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Sunday, December 2, 2012

As Goes Nevada, So Goes the Country!
Nevada GOP Moves Forward with Two Resounding Resolutions

November 6th was a lackluster date for most Republicans, even more so for followers of Ron Paul. After being stomped upon at the Republican National Convention, many went back to their states to lick their wounds and take stock of their chances for liberty candidates in 2014 and 2016.

Nevada was one of the six states which had a plurality of their delegates nominate Ron Paul at the national convention (the others were Minnesota, Iowa, Oregon, Alaska and the U.S. Territory of the Virgin Islands). This exceeded the requirement of the Republican Party’s Rule Number 40 for "support of a plurality of the delegates from each of five or more states." But in a power grab, the RNC changed the number of states from five to eight ex post facto.

Las Vegas is what comes to mind when most people think of Nevada, but the state is actually made up of three very different geographic and cultural divisions. In the north is Washoe County, containing the second largest city in the state: Reno. Washoe and Clark County (Las Vegas) had enough of the Harry Reid voting machine success to turn the state blue November 6th; but all the other rural mining and cow counties in Nevada were decidedly red. For a state whose motto is "Battle Born," the situation hasn’t changed much in almost 150 years since statehood.

Let My Delegates Go!
Ron Paul’s message of liberty is popular with Nevadans, and when the majority of the national delegates elected at the Republican State Convention were his followers, it didn’t take much to figure out that trouble would be brewing. Most of these delegates had been bound from a binding vote that was taken at a 2010 GOP State Central Committee (SCC) meeting regarding the 2012 caucus. Mitt Romney won the caucus in Nevada, and the majority of the delegates were bound to him on the first ballot. Would these delegates throw off their traces in Tampa? If you followed the convention, you know that they did in their attempt to nominate Dr. Paul. Upon their return to Nevada, the Delegation Chair, Dr. Wayne Terhune, along with the delegates who unbound, were sternly censured by the Nevada GOP Executive Committee.

http://usekjvonly.com/drterhune/docs/National-Delegation-Censure-Resolution-Sept2012.pdf

But, Ron Paul’s Nevada following does not take censure lightly, and they were well-prepared for the first post-national election GOP State Central Committee meeting in November. Two resolutions were presented that dealt with the binding, and the rules changes at the national convention ("Re-establish Republican Unity and Principles").

The Opinion on National Delegate Binding Rules resolution, basically stated "...that the Nevada Republican Central Committee (NRCC) finds that the Nevada Special Caucus Rules of 2012 were not properly considered by the NRCC because the body was rushed into a decision on the delegate binding process without proper notice, research, or debate," and "...to formally propose rules at the next regular NRCC meeting to prevent this from occurring in the future, by requiring the same prior notice for the adoption or amending of rules as is currently required for the adopting or amending of the by-laws."

There was testimony from SCC members as to the chicanery involved in the 2010 meeting in which Congressman Mark Amodei, former State Party Chair, implied to County Chairs that the binding would not come up at that meeting, and that "No issues of importance would be decided. Binding won’t be on the agenda." It was a meeting they could miss.

It was brought up that the 2010 SCC vote to bind Nevada’s national delegates also violated the Code of Federal Regulations, 11 CFR 100.2 (e) and 42 USC 1971 - Sec. 1971, Voting Rights, which states: " No person, whether acting under color of law or otherwise, shall intimidate, threaten, coerce, or attempt to intimidate, threaten, or coerce any other person for the purpose of interfering with the right of such other person to vote or to vote as he may choose, or of causing such other person to vote for, or not vote for, any candidate for the office of President."

There was quite strident arguing about parts of the resolution, particularly a paragraph that would have censured Amodei for his manipulation of the 2010 SCC meeting. Those particulars were stricken, but the important body of the resolution remained: the binding violated Nevada GOP State Party Rules, and more importantly, Federal Regulations. The Nevada National Delegates should have never been bound. No state’s delegates should have ever been bound. The resolution passed, and Nevada will never be bound again.

The RNC Rules Were NEVER Passed!
If you were at the GOP National Convention, or watched it on tv, then you witnessed the chaos that ensued when a new set of draconian rules were swept into place, even though it seemed like a majority of the voice vote was "NO!" In spite of the dissension, Convention Chair John Boehner continued to read the teleprompter which scrolled up that the rules were unanimously passed.

