates to the State Convention. Failure to
forward such names in this manner, shall mean that the vacancy was filled temporarily.
In a county convention, the convention, acting as one body, shall
determine whether to fill precinct delegate vacancies, and shall, if it shall so determine,
fill such vacancies. In no event shall a precinct delegate vacancy be filled, either on a
permanent or temporary basis, until after all voting for State Convention delegates or
alternates is completely finished.
C. Candidates as Delegates
All Republican members of the State Legislature and the Michigan
Congressional delegation shall be entitled to attend the county convention as delegates
at-large of the county convention where such person resides.
The following Statewide Officeholders shall be entitled to attend the
county convention as delegates at-large of the county convention where such person
resides:
(1) The governor, if the Governor is a Republican;
(2) The lieutenant governor, if the Lieutenant Governor is a
Republican;
(3) The secretary of state, if the Secretary of State is a Republican;
(4) The attorney general, if the Attorney General is a Republican; and
(5) A United States senator, if the United States Senator is a
Republican.
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The most recent person nominated as a Republican candidate for state
legislative or county office shall also be a delegate at-large to the August 12, 2010,
county convention in which such person maintains his/her legal residence.
The number of delegates at-large shall be in addition to the number of
delegates specified in the call for the August 12, 2010, county conventions.
D. No Restriction on Qualification of Delegates
The individuals who can attend and participate in the August 12, 2010
county conventions are referenced in these Rules. The county convention may not
adopt or enforce any restriction on the qualification of the delegates who can attend and
participate in the August 12, 2010 county conventions, including but not limited to, the
requirement that a county convention delegate must be a dues-paying member or a
contributor to the county party in question.
6. PROXY VOTING PROHIBITED
No delegate to any convention or caucus governed by these Rules may give a
proxy to represent him/her at such convention or caucus.
7. DELEGATE APPORTIONMENT TO STATE CONVENTION
The number of delegates elected to the State Convention shall be apportioned to
the several counties in proportion to the number of votes cast for the Republican
candidate for Secretary of State in each of said counties, respectively, at the 2006
November election. This apportionment shall be determined by the Credentials
Committee. No delegation may be enlarged by apportioning a fractional vote to each of
the delegates. In addition to the proportionate number of delegates allocated to each
county, all incumbent Republican members of the State Legislature and the Michigan
Congressional delegation, and Statewide Officeholders (see Rule 5C), shall be entitled to
attend the State Convention as delegates at large of the congressional district in which
they reside. The authority to approve the final apportionment of delegates to the State
Convention is delegated to the Credentials Committee.
8. METHOD OF ELECTING DELEGATES TO THE STATE CONVENTION
The county conventions may exercise one of two options for electing State
Convention delegates and alternates--the apportionment method or the at-large
method. The convention must use one or the other system. If the apportionment
method is used and there are still vacancies in the State Convention delegation or
alternate slate(s) following such elections, these only may be filled by an at-large vote.
In order to recognize the importance of precinct delegates, in the event that: (1) a
precinct delegate duly elected at the August 3, 2010 primary election; (2) attends the
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August 12, 2010 county convention; and (3) desires to attend the State Convention as a
delegate (or as an alternate if State Convention delegate positions are filled by precinct
delegates attending the county convention), then such precinct delegate shall be given
preference (over a non-precinct delegate or a precinct delegate who does not attend the
county convention) to be elected as a delegate or alternate to the State Convention.
Between two or more such precinct delegates who attend the county convention, no
preference shall be given. In order to recognize hard-working Republicans, who may
not be precinct delegates, a county convention, acting as one body, may authorize the
election of up to two eligible individuals per county or congressional district portion not
subject to this preference, as though they were, to attend the State Convention as
delegates or alternates. In counties containing more than one congressional district or
congressional district portion, the actual selection of individuals to whom this
preference shall be granted, if authorized by the full county convention, shall be
executed in the respective district caucuses of the county convention. Under this
paragraph, no preference is given to anyone who does not attend the county convention.
Violation of this preference requirement is subject to challenge pursuant to Rule 8C.
To facilitate this process, before any voting on the delegates or alternates to the
State Convention occurs, the chair of the county convention or the congressional district
or congressional district portion sub-convention shall make an announcement seeking
the names of those precinct delegates in attendance who wish to attend the State
Convention as a delegate or alternate. Any precinct delegate who is in attendance prior
to the commencement of the initial vote who indicates he or she wishes to attend the
State Convention as a delegate or alternate shall be considered to be in attendance for
any subsequent vote on the State Convention delegation and shall be eligible for this
preference.
Any person is eligible to run for delegate or alternate to the State Convention
irrespective of whether they are precinct delegates or in attendance.
County conventions shall elect alternates to the State Convention in the same
number and in the same manner as the election of delegates. Delegates and alternates
shall be registered electors of their respective counties and districts, and no delegate or
alternate will be entitled to a seat in the State Convention who does not reside in the
county and district he or she proposes to represent. In a county containing more than
one congressional district or portions of more than one congressional district, the
various congressional districts or portions of congressional districts shall caucus
separately at that county convention for purposes of State Convention delegates and
alternate selection; delegates from one congressional district may not select State
Convention delegates and alternates with respect to another congressional district.
A. Apportionment Method of Electing State Convention Delegates and
Alternates
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At the time of issuing the call for a county convention, the county executive
committee may apportion to the various wards, precincts, townships, cities, or districts,
of such county the delegates to the State Convention to which such county is entitled.
The delegates to the county convention from each ward, precinct,
township, city, or district, as the case may be, shall choose the delegates to the State
Convention that have been apportioned to such ward, precinct, township, city, or
district. Delegates and alternates to the State Convention shall be residents of the ward,
precinct, township, city or district from which they were elected. The number of
delegates so apportioned to the several wards, precincts, townships, cities and districts
shall approximate, as nearly as may be, the number of delegates to which said county
may be entitled.
If the apportionment system of delegate selection is employed in
accordance with Rule 1, then contiguous, townships, cities, or electoral districts, as the
case may be, may be joined together for the purpose of creating single or multi-delegate
districts for the purpose of state delegate and alternate selection; provided, however: (1)
townships, cities, or districts which may be joined together must be contiguous to each
other; and (2) only whole townships, cities, or districts may be joined together - no
divisions of these jurisdictions within a county’s boundaries shall be permitted.
If the apportionment system of delegate and alternate selection is used,
the apportionment system must be based on the same formula referenced in Rule 7 to
