Some Sign Shenanigans But Mostly Calm At 10th District Convention
May 18th, 2008 by joe
The good guys won in 2008. That is the most important part.
The 2008 10th District of Virginia Republican Convention was MUCH better run than the 2006 edition of this event.
Ahem.
Part of the improvement is attributable to the fact that Jim Rich had no opposition as committee chair. Part is because Langley High School was a better venue than Survivor: Horse Country. And I think people kind of wanted to take care of the business and get out of there. (That’s the reason for the abridged coverage by me this time: I had other things to do today and could not hang out until the end.)
It was sort of curious that the balloting had to be broken into two segments. First phase was the voting on all the major candidates. Second phase - hours later - would be voting on “alternate” delegates to the Republican National Convention, who could not be determined until all the votes from the first ballot were tabulated so we would know who the “first” delegates were. This meant, everyone voting on the alternate delegates had to wait around. Hypothetically. Because in reality, most of the voters would certainly have already left. Why not just have one vote, and the three next-highest vote-getters are named as alternates?
10th District Committee Chairman Jim Rich may be a great guy, but a manager he is not. On paper the above might have seemed like a reasonable workflow, but in reality it assumed some really dumb things. Such as, those sitting through the Convention on a spectacular Saturday afternoon would be motivated to stick around for ballot counting and a later vote. On alternates for delegate positions that most voters do not even understand. I had family commitments, so I was not there for the second vote.
If the meeting had been run with Swiss-watch like efficiency, it might have worked. But the first signal this was not the case came when the report from the Rules Committee showed that the three pages of rules had to be read from the podium - because the 10th District staff had neglected to provide copies of the printed rules at the entrance to the Convention hall. Reading the rules was not a powerful tactic for audience engagement, I can assure you. I joined many others leaving the meeting room in search of coffee.
The proceedings, led in an extremely competent fashion by Delegate Tom Rust, got bogged down because the Credentials Committee had to spend nearly an hour adjudicating cases of people who showed up seconds late for the 10:00 am registration cut-off time. A couple signs and some observers in the registration area could have obviated the whole mess.
So what with Tom Rust’s agile leadership and a generally quiescent audience could have been one of the most efficient political conventions in the history of western civilization, this ended up being pretty much like all the others because of subpar management. It dragged on.
I got to see some great friends and fellow bloggers. Our own Brian Withnell was among those who arrived late. Six seconds, to be exact. So even though the clock still read 10:00 am, Brian and his wife were told by 10th District staff they were too late to participate - and Brian is too much of a gentleman to even suggest a protest. They left, and their case was not among those adjudicated by the Credentials Committee. Most of the NVTH blogging crew were there. Also, I got to finally meet Ron of Isophorone Blog, my third-party brother in arms, and I got to spend some always-enjoyable time with Blog Fu.
In attendance from the town next door were newly re-elected Herndon Mayor Steve DeBenedittis, Councilman Dennis Husch, and Help Save Herndon co-founder Phil Jones. I am guessing Fairfax County’s delegation contributed a sizeable number of votes for the good guys on the ticket.
Here’s a screwy thing that a friend brought to my attention, and another commentary on 10th District Chair Jim Rich’s management savoir faire.
The 10th District staff enforced the rules on signage. None allowed inside the Convention.
But, hey, what is the dominant sign within the Convention and the backdrop for the stage?
So while Frank Wolf’s challenger, Vern McKinley, had to play by the rules, the incumbent did not.
Vern had to keep his signs outside.
It’s not easy out here for a regular citizen who wants to represent us in the U.S. Congress.
This entry was posted on Sunday, May 18th, 2008 at 1:12 am and is filed under Campaign 2008, Politics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
May 18th, 2008 at 2:52 am
Wolf’s been in too long! Getting too comfortable. Time for change.
May 18th, 2008 at 7:52 am
Change is not always for the better.
May 18th, 2008 at 9:41 am
The convention was a missed opportunity.
This is an election year. What is it you are trying to do ? You are trying to get your team excited and motivated to work hard between now and November. This will the last time you get this many committed delegates in one room for a very long time.
This was the opportunity to introduce ALL of your candidates to your army of committed activists. It is at this event where activists and party loyalists yet undecided make important decisions as to who to support and at what level. It is the what level part that is the most important.
Instead what did we have ? We had a patchwork of speeches delivered by candidates racing against time limits of 1 or 2 minutes per speech. Failure to bring your speech in under the allotted time and you were forced to suffer through a gray haired women banging on a bell like a rat on crack. It was a cheap version of a political gong show.
