State Central Committee Meeting
One of my favorite Iowa blogs, In Flyover Country posted today about this Saturday's State Central Committee meeting. In keeping with their hilarious Airplane theme, I'll answer McCroskey's question (paraphrased).
Like Johnny, my answer is:
Seriously, the rumor mill is swirling once again. I will address some of the issues brought up In Flyover Country. I want to stress that I am writing based on my own perceptions, opinions, etc.
First what will happen about our party Chairman Stewart Iverson. I have to admit that in my new role on the SCC, I have been approached by multiple people regarding our chairman. Some have praised him and the job he is doing and warned against removing him. Others have said that they hoped I would work for his removal and do it soon.
It is a curious system whereby we always change SCC members right about the time our primary ends, when we ought to be getting our game in order for the general election. Add the flood and postponed convention to the mix and those of us who were elected this year have had only one in person SCC meeting (we have had two conference calls but they were limited to specific topics). I think a change of leadership so close to D-Day in November would be disastrous. Stewart knew he was taking on a difficult job, he should be given the opportunity to complete it.
Likewise, there will be an election for chairman in January. Stewart's term ends in January so this is a scheduled election. In political time, January is eons from now. Therefore I will not make any predictions about who our next chairman will be. I will make this promise. In the past, when I was an outsider, I was frustrated that the SCC voted to report that Ray and Stewart were elected unanimously. Everyone knows that this was not the case, there were in each case other candidates who received votes. Individual SCC members vote by ballot and they may choose to reveal or not reveal their choices.
According to Robert's Rules, it takes a truly unanimous vote (by ballot) to make a vote that was not unanimous appear so. Therefore I will make a promise.
In Flyover Country also asks about Gopal Krishna in his role as treasurer. I agree that Gopal's removal from the list of national delegates was a surprise. I cannot imagine that SCC would consider removing Gopal at this time. First, Gopal was just elected. Second he has served in the position before and has experience. Third, I doubt that any other SCC member wants to jump in to the job at this time. I know I don't!
Captain Oveur (at In Flyover Country) is right. We've had our ideological battle but now it is time to get together. Fund-raising is a top priority. We need to put aside our differences and work together to elect Republicans from the Whitehouse right down to our county courthouses. Having a harmonious SCC meeting this weekend would be a great start.
Don't always agree with you, but your damn straight forward and that is nice to have on the state central committee. Thanks for standing up and declaring where you stand and holding the other members accountable as well. It is nice to know that you will be transparent and fight for transparency while you are on the board.
Posted by: Brent Oleson | Jul 17, 2008 6:24:54 PM
who can attend the SCC meetings?
Posted by: I prefer anonymous please | Jul 18, 2008 11:13:46 AM
I believe that SCC meetings are open to the public. (Keep in mind that I am an SCC rookie, so I am not 100% sure.)
Posted by: HawkeyeGOP | Jul 18, 2008 4:42:49 PM
Thanks for the answer. Thank you for standing up for transparency and unity. I like the idea posted over on trs, maybe the elections of scc members should take effect later on, say after the state convention (I think the poster said after the gen. election) then we could also recognize the outgoing scc members and thank them for their service!
Posted by: I prefer anonymous please | Jul 19, 2008 6:39:51 AM