Below is a blog-style update of the events at the Convention in which at least some Kendall County Delegates were involved:
Saturday, June 7, 2008
3:43pm
The Convention Meeting is over and we're getting ready to head back to home - Kendall County.
Many steps toward a Republican Party renewal were taken including the approval of the two recommendations of the National Committeeman and Committeewoman Committee. First, Pat Brady of St. Charles was approved by another standing vote which showed his support by a clear majority of the delegates. However, the vote for Demetra Demonte more closely followed the vote of the committee (10-8) and the vote totals (roughly 380-280) showed it. At this point in the meeting, much of the DuPage Delegation exited the convention floor.
Other highlights of the meeting included the phone call from Senator John McCain which, unfortunately, underwent a few technical difficulties, but was a nice moment in the program. Another highlight would be the phone call from Iraq from Illinois State Rep. Jim Watson who did a great job communicating why our platform and principles matter to what he is doing on our behalf.
State Rep. and Congressional candidate Aaron Schock gave a great speech to close the proceedings and showed a glimpse as to the future success of the GOP in Illinois.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
12:39pm
One of the most discussed and debated issues facing our Party received an up-and-down vote on the Convention Floor - SB600 or direct elections of State Central Committeeman. In this instance the measure to return the GOP to direct elections failed. The vote total taken by a 'standing vote' was rougly 580 against direct elections with 180 for direct elections.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
11:14am
The Convention Hall doors are open and delegates, alternates and guests are filing into the room. It's exciting to see the large number of signs marking delegation locations from all over the state. The Kendall County Delegation is walking in unison to our central floor location ready for an entertaining and enthusiastic program.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
10:04am
The breakfast for delegates, alternate delegates and guests has one problem. They ran out of food. As many Republican conventioneers scrambled for breakfast alternatives, the sky opened and torrential rains coupled with substantial lightning and the accompanying thunder gave the morning an atmosphere of action and power.
Friday, June 6, 2008
8:50pm
The dinner and entertainment have concluded. Many receptions have been attended by the Kendall County Delegation including one hosted by Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson and House Minority Leader Tom Cross. A visit was paid to our neighbors' (DuPage County and Kane County) hospitality rooms.
Friday, June 6, 2008
4:41pm
The County Chairman's meeting finished with a heated exchange regarding direct elections for State Central Committeemen. Some spoke in favor of direct elections, but the tension level reached new heights as the meeting ended. There was also discussion about the relatively confusing manner in which the Platform Committee's resolution for the Convention Floor was worded.
Friday, June 6, 2008
3:24pm
The County Chairman's meeting just made the announcement that Demetra Demonte received 10 votes for National Committeewoman in the National Committeeman / Committeewoman Committee meeting. Carol Smith Donovan received support from 8 members and Kathy Salvi got 1. For National Committeeman, Pat Brady received the recommendation with 15 votes while Steve Rauschenberger received 3 votes.
Friday, June 6, 2008
2:38pm
The Platform Committee finished its work with the Platform and took up the issue of direct election of State Central Committeemen also referred to as SB600. Dave Diersen's motion to recommend SB600 to the convention floor was defeated in a close vote of 11-8. Instead, a motion passed which will allow the floor to vote 'yea' on not moving to direct elections.
Friday, June 6, 2008
12:49pm
The Committee on Platforms and Resolutions began its meeting an hour early to work through all of the specifics which will make up the Illinois Republican Platform. Ideas ranging from immigration to energy policy to transportation issues were presented. The Committee spent time discussing broad concepts as well as specific details (including whether a specfic semi-colon should appear or not).
Friday June 6, 2008
11:04am
The McCain for President Update session has an overflow crowd. Delegates from all over Illinois are keeping the discussion lively with a number of exciting and thought-provoking questions. Some intesting points include the fact that the McCain campaign finished the primary season with more cash on hand than the presumptive Democrat nominee. Many opportunities to get involved in the campaign as well as a little inside glimpse of strategy were announced.
Friday, June 6, 2008
8:41am
It's a beautiful day in Decatur! The Republican Convention is off to a great start with a record number of delegates registered. The caravan from Kendall County is en route to the Convention Center with more than 24 of us in total.