I happen to be supporting Bob Marshall. Bob was given 2 minutes to make his pitch. The man is running for a shot at the US Senate and given 2 minutes to address a convention of potential supporters. Forget about the candidate for a second, the office deserves more respect than what was afforded. Jim Gilmore gave his 2 minute address to a crowd of about 40 people while some were cleaning up from the days events. Jim Gilmore is a former Attorney General and Gov of our state. He deserved better.
This leadership group is doing little to improve Republican chances in a very tough year.
Our chances for success and the Republican brand were not well served.
May 18th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
The convention was improved very much from 2006. Not bad overall. There seemed to be a tone of cooperation from all involved. Limited speech time was definitely the way to go and it was enforced for everyone. If you have not heard Bob Marshall, Gilmore or any other one enough just go to their website and watch youtube. All canidates, including those running for smaller offices got to have their small say. Long speeches would have kept us at the convention for 2 days.
You figure the small group of Wolf haters, Ron Paul people or whoever could come up with a better candidate than McKinley. He sounded just awful yesterday. At least show up with some type of prepared remarks and look like you know what you are talking about. I thought Marshall did a fine job as did Wolf. Gilmore deserved better? Show up on time and get better treatment.
May 18th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Vern blew it!! He had a captive audience and he rambled. He should have shown up with a prepared speech, and given, heck, FORCED US to have a reason NOT TO VOTE for him. Instead, we got amateur hour, er minute. So sad.
When a conservative candidate breaks the surface, need to have a process in place to prepare him/her for the realities of political life. The first reality is you can’t sound like a precocious 7th grader with some good ideas about politics you picked up in Early American history class.
May 18th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
People signed up as delegates need to show up in 2 weeks to support Bob Marshal at the Richmond convention. He is the best choice against Mark Warner. It will be a tough campaign but we need Bob in the US Senate. He clearly will be a better advocate against illegal migration than John Warner.
May 18th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
He probably won’t, but Jim Rich should take a clue from the Loudoun GOP in how to run a successful convention, including especially taking balloting into the 21st century. My lord, the race for junior high class president came to mind as we were presented with multiple forms, including one for national delegate, with almost 30 names where the names weren’t even alphabetized!
And imagine this — “Jim Rich” and “Anna Lee” were in position #1 and #2. Now by what accident did that come about?
Loudoun county’s GOP, by contrast uses the same modern ballots and ballot counting machines used in a general elections. We also know our alphabetical order and, if called upon, would be willing to share this information with Mr. Rich, I’m sure.
God, what a backwater Jim & friends run! Thank you Jo-Ann, Kay, and Howie offering an alternative to backwater Republicanism!
May 18th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
Jacob, excellent points. I have heard Vern several times and it almost looks like he does not even want to run. Its almost like he got on the ballot because he lost a bet. I almost feel bad for the guy because its never fun to be embarrassed but he should have known better. Very strange.
May 18th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
Good points, Jacob. I had to leave before then. Hope the McKinley camp reads this.
I know part of Vern’s image is to not be a typical BS politician. Talking to him in person, he is extremely articulate and engaging. But there is a difference in speaking to an audience; there needs to be a histrionic element. It doesn’t mean you have to be Billy Graham, but you have to be aware of what is required to gain and hold the audience’s attention.
May 18th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
I would agree. There is a disconnect in Vern’s message v. performance.
I was in no way advocating long speeches. Long speeches can kill an event. However, this about rallying the troops, and creating a bit of excitement. Especially for those new to the process. If you are trying to expand the party, build winning coalitions then that bore fest did little towards that end. The Loudoun County event was ten times the convention even though voting was a bit slow. I was one of the first to raise hell. Having said that, the Loudoun convention had passion and pop. It had interest. This convention was like going to the dentist. It may very well have been an improvement from 06. All that says is that the 06 event was really bad.
May 18th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
06 had passion and pop. Just not the kind anyone would typically want - although I found it immensely entertaining compared to this weekend. (Read my coverage linked above if you want to get a sense of it). But it had a really unsatisfying ending with Jim Rich being elected Chairman.
08 had nary a hint of passion nor pop, but the end was stupendously wonderful with a win for the good guys and Rich getting his ass handed to him.
