RNC Changing the Rules to Minimize Grassroots Efforts?
Crete, NE – Republicans taking part in the Republican National Convention in Tampa may have more on their plate than expected. Tropical Storm/Hurricane Isaac descends upon the area, but the bigger storm may be inside the convention center.
What should have been a convention lightly spiced with minor contention from the liberty wing of the Party, followed by a celebration as the Party unified under the Romney-Ryan ticket, seems to have become a battle of “establishment” vs. the “grassroots.”
“A cornerstone belief of the Republican Party,” says Laura Ebke, RLC-Nebraska Chair, “is the notion that we have checks and balances, and that we operate under republican pinciples.”
“I’ve been involved in Republican politics for as long as I can remember,” said Ebke. “I have vivid memories as a child of going to county conventions, and believing that local level political involvement was valuable to the Party. And now, I have to wonder whether today’s Republican Party cares about the grassroots anymore.”
At issue are two proposed rules, Rule 12 and 15, which would effectively minimize the input of the party’s rank and file, and put even more power in the hands of party leaders and wealthy special interests. This governing structure is no unlike that of the Democratic Party, which is much more top down than bottom up, noted Ebke.
“As I read these rules, I can’t help but believe that it effectively stomps out grassroots efforts, and will be especially harmful to the party in small counties around the state. I hope that Nebraska’s delegation will vote NO on the rules changes,” said Ebke.
The Republican Liberty Caucus, as well as a number of Tea Party related groups—including FreedomWorks—are working today to lobby RNC delegates around the country, before the vote on the Rules is taken on Tuesday.
Permalink
Comments Off