Regarding these rules changes, Shawn Meehan presented a Resolution to Reestablish Republican Unity and Principles, or a Resolution to Restore the Power of the Grassroots. Drafted by nine Central Committee and Executive Members, who represented all factions in the state, Meehan explained, "If this resolution passes, we’ll default to 2008 rules. We need to let the RNC know that we are supportive of them, but are petitioning them to obey the rules. We voted unanimously to delay bringing this resolution forward until after the election, out of respect for Romney. Ron Paul is the one who did not get nominated because of the rules change. In the next election, you could be advocating strongly for a minority candidate, but YOU could be disenfranchised. Our rules need to be enforced. We are in direct contact with Vermont, Maine and Texas. They will take this resolution verbatim if we pass it, and consider it for their own resolutions. We don’t want to punish (National Chairman) Rance Priebus, but want to get his attention. Pixie dust, and pretending to get along just doesn’t work."

The resolution (printed at the end of this article), recognizes that the 2012 Rules were never passed and that the 2008 Rules were in effect for the convention, and still are in effect. If that is the case, it "RESOLVED that the Nevada Republican Central Committee petitions the RNC that the record of the 2012 RNC Convention be amended to show that Dr. Ron Paul’s name was put into nomination by the submission of the six nominating forms in accordance with the rules in effect at that time."

In an addendum regarding "Specific Grievances:"

1) The report of the 2012 RNC Convention Rules Committee was not accepted properly. Legitimate cries of "Division" were heard, clearly requiring actions which were not taken (see Rules of the House of Representatives, Rule XX, 1. (a) Voting and Quorum Calls)

2) Therefore, Rule 40(b) could not have been amended and the original requirement for five states remained the criteria. Considering this and that the RNC Secretary was handed candidate nomination forms in accordance with the rules, there should have been a nomination from the floor. The record of the convention fails to reflect this.

When the vote for this resolution came to the floor of the SCC meeting, it passed in a huge outcry of "Aye." Not just the Ron Paul supporters were incensed with the new rules and how they were forced upon the party. Now, this resolution must take wings and fly to the rest of the states and be passed if the party is to truly move on. The final paragraph of the addendum reads: "This Party belongs to all of us and We The People declare that the rules will be followed. Going forward, the duty to ensure integrity in our party falls to all our members. Mr. Clint Eastwood was most correct at our convention when he stated, "We (you and me) own this country...politicians are our employees." The leadership of the RNC are our employees. As Republicans, we must remain engaged and supervise our employees."

Since Nevada’s November SCC meeting, nationally there are now 31 State Committee Co-Sponsors of the Resolution to Restore the Power of the Grassroots. These numbers continue to grow as more states hold their own State Central Committee meetings.

This resolution will be submitted at the RNC Winter Meeting, January 23-26 in Charlotte, NC, at the Westin Hotel. GOP Chair Rance Priebus will also be up for re-election, and his future is bleak for keeping his post at the helm of the party. Besides the Ron Paul factions, the entire grassroots was alienated by the rules changes he orchestrated at the convention, and it is likely that his days are numbered as far as leading the party. His head is also on the chopping block for running what was universally perceived as a dismal campaign for Romney.

Ron Paul Never Got His Nomination Speech
While the passage of these two resolutions by Nevada Republicans were a triumph for those who love liberty, it was little solace for those who had worked so hard, and risked so much to nominate Ron Paul. The good doctor was actually nominated. He could have taken the podium and given the most memorable speech of the convention. Paul’s supporters still fervently believe that if he had been the Republican nominee, Obama would have been defeated. Paul’s message of freedom, peace and sound money rings true with everyone, including the notorious 47%.

But, knowing Dr. Paul, he would look at what happened at the Nevada State Central Committee meeting in November of 2012, along with 30 other states, as proof that his message is still very much alive, and that the flag has never fallen. The cause for liberty has taken over Nevada’s and other state’s Republican Parties, and it is what will unify the GOP nationally, if it is smart enough to realize what a prize it has in the universal movement created by Ron Paul.

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Nevada Republican Central Committee
OPINION ON NATIONAL DELEGATE BINDING RULES



Explanation:




Prior to the 2012 Nevada Republican Caucus, the Nevada Republican Central Committee (NRCC) passed Special Rules to bind Nevada’s Delegates to the 2012 Republican National Convention. These Rules bound the delegates to vote for Presidential Nominees proportionally in accordance with the presidential straw poll balloting held in conjunction with the 2012 caucus, on the first round of voting. Upon review of the process that was followed by the NRCC in passing these Special Rules, it is our opinion that the NRCC leadership at the time of the Nov. 20, 2010, Fallon meeting was disingenuous with the NRCC membership. They did not follow generally accepted standards of courtesy when they failed to provide sufficient notice of rule-making prior to the Nov. 20, 2012, meeting. In fact, statements to the contrary (that the Rules would not be voted on) were made
to certain NRCC members prior to the Fallon meeting. These Rules, which were “approved” in Fallon, and officially enacted in Carson City on April 2, 2011, were submitted to the RNC as the official Nevada presidential nomination process.