May 18th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
I am a McKinley supporter and active w\his campaign. The campaign reads this blog and care about the points of view posted here. We usually don’t post, however …
Vern’s delivery this past Saturday at the District convention was actually good. It was confident and poised… Congressman Wolf/Chairman Rich should be concerned…and they are…
Several people who were not friendly to Vern’s campaign approached AFTER Vern’s speech and said that they would now support Vern McKinley on June 10th. … one family even said that they would support McKinley BASED on the speech.
Also, it seemed odd to me at the time that a 60 sec prepared speech didn’t fit into a 120 sec timeframe…I don’t know – didn’t time it myself, but I was surprised the school-bell rang when it did. This is the first convention I’ve ever attended so I cannot compare, but I agree – again with G. Stone – that the convention seemed like a missed opportunity… for our Party. Those running for State or National level positions, who will potentially face the Dems at some point this year, at least ought to have had the opportunity to tell more about themselves - rally the troops so to speak.
Vern himself had planned to publicly challenge Congressman Wolf to a debate.
Unfortunately, Frank Wolf has turned down at least 3 opportunities to debate (that we know of)…why? His record? Vern McKinley will be standing alone as the conservative representative against Judy Feder and Mike Turner on Friday May 29th on WAMU radio at noon. The station offered to reschedule to fit Wolf’s calendar – but he will not make himself available….???
May 18th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
Neo,
Everyone was held to the same standard including Delegate Marshall, Wolf, and Gilmore when he showed up.
The problem with McKinley’s speech was he said nothing and just mumbled throughout the entire ordeal. No prepared remarks, it was just awful. McKinley gave no speech, that was the problem. It appeared he did not even want to get on stage. He had a deer in the headlights look. If you are going to run for Congress, at least make an effort. I certainly do not support McKinley but I did feel bad for him after the speech.
With that showing on Sat. I certainly don’t blame Wolf for not making an appearance with him. To gain respect you have to at least look half prepared.
May 18th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
Joe,
It was a little difficult taking a six second late (that is 10:00:06 when I checked) when I’d been looking for the correct line for more than six seconds a little difficult.
I suppose I will never be thrilled with political speeches. I think of the thrill a second speeches as the “Jim” speeches (as in Bakker or Swaggart). I am left with a distaste in my mouth for such speakers, and would tend to vote against them (if a reasonable conservative was available).
One thing I heard several people talk about was how they, because there are no real conservatives running, almost feel like they ought to vote Libertarian…. Not Good. To those that think the Libertarians are conservatives, think about any moral issue (abortion anyone?). Fiscal conservatives? Yes. That is as far as they go.
We were rather disappointed that it took several minutes to find the appropriate line — what had been “published” was you had to be inside (they would close the doors) at 10:00. We were inside, we were at the appropriate place, but in the wrong alphabetic position. The people in front of us were covering the sign that had the portion of the alphabet we needed to go to. The disorganization of the sign-in was a little much — no signs saying where. It must have taken two minutes to find the line. I know it did, with all the people inside the door making it near impossible to move — my poor wife was having near panic attacks from overcrowding (she gets panicked in crowds where she can’t just walk away).
One thing I discussed after not being able to register with a couple of those that did make it, the party may be doing a self-destruct on conservative issues. It ignores the conservative viewpoint and presumes they will have the vote in the election because there is no alternative. As long as there are only two parties, and we allow the show to be only two parties, that will be true. It has been many years since a third party arose, but if the conservatives are continually shunned by both the present parties, a third will eventually arise. When it does, it may surprise both the present parties. What would be even better is to have that happen, a liberal party arise, and fracture the two party system forever in this country.
May 18th, 2008 at 10:39 pm
I knew we were in trouble when we creasted the hill to the school and counted about 2,000 Wolf signs stacked 3 deep along the road about 200 feet. I’m sure that when Eugene saw that he was envious (watchout for the next BOS elections). I like Wolf but I also think it is time for a change. The plane-pulled banner they had on skyhooks above the stage was outlandish. Makes you think that the party’s centerpiece is Wolf-for today anyway.
Got to meet Brian and would have got him registered but he wouldn’t stoop to anything on the sly. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Just remember, Brian. I will always be ACTivist here.
And the reason you couldn’t find the signs was because no signage was allowed-except those keeping you from remaining hydrated and sated. Maybe that was the problem with the speakers. I think some girl was taking all the signs down but I barely caught it out the corner of my eye (my wife might be reading this).