apportion State Convention delegates (i.e. based on the 2006 vote for the Republican
candidate for Secretary of State).
Under an apportionment system of delegate and alternate selection, when
the electing bodies (ward, precinct, township, city, or district, as the case may be)
created for delegate and alternate selection have completed their selections, such
choices are final and may not be changed by the county convention.
In the event that a delegate and alternate selection district (ward, precinct,
township, city, or district, as the case may be) does not elect its full delegation, then such
vacancies in the delegation to the State Convention shall be filled, at-large, by the full
county convention.
In the event that an apportionment method of electing delegates to the
State Convention is utilized, all delegates shall be apportioned; there shall not be
reservations of certain state delegate positions as at-large positions.
An apportionment plan which satisfies the requirements of these Rules
must be precisely followed by the county convention and cannot be changed or ignored
by the convention or any sub-unit of the convention. As indicated in Rule 1, any
apportionment plan to be used at the county conventions must be devised prior to the
issuance of the call to the delegates and must be included with the call to the delegates.
B. At-Large Method of Electing State Convention Delegates and Alternates
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If the at-large method is used, or if the apportionment method is used but
is not completed or followed in the selection of delegates, the convention shall choose
the delegate or delegates to which such ward, precinct, township, city or district may be
entitled.
When selecting delegates and alternates at-large in a county convention,
there is no requirement for apportionment of State Convention delegates or alternates
to any areas of the county. All delegates and alternates are selected by the entire county
convention; provided, however, that in a county containing more than one congressional
district or portions of more than one congressional district, the various congressional
districts or portions of congressional districts shall caucus separately at that county
convention for purposes of State Convention delegate and alternate selection.
Conventions may employ any one of several methods of at-large delegate
and alternate selection:
(1) Nominations from the floor. If nominations are made individually,
then if the number of nominees exceeds the number of State Convention delegates and
alternates, each convention delegate votes for each position on the State Convention
delegate and alternate slate.
(2) A nominating committee may be appointed by the chair. The chair
of the county convention or the county portion of a congressional district may appoint a
committee to draw up a proposed slate of delegates. This committee may be of any size.
The committee then develops a proposed slate of delegates and alternates, which is
presented to the convention for approval.
Chairs often appoint a nominating committee weeks before the actual convention
so that the names chosen for the slate are carefully researched and selected. For this to
be permissible, the convention chair must reappoint the same committee at the
convention.
Whenever nomination is by nominating committee, the rules
adopted for that convention should include a clause stating that “the report of the
delegate selection committee [or something similar] shall be received.”
Once the slate is received, it may be amended by the convention. A
motion may be made to strike one or more names and replace it/them with others.
Thus, the slate is amended until it satisfies a majority of the convention, and then it is
approved.
(3) Groups may propose their own “slates.” When nominations are by
slate, then the choice may be made between opposing slates. If a slate-vs-slate system is
used, the procedure must be approved by the convention before the votes are taken.
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If nominations are by nominating committee or by slate, the most
common technique is to propose a slate and allow it to be amended by the convention.
A slate is amended by a motion to strike one or more names and replace it/them with
others. Thus, the slate is amended until it satisfies a majority of the convention, and
then it is approved. A slate must comply with the precinct delegate preference
provisions of this Rule.
C. Credentials Challenges
All credentials challenges shall be filed with the MRP Headquarters no
later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Tuesday, August 17, 2010; provided, however, that
the Credentials Committee may extend this challenge deadline in the event that the
chair of the county convention subject to challenge fails to report the delegate/alternate
list in accordance with the time frames established by Rule 9. Such challenge must be
signed. Since the burden of proof necessary to sustain a challenge is upon the
challenger, some tangible evidence of the challenge must be provided to the Credentials
Committee as part of the challenge. No challenge raised after 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time,
Tuesday, August 17, 2010 (unless extended as provided herein) shall be considered.
Only credentials challenges timely filed, shall be decided by a Credentials Committee
comprised of the State Party Chair, the Budget Committee Chair, the Policy Committee
Chair, the National Committeeman, the National Committeewoman, the State Party
General Counsel, and the State Party Co-Chair. Such Committee shall be chaired by the
State Party Chair who shall call a meeting of the Committee by Thursday, August 19,
2010, at a time and location he shall establish. The Credentials Committee may meet, if
the Chair so desires, via conference call. The Credentials Committee’s decisions shall be
communicated to the Rules Committee of the State Convention, and shall become part
of that Committee’s report and shall not be subject to change by the full State
Convention absent a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the delegates present and voting. The
Credentials Committee’s decisions shall result in the issuance of credentials by the
Convention officers prior to the optional district caucuses on Saturday, August 28, 2010.
9. PROCEDURE FOR REPORTING SELECTION OF DELEGATES AND
ALTERNATES
The chair of each county convention shall send a certified list electronically in
Microsoft Excel format of the delegates and alternates chosen by such county
convention in a form prescribed by the State Party Chair to the MRP by 1:00 p.m. of
Monday, August 16, 2010. Each delegate certification list shall provide the registered
voting address of each State Convention delegate and alternate so that the temporary
roll of the State Convention may be prepared. Any delegate certification list not received
electronically in Excel format by the MRP by 1:00 p.m. of Monday, August 16, 2010, will
not be received and therefore will have to be presented before the Credentials
Committee (see Rule 8C) prior to seating any delegate from the county convention in
question.
The State Party Chair shall make available a list of the delegates and alternates
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for a particular county convention to: (1) any State Convention candidate, or his or her
representative; or (2) any delegate or alternate delegate to the county convention in
question.
In addition to the District Chairs, National Committeeman and National
Committeewoman who are automatic Convention officers, the State Party Chair shall
have the discretion to appoint Convention officers to govern the State Convention and to
assist the District Chairs to govern the optional congressional district caucuses. No staff
member of the Michigan Republican Party shall be appointed as a Convention officer.
Any additional Convention officers named by the State Party Chair shall only complete
tasks within an optional district caucus with the approval of the District Chair; however,
a Convention officer may exercise their authority under these Rules if these Rules are
not followed for any reason. Nothing in this Rule is intended to limit the authority of a
District Chair.
10. ISSUANCE OF CREDENTIALS
All credentials shall be issued by Convention officers at a location or locations
convenient to the sites of the optional congressional district caucuses and the State
Convention. Credentials shall only be issued to each delegate, alternate, guest, or VIP
personally and individually, and no other person is authorized to pick up credentials on
behalf of such person. Prior to being issued credentials, each delegate, alternate, guest,
