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2008 -- A Chairman's Perspective

Debra Medina, Wharton Co. GOP Chair, ecently penned the below in response to questions raised about the coming state convention. It is reprinted here with permission in the hope that it will shed some light on the important credentials issues we will face at this year's convention.

"I thought I'd share with you some recent history from my personal experience. My name is Debra Medina and I am the Republican County Chairman in Wharton Co. Wharton Co. is located in SD18 and CD14 just southwest of Houston, Tx. I was moved to action in 1992 when the pro-life resolution was defeated in my county convention. I joined with a small group of families here who said, "never again, not on our watch." For 16 years, I've fought passionately for the planks in our platform - defending liberty and demanding personal responsibility rather than government largesse. I've just begun my third term as the county chairman here and have taken on such issues as out of control county spending, electronic voting machines and changes in Texas Election Code impacting the funding of the primary to name a few.

As the chairman of a rather rural county clamoring for any new volunteers that we can find, you might appreciate my enthusiasm as so many folks began to become involved during this political season. I happened to be in Houston on business one day when Jean McIver was set to speak so I decided to extend my stay a bit, primarily to have an opportunity to say hello to Jean - she and I had worked on a state senate campaign some years previous and I'd not seen her in a while so I hung around in Houston for a few hours to say hello.

During the course of her meeting, it became quite apparent that there was a good deal of misinformation circulating about the party and the political process in general. Having been very active since 1992 and being a county chairman, I offered to speak to some of the technical questions being asked....and thus began a whirlwind of traveling across the greater Gulf Coast area speaking to all these new folks who wanted to be active in the Republican Party. I was THRILLED!!

I did everything I could to help them. I travelled perhaps 3-4 nights/week for months talking about the process: voter ID, Get Out The Vote and then finally the party process - how it's different from a campaign and how important the party is; so many wanted to be a part. I accepted every invitation that I could - and these new people responded. They wanted to return Texas and the United States to those principles espoused in our platform. WOW, how wonderful (and we'll need those votes desperately in November).

Unfortunately, in many instances when they tried to reach out to their local Republican Party they were kept at arm's length. So I traveled and trained and mentored everywhere I could. Ultimately, Jean invited me to speak on an internet radio program to folks who had attended their precinct conventions and were excited about going to county.

Having worked for 16 years to try to persuade people to pay attention to public policy and the public square, I was so excited but I also believed that many, without any training, would become discouraged. Their exuberance would be snuffed out if they didn't understand the process and weren't able to achieve their goals.

I thought the best way for folks to shorten the learning curve was to get information. Since our party rules provide that a copy of the precinct convention minutes are public record (Rule 22b), I suggested that they obtain copies of those minutes. They would learn how many conventions were held; how many and who participated; how many and who was elected to attend the county convention and probably most importantly, they could read the many resolutions that had been passed in order to better gauge the values held by the Republicans in their county.

I further suggested that they volunteer to serve on temporary committees. I think I'd been in the party 4 or 5 years before I realized these temporary committees existed. Since the rules prescribe that those meetings are open to any alternate/delegate, I suggested that they attend. They would learn a lot and they'd be better prepared to make meaningful contributions at the county/SD convention. I shared with them that these are serious positions and that there is a great deal riding on the deliberations and decisions made. I told them that in the smaller counties they might actually be appointed to committees so only volunteer where and if they felt qualified. I further clarified that many larger counties would have an ample supply of experienced individuals on the committees - as a new person they should not feel slighted in any way but should avail themselves of the opportunity to attend these meetings so as to gain a better understanding of the process, to meet party workers and to be prepared and well educated for a meaningful role at the county or SD convention.

I didn't define the meaningful role - I know everyone comes to this process with a different goal - I just wanted them to be prepared so that they felt they understood what was happening and knew how to voice their ideas and votes. Most of us recognize, we won't always win - but as long as the game is fair we can remain engaged and working on the same team. We desperately need that - engaged citizens!

Within 24 hours my phone started ringing off the hook with reports of county chairmen essentially slamming the door in the faces of these new people. An epidemic of fear seemed to be almost viral as leaders in the party that boasts high expectations for character and integrity were breaking every rule in the book just to keep the new people out.

I was grieved to my core.

I tried every diplomatic suggestion that I could think of, I coached, I mentored, I referred individuals to the rules and Roberts Rules of Order. They became knowledgeable about the Texas Election Code. They wanted to participate and they wanted to have a voice. But many leaders remained obstinate. Many allowed rumor, innuendo and fear to dictate their actions - and they violated rules and election code law in the process.

The delegates quickly came to understand that barring a peaceful remedy, their only recourse was to file a challenge with the state party. I know the number of challenges filed this year must be alarming. I wholeheartedly believe however that most of these delegates are just looking for a conversation. They are entitled to freedom of assembly - they are entitled to full participation. They do not deserve to be shut out or shut up.

Republicans have nothing to fear. Truth is powerful. Our platform is sound and Republican beliefs and values are consistent with those that birthed the greatest nation in the history of the world.

Let's let these new folks play a part. Let's let them speak their peace and make their arguments. If they are sound, we've gained friends. If they are false or flawed, the body will be wise enough to counter their arguments and to enter into a meaningful debate. Ultimately, the decision rightly belongs to the delegates. The duty of the conscientious chairman is to insure a fair deliberative process.

But beyond that, the duty of the leadership is to insure that we have a party that abides by its own rules and the rule of law. We'll have absolutely no credibility - nor do we deserve any - if our own leadership is disingenuous, abusive or corrupt.

While perhaps a bitter pill to swallow, refusing seating to those who have abused the rights of others or broken the rules is the only cure for a cancer that left unchecked will mark a swift and sure destruction of republican credibility, principles and the party in Texas. I'm recently reminded of this pearl from Barry Goldwater, "extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice! And let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue." Texas Republicans must defend liberty - uphold the rules and insure a fair and deliberative convention."

Most sincerely yours,
Debra Medina
Chairman
Wharton County Republican Party"