WHEREAS it is a generally accepted courtesy that prior notice should be given to the Nevada Republican Central

Committee (NRCC) membership before rules are accepted or amended;

WHEREAS this courtesy was never extended to the voting members of the NRCC regarding the discussion of, or voting on, the Special Caucus Rules relating to binding of National Delegates held in Fallon, Nevada, on Nov. 20, 2010;

WHEREAS the item on the Fallon meeting agenda regarding the discussion of the Special Caucus Rules was  unspecific, vague, and obscure, and did not properly inform the Nevada Republican Central Committee members of the items to be discussed and voted upon;

WHEREAS members of the NRCC were not given the necessary time to research and consider the binding of National Delegates voted upon during the November 20, 2010 NRCC meeting;

WHEREAS certain voting members of the NRCC were told that the delegate binding issue would not be voted upon at the November 20, 2010, NRCC meeting;

WHEREAS when the Special Rules were ultimately passed at the NRCC Meeting held in Carson City on April 2, 2011, the NRCC members were led to believe that the delegate binding was not up for discussion, and that the only considerations at issue were the specific mechanics of the delegate binding process;




THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:






• That the NRCC finds that the Nevada Special Caucus Rules of 2012 were not properly considered by the NRCC because the body was rushed into a decision on the delegate binding process without proper notice, research, or debate.

 



BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:







• That the NRCC directs the NRCC Chair and Executive Committee to formally propose rules at the next regular NRCC meeting to prevent this from occurring in the future, by requiring the same prior notice for the adoption or amending of rules as is currently required for the adopting or amending of the by-laws.


*******************


Resolution to Reestablish Republican Unity and Principles

WHEREAS Republican Party organizations at all levels consist of numerous Americans giving generously of their valuable time to promote and protect The Constitution of the United States, the Republican Party Platform, and the Republican National Committee (RNC) Rules; we observe that all Republican Party members have an fundamental right to be treated with integrity, and;

WHEREAS the Republican National Convention vote to accept the Report of the 2012 RNC Convention Rules Committee unmistakably violated applicable parliamentary procedure, and;

WHEREAS The Secretary of the Convention was presented with notarized presidential nomination forms for Dr. Ron Paul, in accordance with the rules, and the record of the Convention fails to reflect this, and;

WHEREAS These actions violated RNC Rules, and displayed a profound disrespect for rank and file Republicans.  This behavior furthers a destructive top-down dictatorial method of operation within the Republican Party.  Sincere unity must exist in the Republican Party to defend our distinctive American way of life from endless attacks;

RESOLVED that the Nevada Republican Central Committee (NRCC) petitions the RNC that the vote to accept the Report of the 2012 RNC Rules Committee be declared void and the record of the convention be updated to reflect this, and;

RESOLVED that the Nevada Republican Central Committee petitions the RNC that the record of the 2012 RNC Convention be amended to show that Dr. Ron Paul’s name was put into nomination by the submission of the six nominating forms in accordance with the rules in effect at that time, and;

RESOLVED that the Nevada Republican Central Committee strongly encourages the RNC to issue a press release confirming the above appeals have been completed and that the RNC commits itself to adhering to its Rules by demonstrating integrity in all activities, and;

RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Nevada Republican Central Committee will ensure this Resolution and Addendum is broadcast via a national press release by the most efficient and expeditious means available, within two business days of passage and that the Nevada Republican Party Committeeman and Committeewoman will ensure transmission of this Resolution and Addendum to all RNC members by the most efficient and expeditious means available, within two business days of passage, encouraging them to advocate passage of same by their respective state and associated county central committees.
Addendum A to Resolution to Reestablish Republican Unity and Principles

Note:This addendum is attached to the Resolution to ensure clarity and justification for the claims and appeals made within the Resolution.

Towards Integrity, Then Unity

We, the Nevada Republican Central Committee make it known that we delayed presentation and publication of this Resolution until after the 2012 Presidential Election to unmistakably demonstrate support and respect for our Republican candidate. Unlike events at the 2012 Republican National Committee (RNC) Tampa Convention, we demand integrity and sincere unity in Republican Party affairs.

The RNC silenced the delegates, and therefore, all Republicans, during the vote to accept the RNC Rules Committee Report, in violation of RNC Rules, specifically, our Preamble. The Preamble of our RNC Rules sets out a clear vision for the Party to function properly. The leadership of the Party exercised exceptionally poor judgment in their decision making, clearly violating that Preamble. As members of the Republican Party it is our duty to take actions necessary to ensure that our Party respects our rules.