or VIP, shall identify himself or herself by presenting an official state identification card,
operator's or driver's license, or other generally recognized picture identification card.
All credentials challenges shall be decided by the Credentials Committee.
11. OPTIONAL CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT CAUCUSES
The delegates and alternates to the State Convention may, at the call of the
District Chair, caucus in individual district caucuses at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time on
Saturday, August 28, 2010.
All optional congressional district caucuses shall follow Robert's Rules of
Order Newly Revised on matters not covered by these Rules. Before the permanent
officers are elected for each optional congressional district caucus, State Convention
delegate vacancies shall be filled as provided in Rule 12.
The temporary chair of each optional congressional district caucus shall be
selected as follows:
If a chair of one of the current fifteen (15) congressional
districts resides in the congressional district, this person
shall be the temporary chair of that optional congressional
district caucus.
If no chair of one of the current fifteen (15) congressional
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districts resides in the congressional district, or is unable to
attend the optional district caucus, then the vice chair of the
congressional district shall serve as temporary chair of that
optional congressional district caucus.
If no chair or vice chair of one of the current fifteen (15)
congressional districts resides in the congressional district,
or is unable to attend the optional district caucus, then the
chair of the congressional district shall designate the
temporary chair of that optional congressional district
caucus.
If no chair, vice chair, or chair's designee, of one of the
current fifteen (15) congressional districts resides in the
congressional district or is unable to attend the optional
district caucus, then the State Party Chair shall select the
temporary chair of that optional congressional district
caucus.
12. FILLING STATE CONVENTION DELEGATE VACANCIES
In order to increase participation at the optional congressional district caucuses
and the State Convention, the elevation of alternates to delegates shall be a
nondiscretionary, automatic and consistently-applied process. At all times during the
optional congressional district caucuses and the State Convention, alternates shall be
automatically elevated to delegates. The District Chairs and other Convention officers
have the authority to elevate alternates. Any challenges to the elevation of alternates
shall be determined by the Credentials Committee.
State Convention delegate vacancies shall be filled from the alternates within the
same county and congressional district as the absent delegate. Thus, if a delegate
vacancy is from the 8th congressional district portion of Shiawassee County, then it
must be filled by a duly elected alternate from the 8th district portion of Shiawassee
County. Similarly, if the delegate vacancy is from the Wayne County portion of the 15th
district, then the vacancy can only be filled by a duly elected alternate from the Wayne
County portion of the 15th district.
In filling vacancies at either the optional district caucus or on the floor of the
State Convention, counties must use the numerical elevation system of alternate
elevation. Under this system, alternates within the county or county portion of a
congressional district are elected on a numerical basis (first alternate, second alternate,
etc.) by the convention or county portion of a congressional district at the time of their
election and are elevated to fill delegate vacancies in that order. Thus, the first alternate
is given the first vacancy, and so on.
In the event that a delegate arrives or returns to either the optional district
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caucus or State Convention floor after an alternate has taken his or her place, the
delegate immediately resumes his or her place and shall cast his or her vote on all
business which occurs thereafter.
Where an alternate has been elevated and the delegate whose position he or she
has taken returns to claim his or her seat, the alternate shall be returned to the alternate
pool.
13. MODIFIED UNIT RULE METHOD OF VOTING
On all matters other than issues, the "modified unit rule" shall be used to all votes
taken on the floor of the State Convention. Under the "modified unit rule", the delegates
present from any congressional district shall vote the entire voting strength of such
congressional district. If a poll of the delegates in any district shall show that less than
all accredited delegates from a district are present, the voting of the entire voting
strength of such district shall be in substantially equal proportion to the vote of those
actually present and voting, including abstentions in such poll. The absence of an atlarge
delegate (an incumbent member of the State Legislature, the Michigan
Congressional Delegation, or a Statewide Officeholder) shall not prevent a congressional
district from voting its entire voting strength pursuant to this rule. Except for the
"modified unit rule" described herein, the use of a unit rule system of voting, or any
modification thereof, at county conventions, at the optional district caucuses, or at the
State Convention, is prohibited.
14. PURPOSES OF STATE CONVENTION
The Michigan Republican State Committee ("MRSC") directs that the State
Convention of the delegated representatives of the Republican Party of Michigan be held
in the _____________________, on Saturday, August 28, 2010, at 10:00 a.m.
Eastern Time, for the following purposes:
-- the nomination of:
(1) One (1) Lieutenant Governor
(2) One (1) Secretary of State
(3) One (1) Attorney General
(4) two (2) Justices to the Michigan Supreme Court
(5) two (2) members of the State Board of Education
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(6) two (2) members each for the Wayne State University Board of
Governors, the Michigan State University Board of Trustees, and
the University of Michigan Board of Regents
-- transacting other such business as may properly come before the State
Convention
15. A REPRESENTATIVE DELEGATION
Participation in the Republican county and State conventions shall in no way be
abridged for reasons of sex, race, religion, color, age, or national origin, and the county
and State conventions shall encourage the broadest possible participation by everyone
in party affairs.
The county conventions and State Convention shall be open meetings, and all
citizens who are qualified electors are urged to participate.
16. STATE CONVENTION RULES
The Rules for the Governance of the August 28, 2010, Michigan Republican State
Convention, a copy of which are attached to these Rules as Exhibit A, shall govern the
August 28, 2010 Michigan Republican State Convention unless amended. With the
exception of Rule 2, Rule 6, Rule 27 and Rule 28, the Rules for the Governance of the
August 28, 2010 Michigan Republican State Convention may be amended by a vote of
20 or more members of the Convention Committee on Rules or a two-thirds (2/3) vote
of the delegates of the full State Convention present and voting. Rule 2, Rule 6, Rule 27,
and Rule 28 may not be amended by the Convention Committee on Rules and may only
be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the delegates of the full State Convention
present and voting.
17. WAIVER
In the event that these Rules, or any part thereof, are inconsistent with the Rules
of the Republican Party as adopted by the 2008 Republican National Convention (the
"RNC Rules"), the Credentials Committee is hereby authorized to take any and all action
necessary to: 1) obtain a waiver from the Republican National Committee to insure that
these Rules remain in full force and effect; and/or 2) comply with the RNC Rules.
18. AMENDMENTS TO THESE RULES
These Rules may not be amended without the affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3)
of the members of the state committee elected and serving, and such vote must be in
person and not by proxy. Any proposals for amendment to these Rules shall be
submitted to the State Party Chair in writing, at least ten (10) days prior to their
consideration.
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EXHIBIT A
(State Convention Rules)
RULES FOR THE GOVERNANCE OF
THE AUGUST 28, 2010
MICHIGAN REPUBLICAN STATE CONVENTION
Number 1:
That the business of this State Convention is as follows:
-- the nomination of:
(1) One (1) Lieutenant Governor
(2) One (1) Secretary of State
(3) One (1) Attorney General
