Comments on: Montana State Republican Convention 2012 & The Fracturing Of The MTGOP

By: Jeff

Jeff — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 18:46:48 +0000

Jerry, first, it was an honor to work with State Representatives such as yourself at the convention. I will work to insure we have more people like you serving our State Legislature.

I believe the majority in our GOP favor fair elections, but I also believe that the folks who hold the majority don’t necessarily know what it’s like to see zero representation and a “preferred candidates” checkbox that doesn’t include their person(s). As a Ron Paul person, I wouldn’t for one second consider excluding Romney, Santorum or Gingrich folks….either through the process or by ballots.

We are working on building a coalition that we can use to vet and present potential state committee positions and I think it’s of utmost importance that these people represent all of us Republicans fairly and equally. I also want to see the nominations process open to ALL Montana’s candidates, regardless of whom they support. We can be the state that bucks the political trend to rig our own elections.

As for our next candidate, I’m not sure but there are some names that certainly come to mind. People like Justin Amash, Jessie Ventura, Judge Napolitano and perhaps even Rand Paul. I believe Rand could get in it and win it, but we have a major challenge in the liberty movement to change our people’s mind about him.

By: Jerry O'Neil

Jerry O'Neil — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 17:15:11 +0000

I appreciate the Ron Paul “freedom faction” comprising 47% of those who show up for GOP functions. I am not sure if the 47% includes those GOP members whom are not for Ron Paul, but still are willing to fight for honest, freedom loving, conservative candidates.

I haven’t looked at our state or county platforms recently, but believe there will be a state convention next year for the election of party leadership. Who do we want to put forth and support to be the next chair of the Montana Republican Party?

Four years from now there will be another election for president and Ron Paul probably will not be a candidate. We should start grooming our preferred candidate now, or soon after the November election.

Whom will we choose to be our next state chairman and our next U.S. president? Or will we let the establishment choose for us again?

By: Jeff

Jeff — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 07:20:29 +0000

John: FUCK. There. I said it.

I would also like to bring to everyone’s attention Gary Marbut’s fantastic writeup and post-convention followup. I particularly enjoyed his 12-point convention facts, all of which are 100% true and appreciate that he’s posted his exchange with Will, our State Chairman.

http://marbut.com/GOPReport/

By: john

john — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 06:49:30 +0000

Good report Jeff!
I was there and saw it all. If I hadn’t been I might think you were exaggerating to make a better story … but you did not.
RP signs with flags, blimps, bumper stickers, booths, coins, etc. displayed an energy that was thrilling. I saw but one Romney bumper sticker on the far end of the parking lot.
And, being my first state convention, I was spirited after having been convinced this one was absolutely guaranteed to treat conservatives fairly. So much for that guarantee.
Somehow, all accounts of this convention have totally avoided profanity. I am surprised since that entered my mind repeatedly on the 600+ mile drive home.

By: Glenn

Glenn — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 03:49:26 +0000

Jeff…. great rant! Just like that famous man said… “… first they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you , then you win….”

By: oxbobend

oxbobend — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 01:37:18 +0000

Another example of the “Old Guard” shooting themselves in the foot. It all really scares me, because people who cheat, will rig ballot boxes, and if an election is not fair, it ain’t no election. And if you rig the game so you can win, you are scum in my eyes.

By: Mom

Mom — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 22:33:57 +0000

Contact electionfraudremedy.com – PLEASE!

By: Chris

Chris — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 18:52:24 +0000

Thanks for the report and analysis. You’re right, it would be unfortunate. If you are inclined to be confrontational with the old guard or pack up and go home, keep in mind how close we have come. 47% of the delegates? In another four years, what will the balance of power be? Why does RP keep encouraging us to be “respectful”? After decades in congress I think he knows how political power is generated. I fail to see how announcing a policy of defeating GOP candidates is going to help. We should be encouraging the discouraged to stick it out and emphasizing what has been accomplished. If someone has the time and energy to work to elect good GOP candidates, that will translate directly into credibility and political capital in the party. I don’t see much influence for people that are perceived as vicious and liable to bite. THANKS to everyone that was able to attend as a delegate and fight the good fight. It would be a tragedy if we allow this setback be the end of it. This illustrates two things: why we have to keep fighting to replace the old guard and how close we are to achieving it. Keep positive!!