Specific Grievances

1) The report of the 2012 RNC Convention Rules Committee was not accepted properly. Legitimate cries of “Division” were heard, clearly requiring actions which were not taken (see Rules of the House of Representatives, Rule XX, 1. (a) Voting and Quorum Calls)

2) Therefore, Rule 40 (b) could not have been amended and the original requirement for five states remained the criteria. Considering this and that the RNC Secretary was handed candidate nomination forms in accordance with the rules, there should have been a nomination from the floor. The record of the convention fails to reflect this.

We Petition for Redress of These Grievances

According to the Resolution, we petition the RNC to invalidate the Rules Committee vote, amend the record of the convention and RNC Rules currently in effect to reflect this. We petition the RNC that forms submitted to nominate a candidate from the floor be corrected in the record, reflecting that any said candidates were nominated. Further, we request the RNC issue a press release once these actions are completed.

We Must Return to Our Founding Principles

In an unwise attempt to manufacture the appearance of unity behind our nominee, the RNC violated our own rules to squelch legitimate dissent. In fact, this resulted in further division and dissention. We sacrificed our integrity for the world to see. Integrity and unity can’t be manufactured; they must be earned.

This recent act of fraud disenfranchised all Republicans that gave and continue to give so dearly of their time and money to our Party. It is immoral and supremely arrogant to expect rank and file Republicans to diligently work precincts and maintain unquestioning loyalty to the party just to have the rules manipulated at the end of a four year effort.

We no longer yield to special friends, legacies, and wealthy donors to prescribe the purpose and direction of the Republican Party. We the Nevada Republican Central Committee affirm that The Constitution of the United States, the Republican Party Platform, and the Preamble of the Republican National Committee Rules define the purpose, structure, and function of America and the Republican Party. We demand that the leadership of the RNC adhere to and propagate the principles set out in these documents.

This Party belongs to all of us and We The People declare that the rules will be followed. Going forward, the duty to ensure integrity in our party falls to all our members. Mr. Clint Eastwood was most correct at our convention when he stated, “We (you and me) own this country…politicians are our employees.” The leadership of the RNC are our employees. As Republicans, we must remain engaged and supervise our employees.

Reference Material to Support Grievances and Demands for Redress

a) Preamble to 2008, 2010, and 2012 RNC Rules:

BE IT RESOLVED, That the Republican Party is the party of the open door. Ours is the party of liberty, the party of equality, of opportunity for all, and favoritism for none.

It is the intent and purpose of these rules to encourage and allow the broadest possible participation of all voters in Republican Party activities at all levels and to assure that the Republican Party is open and accessible to all Americans.

b) Rules of the House of Representatives, January 5, 2011

Rule XX – Voting and Quorum Calls

1. (a) The House shall divide after the Speaker has put a question to a vote by voice as provided in clause 6 of rule I if the Speaker is in doubt or division is demanded. Those in favor of the question shall first rise from their seats to be counted, and then those opposed.

c) Video of Submission of Nomination Forms - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXZ9kzIvokY  “6 States Officially Submitting Their Ron Paul Nomination Forms to the Secretary of the RNC”

d) – Utah Republican Committeeman Bruce Hough Blog Post http://www.brucehough.blogspot.com/2012/09/rnc-rule-changes-needed-because-some.html  Proof that Rules vote was scripted.  Committeeman Hough’s statement that the vote count was “whipped” ahead of time and his after-the-fact attempt to rationalize the sounds heard in the hall are inconsistent with a significant amount of delegates.  Further, his statements on this topic are not relevant as the Rules of the House of Representatives were the governing parliamentary rules in effect for the Convention.  Those rules required an alternate method of counting be used in response to any calls of Division.

e) Excerpts from 2008 RNC Rules amended in 2010. – These excerpts explain why the Rules vote took place first and gives insight into why the RNC took these actions to change 40(b) prior to Nominations being cast.

RULE NO. 26, Committee Reports
(a) The report of the Committee on Credentials shall be disposed of before the report of the
Convention Committee on Rules and Order of Business is acted upon; the report of the Convention Committee on Rules and Order of Business shall be disposed of before the report of the Convention Committee on Resolutions is acted upon; and the report of the Convention Committee on Resolutions shall be disposed of before the convention proceeds to the nomination of candidates for President of the United States and Vice President of the United States. The report of the Convention Committee on Permanent Organization shall be disposed of at any time after the disposition of the report of the Convention Committee on Credentials, but before the nomination of candidates, based upon the Order of Business as prepared by the Republican National Committee.

RULE NO. 40, Nominations
(b) Each candidate for nomination for President of the United States and Vice President of the United States shall demonstrate the support of a plurality of the delegates from each of five (5) or more states, severally, prior to the presentation of the name of that candidate for nomination.

RULE NO. 42, Temporary Rules
Rule Nos. 25 through No. 42 shall be the temporary rules of the next national convention and its committees and subcommittees.