(4) two (2) Justices to the Michigan Supreme Court
(5) two (2) members of the State Board of Education
(6) two (2) members each for the Wayne State University Board of
Governors, the Michigan State University Board of Trustees, and
the University of Michigan Board of Regents
-- transacting other such business as may properly come before the State
Convention
Number 2:
That the State Party Chair shall appoint the Chair, Secretary, and any other officers the
State Party Chair sees fit to govern this Convention. That the State Party Chair shall
establish a theme for the State Convention and make reasonable efforts to obtain a
nationally recognized speaker. That the State Party Chair shall determine the order of
business of the State Convention and may add other items of business of the State
Convention not referenced in Rule 27; provided, however, that candidate nominations
(except Lieutenant Governor) shall occur in the order established by the Rules
Committee, and this order may only be amended by a majority vote of the delegates of
the full State Convention present and voting. Notwithstanding any provision in these
Rules to the contrary, the State Party Chair may insert other items of business between
candidate nominations, and the State Party Chair shall determine when the nomination
of the Lieutenant Governor shall occur in the order of business of the State Convention.
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Number 3:
That Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised be adopted for the procedures of this
Convention for all matters not covered by these Rules.
Number 4:
That the Committees of this Convention be a Rules Committee, a Committee on
Credentials, and a Committee on Issues.
Number 5:
That the membership of the Convention Rules Committee consist of one male member
and one female member from each congressional district appointed by the
Congressional District Chair. These appointments (plus an alternate for each position)
must be reported to the State Party Chair by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, August 21, 2010.
Number 6:
That the membership of the Committee on Credentials be comprised of the State Party
Chair, the Budget Committee Chair, the Policy Committee Chair, the National
Committeeman, the National Committeewoman, the State Party General Counsel, and
the State Party Co-Chair. The Committee on Credentials shall be chaired by the State
Party Chair and shall present to the Rules Committee a list of the delegates and
alternates to this Convention for each county and district, which list shall be the certified
list of delegates and alternates to the State Convention and shall, without change, be a
part of this report. The Credentials Committee's decisions shall be communicated to the
Convention Committee on Rules, and shall become part of that Committee's report and
shall not be subject to change by the full State Convention absent a two-thirds (2/3) vote
of the delegates present and voting. The Committee on Credentials does not have the
authority to hear challenges not properly filed under the provisions of Rule 8C of the
RULES FOR SELECTION OF DELEGATES AND ALTERNATES TO THE 2010
REPUBLICAN COUNTY AND STATE FALL CONVENTIONS.
Number 7:
That, in the event a challenge is brought before the full Convention concerning the
status of delegate(s) or alternate(s), said challenged delegates or alternates shall be
prohibited from voting upon questions of their own certification but shall be recognized
as voting delegates on all other matters, subject to a successful challenge.
Number 8:
That no issue or amendment to an issue shall be presented from the floor of the
Convention unless the Rules of the Convention are suspended by a vote equal to sixty16
six and two-thirds (66.66%) percent of the Convention delegates present and voting.
Any Convention delegate who wishes to propose a new issue to the Convention on
Saturday, August 28, 2010, must send a written draft to the Issues Committee Chair
seven (7) days in advance of the Convention, and gain approval of the wording by a
majority vote of the Issues Committee on or before Friday, August 20, 2010. Brief pros
and cons must be included and at least fifteen (15) copies must be provided. Any new
issues approved for submission to the Convention shall be assigned a number and shall
be considered at the end of the report of the Issues Committee. No more than five (5)
issues may be presented to the Convention.
Number 9:
That an issue having been presented to the Convention shall be open for discussion by
the delegates of the Convention. Discussion shall be limited to no more than two (2)
minutes per speaker, and not more than three (3) speakers on each side. No more than
five (5) issues may be presented to the Convention.
Number 10:
That delegates wishing to be heard on either side of an issue shall register their names
and districts with the Issues Committee at the podium of the Convention until the report
of the Issues Committee. Speakers shall be chosen on a first come, first served basis,
alternating pro and con as available, until the allotted time of discussion is exhausted. A
substitution may be made on the sign-up list if a speaker who registered earlier in the
day voluntarily defers to someone else. Only convention delegates, may speak to the
issues from the floor, unless permission is obtained in advance from the State Party
Chair.
Number 11:
That debate on issues shall be for a maximum period of one hour (60 minutes)
beginning with the report of the Issues Committee. At the expiration of this time limit,
the Convention shall move to the next order of business. The Parliamentarians shall act
as the official timekeepers.
Number 12:
That at the time scheduled for discussion of issues on the Convention agenda, the
Secretary will first read the text of any new issues approved by the Issues Committee on
or before Friday, August 20, 2010, and inform the delegates that a vote equal to 66.66%
to suspend the rules is required for consideration of each new issue. Voting on
suspension of the rules motion(s) may be by voice vote or a show of hands, but if a roll
call vote appears necessary, that vote shall be taken by the District Chairs during the
time that the Issues Report is being considered. If a motion to suspend the rules is
approved, debate and voting on those issues will take place at the conclusion of debate
on the issues proposed in advance by the Committee.
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Number 13:
The Chair of the Convention shall halt debate on issues at an appropriate time so that
the votes can be tabulated within the one (1) hour allotted for discussion of the issues.
If, at the end of the one (1) hour period, the tabulation of the votes on each issue has not
been completed by the Tellers and announced by the Secretary, the Convention shall
proceed with its business. The final results of the voting on issues shall be announced
later in the Convention.
Number 14:
Votes on issues shall be submitted by the congressional district chairs to the Secretary
and Tellers. The congressional district chairs shall tally their votes at the conclusion of
the debate on each issue. The Secretary of the Convention shall announce the tabulated
results on each issue. Only delegates present on the floor of the Convention may vote on
issues. Only the votes of the delegates present and voting will be counted.
Number 15:
That the roll be called by congressional district numerically based on the order of
rotation previously established for nominations and for voting on all questions requiring
a roll call vote beginning with Congressional District Fifteen (15).
Number 16:
That Convention officers shall fill delegate vacancies from the list of alternate delegates
to the Convention pursuant to Rule 12 of the RULES FOR SELECTION OF DELEGATES
AND ALTERNATES TO THE 2010 REPUBLICAN COUNTY AND STATE FALL
CONVENTIONS.
Number 17:
That as to all matters, other than issues, the delegates present from any congressional
district shall vote the entire voting strength of such congressional district; provided, that
if a poll of the delegates in any district, shall show that less than all accredited delegates
from a district are present, the voting of the entire voting strength of such district shall
be in substantially equal proportion to the vote of those actually present and voting,
including abstentions in such poll. The absence of an at large delegate (an incumbent
Republican member of the State Legislature or the Michigan Congressional delegation,
or a Statewide Officeholder) shall not prevent a congressional district from voting its
entire voting strength pursuant to this Rule. No unit rule, other than provided herein,
