At the 2002, 2004, and 2006 Texas GOP Conventions, RLC members administered the World’s Smallest Political Quiz. For most Convention attendees, it was the first time they had seen political ideology as a two-dimensional space instead of the usual one-dimensional left/right line. Said Don Zimmerman, “One could see many quiz-taker’s eyes light up as they realized that there was not only the left-right axis, but also the axis of how much authority government should exercise. We’re sure many attendees will be thinking and talking about this for quite a while.”
In 2006, 311 Republican Delegates and other visitors took the political quiz. The results: About 38% of the dots ended up being in the Conservative quadrant, 30% in the Libertarian sphere, 25% Centrist and 7% Liberal and Authoritarian. In 2004, the Conservative percentage was 38%, while in 2002 it was 43%. In 2004, the Libertarian percentage was 32% and in 2002 it was 35%. The Centrist percentage in 2004 was 21%, while it was just 17% in 2002. Women have gone from 23% Centrist in 2004 to 28% Centrist in 2006.
At the 2004 Convention in San Antonio, RLC Executive Director noted that, “Our RLC reception packed the largest available room at near 1,000 people.” The speakers at the Convention included Ron Paul, Suzanna Gratia Hupp, and Jerry Patterson. The RLCTX also sponsored a booth at the convention. According to Zimmerman, “From the start, the booth was swamped. Delegates and other Republicans visited the booth in search of clipboards with our World’s Smallest Political Quizzes. Among large numbers of think tanks, conservative groups and vendors, the RLC easily had one of the most popular booths at the convention.”
Some photos from the Texas RLC:
Texas RLC HQ in Austin.
Texas RLC Chair Paul Perry also chaired a coalition meeting of liberty groups in March of 2009.
Newly elected Austin RLC Chair Mike Barre (far right) and other activists.
Texas RLC Treasurer Lisa Mallory, Dr. and Mrs. Paul, and RLC Texas Executive Director Don Zimmerman in 2009.
RLC Texas Treasurer Lisa Mallory with Paul Velte, candidate for Hays County District Attorney.
Longtime RLC member Penny Langford Freeman speaks to a crowd at an organizing meeting in January 2009.
Two Texas RLC activists (right) with two north Carolina RLC activists (left) at the GOP National Convention in Minneapolis in 2008.
Texas RLC outreach booth at the state GOP Convention in 2008.
Outreach at the Texas GOP Convention in 2008.
RLC members gather with Ron Paul at the OPH booth at the Texas GOP Convention in Dallas in 2007. From left to right: Michael Holmes, Lonnie Brantley, Richard Relph, Dr. Ron Paul, Don Zimmerman, and John Reed.
Texas RLC HQ in Austin.
Congressman Ron Paul takes the World’s Smallest Political Quiz at a Texas RLC Convention.