shall be permitted.
Number 18:
That a delegate who desires to be recognized by the Chair shall identify himself or
herself by name and by congressional district or county. In the event of a question of
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the credentials of the person seeking to address the Convention, to be recognized by the
Chair or to cast a vote or votes of a delegation, the Chair shall accept the ruling of the
Credentials Committee.
Number 19:
That in an effort to offer speed, convenience, consistency, and confidence in the
nomination and election process at the State Convention, the State Party Chair shall
obtain tabulating equipment for the purpose of registering each delegate's vote in
contested candidate elections or nominations. As to all contested candidate elections or
nominations, all voting shall be conducted on a congressional district basis for the
purpose of registering each delegate's vote. To preserve the privacy of each delegate, all
voting for contested candidate nominations or elections shall be done by paper ballot.
Each District Chair shall appoint no less than two tellers for the purpose of tabulating
the ballots and reporting the results to the District Chair. Tellers shall attend a training
session on use of the tabulation equipment prior to their appointment being authorized
by the Convention Chair. In the event of a malfunction of this tabulation equipment,
paper ballots shall be used by each delegate, and each delegate shall personally hand his
or her paper ballot to the Secretary of the District Caucus, who shall preserve the privacy
of each delegate's vote. Any candidate shall have the authority to appoint a
representative to observe the voting process, including but not limited to, the ballots
themselves, the tabulation of the ballots, and the reading of the voting results. All voting
shall be conducted within a reasonable amount of time and pursuant to such procedures
as determined by the Chair, and no voting shall be allowed after such time has expired.
The Chair shall authorize the sergeants-at-arms to take necessary action to ensure a
smooth voting process.
Number 20:
A recount of the votes cast in contested candidate elections or nominations shall be
allowed at the request of the losing candidate or candidates prior to the adjournment of
the State Convention pursuant to such reasonable procedures as established by the
Chair, but in no event shall a recount be allowed if the Convention vote differential is
greater than fifty (50) votes.
Number 21:
(a) That any person seeking nomination at the State Convention for any office which
will appear on the general election ballot (“ballot office”), shall first file an
affidavit of candidacy (the “Affidavit of Candidacy”) with the State Party Chair by
Friday, August 6, 2010, at 5:00 p.m. Affidavit of Candidacy forms shall be
prepared by the Michigan Republican State Committee. In the event that any of
the information set forth in the Affidavit of Candidacy is untrue for any reason,
the Michigan Republican State Committee (by a two-thirds (b) vote of those
present and voting, including proxies) shall have the authority to rescind the
nomination of any candidate nominated at the State Convention, and to select a
replacement. The State Party Chair shall then communicate to the county
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conventions the names of the candidates that have properly filed Affidavits of
Candidacy and the office that such candidates shall be seeking.
(b) That, after properly filing the Affidavit of Candidacy, any person seeking
nomination at the State Convention for a ballot office, shall next seek the
approval of the Policy Committee of the Michigan Republican State Committee
(the “Policy Committee”) at any regular or special meeting of the Policy
Committee. Approval by the Policy Committee to such nomination for a ballot
office shall only be granted if a candidate demonstrates the written support of a
minimum of five (5) congressional district chairs elected and serving. For the
purpose of approving/disapproving a nomination for a ballot office according to
this rule, the Policy Committee Chair may call a special meeting by means of a
conference telephone or similar communications equipment by which all persons
participating in the special meeting may hear each other if all participants are
advised of the communications equipment and the names of the participants in
the conference are divulged to all participants. Participation in a special meeting
held pursuant to this rule constitutes presence in person at the special meeting. If
any person chooses to vote by proxy at a special meeting held pursuant to this
rule, written authorization to vote by proxy must be received by the Policy
Committee Chair and the State Party Chair prior to the commencement of such a
special meeting.
(c) That only if, for any reason, a person seeking nomination at the State Convention
for a ballot office does not properly file the Affidavit of Candidacy and/or does
not obtain the approval of the Policy Committee pursuant to this rule, a person
seeking nomination for a ballot office must then first: (1) obtain the written
approval of at least eight (8) congressional district chairs elected and serving; or
(2) obtain the written approval of any three (3) regular members (or their
proxies) of the Michigan Republican State Committee from at least eight (8)
separate congressional districts, before such person’s name may be placed in
nomination at the State Convention for a ballot office. Prior to being nominated
at the State Convention, such person must then first complete and file the
Affidavit of Candidacy with the State Party Chair.
(d) That approval by the Policy Committee, any congressional district chair, or any
regular member (or their proxy) of the Michigan Republican State Committee to
seek nomination for a ballot office pursuant to this Rule, shall not constitute an
endorsement, nor shall individual members of the Policy Committee, any
congressional district chair, any regular member (or their proxy) of the Michigan
Republican State Committee, or any congressional district caucus delegate be
bound to vote at the State Convention for that candidate; rather, approval
pursuant to this Rule is merely a prerequisite to seek nomination for a ballot
office at the State Convention.
(e) That for the purposes of this rule, the term “ballot office” shall not include the
office of Lieutenant Governor.
20
(f) That, unless a person obtains the approval of the Policy Committee, the
congressional district chairs, or the regular members (or their proxies) of the
Michigan Republican State Committee pursuant to this rule, a person may not
seek nomination at the State Convention for a ballot office.
Number 22:
That the number of nominating speeches not exceed one (1), which shall be limited to
three (3) minutes each.
Number 23:
That the number of seconding speeches not exceed one (1), which shall be limited to one
(1) minute each.
Number 24:
That demonstrations for nominees be limited to five (5) minutes each with only
delegates and alternates to the Convention and guests with official guest credentials
being permitted to participate in any demonstration.
Number 25:
That a Convention candidate receiving a majority of the total votes cast on any ballot
shall be declared elected by this Convention. If there are more than two (2) candidates
nominated for a single position and no candidate receives a majority on the first ballot,
the two (2) candidates receiving the largest vote shall be voted upon in a run-off on the
second ballot.
Number 26:
That Convention officers shall not commence the tally of votes until after the conclusion
of all nominating speeches, seconding speeches, and demonstrations for all persons
seeking nomination or election at the State Convention.
Number 27:
That the Business of this Convention shall be as follows:
Call to Order
Invocation
Pledge of Allegiance
National Anthem
Call to Convention
Appointment of Temporary Chair
Appointment of Temporary Officers
Rules Committee Report
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Oath of Office to Officers
Issues Committee Report
Nomination of Candidates
Announcements
Adjournment
Number 28:
That except for Rule 2, Rule 6, Rule 27 and Rule 28, these Rules shall be the Rules of the
Convention unless changed by a vote of at least twenty (20) members of the Rules
Committee or by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the delegates to this Convention present and
voting. Rule 2, Rule 6, Rule 27 and Rule 28 may only be amended by two-thirds (2/3)
vote of the delegates of the full State Convention present and voting.

March 30th meeting Musk. Patriots Tea Party

Please disregard this site other than this post. Most of the other info is out of place. I use it, as in this case to cut and paste an email so I can link to it and post it elsewhere where space is limited as facebook or twitter.

This is an email I got from Chris Kaijala about the agenda for The Muskegon Patriots Tea Party Meeting coming up March 30th.



-----enmail-----
All,

Please join us at the 2nd Gen. meeting for the Muskegon Patriots.

Please bring a friend.

The details of the tentative agenda are listed below.

Best Regards,
Muskegon Patriots

Muskegon Patriots 2nd General Meeting March 2010

The Muskegon patriots would like to invite you to attend the 2nd general meeting of the Muskegon Patriots. The details are located at the bottom of this message. You can also find them on the website at www.Muskegonpatriots.com. You can reach us at Muskegonpatriots@Gmail.com.


All patriotic Americans are invited to attend.
We hope to see you there, and please bring a friend.
There is a lot of work to be done this year. Some of us want to be more active in the community. Let's present our concerns to our elected officials in Muskegon County. We have started to show up to local government meetings. We are starting to make our presence known… We plan to help our elected representatives understand that we have concerns. We want to have a positive affect on our local government and schools.
I look forward to seeing you there!
The tentative agenda for the meeting is as follows:

1. Pledge of Allegiance
2. Introduction and ground rules.
3. Health care legislation – update / action. (CK)
4. State petition drive – healthcare independence for Michigan. (FB)
5. Strategy planning, the need for an action roadmap. (Lawrence)
6. County and local government meetings. Reports. How to get involved. (JR)
7. Update on becoming a precinct delegate. (BC)
8. Report on: Workshop held March 9 – “Toolbox” for getting involved in local government. (JR)
9. Update on being involved in election process: voter reg., poll watchers, etc. (SH)
10. Video: training for jury duty. (RL)
11. Tax Day Rally Planning. (CK, +)
12. Open forum for you to share your ideas, and concerns about local or national government. (These concerns will be recorded for future action.) (YOU)
13. Future meetings. (CK)
14. Breakout sessions - small groups /work (YOU)

Are looking forward to you being there and being involved. Please forward this to other concerned Americans that want to be a part of changing our government back to constitutional principles.



Muskegon Patriots 2nd General meeting
Tuesday March 30, 2010 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Muskegon Eagles 621 W. Western Street, Downtown Muskegon, MI

RSVP info:
Call Chris at 231-903-0884 or send us an e-mail at MuskegonPatriots@gmail.com .
You can see information on the meeting at the website http://www.muskegonpatriots.com/

More Details at the Facebook Group -Muskegon Patriots, Twitter - MuskegonPatriot, Website - www.MuskegonPatriots.com, and http://www.teapartyofwmi.org/group/muskegonpatriots.

------------
Regards LD

Jack Hoogendyke is bringing his Center Right Meeting to Muskegon. The meeting schedule is below. Toast n Jam's. I've hoped for this kind of thing since the start up of our Carmen Group breakfasts a year and a half ago.

If "Right to Work" rings your bell and you have been wanting to find out how to make Michigan a "Right to Work" state, Gary Glenn is a must see. All welcome.

Great news for Muskegon. Below is the email about it. The nice graphics won't transfer but the facts are there.

---------------------

The Center Right Coalition is Expanding Two Meetings, March 18

Lansing 9:30 am - Muskegon 5:00 pm

Agenda for Lansing March 18, 9:30 amSamuel Ingham Building
116 W. Ottawa Lansing MI
• Gary Glenn, AFA-Michigan. Gary will be giving an in-depth presentation about his personal experiences as Director of the Right-to-Work campaign in Idaho in the 1980's, what the landscape for RTW looks like in Michigan, why it is needed and how it can be accomplished.

• David R. Breuhan, author of "Spread the Wealth" will be speaking on the subject, "Tell the Government to Stop the Printing Press, it is Time for a Market Based Recovery." Breuhan is a Bloomfield Hills, Michigan based money manager who specializes in the management of corporate retirement plans and asset management for high net worth individuals. He received his Bachelor of Science from the United States Military Academy at West Point and was graduated with high distinction from Walsh College being awarded a Master of Science in Finance.

• More to be announced.

Agenda for Muskegon March 18, 5:00 p.m.Toast n Jam's Restaurant 3462 Henry Street
Muskegon, MI 49441-4356. ph(231) 737-5267

• Gary Glenn, AFA-Michigan. Gary will be giving an in-depth presentation about his personal experiences as Director of the Right-to-Work campaign in Idaho in the 1980's, what the landscape for RTW looks like in Michigan, why it is needed and how it can be accomplished.

• Ken Punter, candidate for State Representative, 91st district. Ken will be discussing his campaign and the issues facing te 91st district.

• More to be announced.

Special thanks for Arline Helms and Toast-n-Jams Restaurant for making this event happen.
---------------------
Do You Believe in Limited Government?
If you believe government is too big and intrusive, if you believe government taxes and regulates too much, then Center Right is where you need to be. Each month we will:
• Discuss bills before the legislature that need to be defeated because they grow government, or supported because they put limits on government.
• Hear from local elected officials or activists who are keeping watch on the growth of government at the city, township and county level.
• Listen to and ask questions of candidates for office who are running as limited-government conservatives.
• Network with local and state organizations like Mackinac Center, Americans for Prosperity, Education Action Group, MI-FairTax, and local Tea Party Organizations.
• Strategize on how to be effective at protecting our liberties.
You are welcome to bring any issues to the meeting you believe are appropriate. Please let me know if you would like to make a presentation. You will be given 5 minutes to speak, and answer questions. Please bring handouts that explain your issue in detail. Typical attendance is around 50.

If you would like to present, or if you have any questions, please contact me. I hope to see you there!




www.JackForMichigan.org

PD Handbook 2010

MICHIGAN REPUBLICANS








Precinct Delegate Basics

What is a Precinct?

A precinct is the smallest political geographic division in a state. The area varies in size and is determined by population. A precinct contains a maximum of 2,999 registered voters, although many precincts are smaller. It is up to the local municipalities to draw their own precinct lines.

What is a Precinct Delegate?

A Precinct Delegate is an elected representative to the local political party from the precinct. Every precinct has at least one Republican Delegate, and some have more. The local party determines the number of delegates based on the number of Republican votes in that precinct in the previous election.

How do you become a Precinct Delegate?

A person running for Precinct Delegate must be a registered voter residing in the precinct in which they are running. The Candidate needs to fill out an "Affidavit of Identity." Affidavits are available at County Clerks’ offices as well as City and Township offices. These affidavits need to be notarized by a Notary Public. Notary Publics can be found at the County Clerks office or at a local bank. Once the affidavit is completed it is turned into the County, City or Township Clerk where you live. The affidavit must be submitted no later then 4:00 p.m. on May 11. 2010. Once the candidate files, their name is placed on the ballot in the August primary. Their name is under the heading “Candidate for County Convention Delegate.” The primary ballots are separated by political party, so only Republican voters vote for the Republican candidate. In the case that the race is contested the person with the most votes wins.

When are Precinct Delegates elected and how long is the term?

Precinct Delegates are elected in the August primary election of even numbered years. In 2010 this election will take place on August 3rd. The term is a two-year term, so delegates elected in August 2010 will serve until the August primary of 2012.


Paid for by the Michigan Republican State Committee with regulated funds.

PO Box 24187, Lansing MI 48909. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.


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What are the duties of a Precinct Delegate?

The official role of a Precinct Delegate is to attend all County Conventions during the two-year term. The number of County Conventions varies from three to four, depending on if it is a Presidential or Gubernatorial cycle. In addition, Precinct Delegates are involved in helping local parties and candidates in a variety of activities.

What if I need to withdraw?

Sometimes circumstances occur in which a candidate needs to withdraw their candidacy. A Precinct Delegate can withdraw until three days after the filing deadline, which is May 11, 2010 at 4:00 p.m.

How do I know if I am elected?

On the day after the election you can call your County Clerk’s office to find out if you were elected. The Clerk will also notify successful Precinct Delegates by mail.

Making a Difference

Why Should I become a Precinct Delegate?

Politics begins at the local level when you talk to your family, friends, and neighbors about the issues that are important to you. Once you get involved and become a Precinct Delegate you have the opportunity to share these issues and concerns and make a difference.

How do I make a difference?

Precinct Delegates play a key role in electing Republicans to every office.
As a liaison to your community you have the opportunity to build personal relationships with Candidates and Party Leaders. These individuals come to you when they need to know specifics about your community. In addition, Precinct Delegates have the opportunity to attend State Conventions where they help select many of the Republican Candidates for the statewide offices.

As a Precinct Delegate you have the opportunity to attend Republican gatherings where you can meet and make friends with people who share a similar philosophy. You also have the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge on current issues, legislation, and party policy through your contacts. This knowledge will help you be in a position to effectively express your views and share your opinions.

Remember, as a Precinct Delegate you are taking an active role in retaining and strengthening the freedoms that make America great and you are making a difference.







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Where to Start

Where is my Precinct?

The first thing to do is find out which Precinct you live in. You can get this information from your voter registration card or from the County, City, or Township Clerk where you live. Once you get this information the next step is to get a map. Maps are available from the local clerks. Your Republican County organization may also be able to provide you with a map. The map will show you the boundaries of your Precinct.

How do I get to know my Precinct?

Once you have your map the best thing to do is drive around your district. As you are driving take notice of the characteristics of your Precinct. Notice which areas are industrial, commercial, farmland, or residential. Make note of the kinds of homes in your area. Are they single-family homes, multi-family dwellings, or communities with restricted access? Look for growth, new homes, subdivisions, or businesses. All of this information will be useful to you, the Precinct Delegate, as well as local candidates as you plan for election activities.

How do I get to know the people in my Precinct?

After you have driven around your Precinct and become familiar with the area, it is time to meet the people who live there. The best way to do this is by walking your precinct. It is a good idea to walk your precinct at least once a year. This shows you are active in your neighborhood and that you care about the community. It is a great way to find out where the Republicans live. Once you have identified Republicans in your precinct, you can ask them to volunteer during the next election, place a yard sign in their yard, and remind them to vote on Election Day. Keeping in contact with the Republicans in your precinct is a great resource for all of the Republican candidates.

What else do I need to know?

It is important to remember that you have been chosen by the Republicans in your precinct to be the liaison to the Republican Party. As a Precinct Delegate, you will be asked to help with a variety of activities. Your help is needed by local candidates and the party as a whole because of the local knowledge you have of your precinct. Others in your area will look to you for Republican information and connections. You are the point person for your precinct.

What other activities might Precinct Delegates perform leading up to an election?

The Republican State Party has several programs they ask Precinct Delegates to assist in implementing. These programs include distributing yard signs
performing literature drops, helping with absentee voter programs, and get-out-the-vote phone calling. These programs are an important part of the campaigns of local and statewide candidates. Participation in these programs makes the difference between Republican candidates winning and losing.

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Election Day

What happens on Election Day?

After months of hard work and campaigning, the only thing that matters is the results on Election Day. For this reason there are several programs that run on election day. These programs are important to ensure that our voters get to the polls and that they vote for the entire Republican ticket. On election day, you should be involved with three main programs. These programs are working the polls, poll watching, and GOTV phone calls.

How do you work the polls?

Working the polls is the last chance you get to inform the voters about the Republican Candidates. When volunteers work the poll, they stand outside of the polling place for the precinct and pass out information about specific candidates or slate cards for the entire ticket. They give this information to voters as they enter the building to vote. One thing to remember is that Michigan state law requires that poll workers must stay at least 100 feet from the entrance to the polls.

What is poll watching?

Poll watching is a way to check if the Republicans in your district have voted. Take the precinct list to the poll and check off the names of all the Republicans that vote. Around 5:00 p.m. take the list to a phone bank, or your home and make phone calls to the Republicans who have not yet voted. Remind them that time is running out to vote and that the polls are only open until 8:00 p.m. This is a great way to ensure that every Republican votes. Poll watching is more important than working the polls, so if you can only find one volunteer to work at a specific time, have them poll watch.

Do I continue GOTV Phone calls?

Yes, Get-Out-The-Vote phone calls must continue on Election Day. If you have already called your list, call them again. Do not be afraid to call too many times. Offer voters rides to polls if they need them, and have volunteers available to pick them up. Make sure that everyone on your list has been reminded to vote on Election Day. GOTV phone calls should be the number one priority for Precinct Delegates.

Important Dates to Remember in 2010

May 11, 2010 Filing Deadline for Precinct Delegates

August 3, 2010 Primary Elections

August 14, 2010 County Conventions

August 23, 2010 State Convention

November 4, 2010 General Election

Late November 2010 County Conventions



5


What offices are on the ballot in 2010?

Governor / Lt. Governor State Board of Education (2)

Secretary of State University of Michigan Regents (2)
Attorney General Michigan State University Trustees (2)

All 15 US Representatives in Congress Wayne State University Trustees (2)

All 110 State Representatives Justice of the Supreme Court
All 38 State Senators Judge of the Court of Appeals

Judge of the Circuit Court

Judge of the District Court

Judge of Probate
County Conventions

What is a County Convention?

A County Convention is a meeting of the Precinct Delegates and Elected Officials in a County. At these meetings the participants elect individuals to be delegates and alternates to the State Convention or they elect people to serve on the County Party Executive Committee.

When do County Conventions take place?

The first County Convention will be held on August 12, 2010, soon after the August Primary when the Precinct Delegates are elected. The next County Convention will be held within 20 days of the November 2, 2010 General Election.

The third and final County Convention will take place in January 2009. In Presidential election years there is an additional County Convention, which takes place in April.

What specifically occurs at each of these Conventions?

August 2010 - At the August County Convention, the newly elected Precinct Delegates meet together to elect delegates and alternates to the State Convention. In 2010, the State Convention will be held on August 28, 2010. At this State Convention the delegates will elect candidates for the following statewide offices:

Michigan Supreme Court (2)
Michigan State University Board of Trustees (2)
University of Michigan Board of Regents (2)
Wayne State University Board of Governors (2)
State Board of Education (2)

At this State Convention in gubernatorial election years, all of these statewide offices are elected in addition to Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, and Attorney General. These positions are four-year terms and only elected in the gubernatorial election year.

November 2010 - At the November County Convention, Precinct Delegates elect the members of the County Executive Committee. The members of the Executive Committee serve a two-year term.

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January 2011 - At the January County Convention, Precinct Delegates elect delegates and alternates to the State Convention. The State Convention is in late January or early February and is held to elect the Republican State Party leadership. The leadership positions to be elected at this convention are the following:

State Chairman and Co-Chairman District Executive Committee Members

Six Vice-Chairmen District Officers
State Committee Members

In Presidential election years there is an additional County Convention in April.

April - During this County Convention the Precinct Delegates again elect people to be delegates and alternates to the State Convention in May. At the May State Convention the delegates elect people to be delegates to the Republican National Convention and elect the Republican National Committeeman and Committeewoman from Michigan.

How do I know when and where the Conventions take place?

About thirty days before the County Convention, Precinct Delegates should receive an official Call to Convention. The official call will be sent out by the Republican County Chair and will give all of the details of the County Convention. If you are elected a Delegate or an Alternate to a State Convention you will receive information from the Michigan Republican Party.





I AM A REPUBLICAN BECAUSE . . .

I believe in a strong America that protects our freedoms, and champions democratic ideals throughout the world.

I believe in an America with a conservative, limited government.

I believe that everyone is created equal, and that we are blessed with rights that cannot be taken from us.

I believe in the free market and fiscal responsibility.

I believe in an America where our children receive the best education in the world, and understand values like decency, responsibility, and honor.

I believe in an America where we feel safe in homes and secure in our communities.

I believe in an America with the compassion to care for those who cannot care for themselves.

And, finally, I believe that the Republican Party is the best conduit for my convictions.

Muskgon County Republican Dues Schedule

Annual Membership Dues Invoice
Muskegon County Republican Party

If you have already paid your 2009 dues please disregard this notice.

2009 Annual Dues (dues are for 12 months)
Membership Levels

General Membership $ 30 (Includes newsletters, invitations to events, & Get Involved Opportunities)

GOP Club Membership $ 75 (Includes above PLUS one Lincoln Day Dinner Ticket)

Century Club Membership $150 (Includes all general membership opportunities PLUS one Lincoln Day Dinner Ticket PLUS one ticket to one other event for the year)

400 Club Membership $400 (Includes all general membership opportunities PLUS 2 Lincoln Day Dinner Tickets, 2 tickets to one other event for the year PLUS private VIP receptions & reserved seating at events)

Please print this Invoice and include your payment -
Mail to:
Muskegon Republican Party Treasurer - 143 Ruddiman Dr, N Muskegon, MI 49445


Name:_____________________________________________________________

Address:___________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

e-mail______________________________________________________________
Please include your email as we are in the process of converting to e-mail whenever possible.


Phone:_____________________________________________________________

Membership level desired__________________Amount Enclosed_______________
Personal Checks only
Please make the checks out to Muskegon GOP
Political Contributions are non tax deductable

From an email from Susie Hughes Vice-Chair

Dems Consider GOP Reforms

Dems Consider GOP Reforms

Senate, House Republican plans public for months to balance budget, avoid shutdown, and protect essential services WITHOUT raising taxes

Calling today's 11th-hour marathon budget session a step in the right direction, Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop and House Republican Leader Kevin Elsenheimer today invited the governor and House Democrats to make their outline to balance the budget public and demonstrate their sincerity by moving it through the legislative process.

Bishop said his caucus already sent House Democrats and the governor their plan to balance the budget without raising taxes, noting a clear difference in priorities between Republicans and Democrats.

"The Senate Republicans have a public plan that has been vetted through committees and passed by the full Senate," said Bishop, R-Rochester. "We are looking forward to a budget process that is transparent and clear, not held behind closed doors with unaccountable and unelected mediators. As we close in on the Oct. 1 deadline, we are also looking for expedient action from the House and governor."

Elsenheimer noted the House Republican plan to Reinvigorate, Reinvest and Reform Michigan was introduced 43 days ago on July 22. The House Republican plan creates jobs, balances the budget without raising taxes, and preserves stimulus dollars to jumpstart the state's economy.

"Republicans have a plan to solve the budget crisis without raising taxes - and we're ready to balance the budget today," said Elsenheimer, R-Kewadin. "The GOP plans are on the table, before the public, ready to go. I'm disappointed that the state is in the shadows of another government shutdown after the House Democrats' summer vacation, and when the ideas proposed today start to move in the form of legislation, then we'll know they are serious."

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____________________________
Phyllis Browne
Communications Manager
Michigan House of Representatives
(517) 373-1690 office
(269) 806-4936 cell
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