I met Vern. I like Vern. I think Vern should stand in front of the mirror with a glass of Daniels on the rocks and a big stogie, smile and say “they call me Tater..Salad”. Vern has the Thompson syndrome; the message is good but there doesn’t seem to be the enthusiasm. You don’t need to be an elitist to get you point across. If Osama-bama can do it, anyone can do it.
Although I have only been to a couple of these and they ARE of importance, it kind of reminds me of going to a kindergarten play. Please pull my toenails out instead. I do get a great laugh. I was a little apprehensive about putting my ballot in the box with Capo Stone towering above and when you tell Jacob the Marine to stop people from this or that, he gets all goose-bumpy, his eyes cross and then you know the ambulance will be coming for someone.
Yes, I too believe we were at the wrong location. It seems that Langley (Fairfax County) is a liberal school. As I read the mission statement in the showcase it was “…..to prepare them for the WORLD society”. Next time, you want a REVED-UP convention, have it at Hooters!
May 18th, 2008 at 11:04 pm
republicanvoter:
what are you talking about Vern “mumbled throughout” - he was clear and articulate…maybe it was your hearing? i don’t mean to be rude, but i don’t know where you are coming from on this one.
vern will be the first to admit, as G.Stone notes “There is a disconnect in Vern’s message v. performance” but he has improved in public speaking and will continue to improve. What Vern IS stellar at is financial/economic/banking policy… something we NEED right now in Congress.
Brian:
It is disappointing that you were not allowed in - on a such a technicality; you were in a line! - and then, others that arrived after you were allowed to register. Much like the rule about no signs in the auditorium and then allowing the giant Wolf sign hanging as backdrop to the stage. Or, creating a rule that said that the agenda could not be amended once approved…and then Rich and company amending the agenda when they decided to do so (to postpone the vote for alternate delegates until the delegates had been counted - perhaps the committee hall monitors ought to have written the rule as they meant it - no amending the agenda unless Person x, y and/or z would like to amend the agenda” all those in favor..?!?)….or leaving off Criss Hyde from the Delegate list or announcing Anna Lee for State Central in place of Kay Gunter (Kay won by 100 votes/wonder how that mis-count happened)… all things that could be chalked up to mismanagment or juvenile games. either way, i am underwhelmed.
Speaking of a choice you say “It (the GOP)ignores the conservative viewpoint and presumes they will have the vote in the election because there is no alternative”. The only reason Vern McKinley is running is to offer a conservative option to conservative and libertarian-leaning voters. He believes so strongly that there ought to be the option that he has taken the time out from his family and successful job to give people like you and me an option. That is why I support him so strongly.
May 19th, 2008 at 12:56 am
I’m not saying that it can’t happen. Just like my fairly firm belief that most politicians are slimy. One of my fellow teachers at Park View used to work as an agent for a government agency. His job used to be attempting to compromise foreign politicians. He stated he knew many of the people in our senate, and if any of them had been born in the Soviet Union, they would undoubtedly be on the Soviet Central Committee — because from his point of view meeting many of them from many countries, they are all alike. I personally know a lobbyist, he has worked inside the beltway with congress as long as I’ve known him, and while he believes that statement is true not for *all* of those in DC, he believes it is true for 90%.
May 19th, 2008 at 5:43 am
Neo,
Maybe McKinley is “stellar” in financial policy but no one had a clue as to why he was doing anything during his speech Sat. He was clear about nothing. I am not doubting that he is a smart guy but Sat he did not sound like he had a clue. A little preparation for a speech goes a long way. If you are going to run for your party nomination at least make a little effort.
May 19th, 2008 at 5:49 am
Neo,
clear as a bell? who are you kidding. he was mumbling, talking on the fly, and obviously had not thought about his 2 minutes. a prepared statement was in order and vern blew it. I say this as someone who supports vern’s ideals. he needs some work, AND some discipline, then he will become a formidable candidate. because he won’t be worrying wolf now, at all.
May 19th, 2008 at 9:15 am
Vern “will continue to improve. ”
The floor of the house is not Public Speaking 101. Based upon some of the comments here, and what I have read about Vern on his web site make me question the viability of his candidacy. He may be a financial whiz, but first and foremost, he must be electable.
We CANNOT give this House seat to Pelosi’s crew.
May 19th, 2008 at 10:07 am
This is not the year to put ol vern into play. he needs to grow up politically speaking. finding a message, getting on that message, staying on message all will come with time. feder is not an option and she will not beat wolf.
May 19th, 2008 at 10:25 am
jacob, agree.
If he cannot come across well in front of the party faithful, how is he going to reach out to others ?
This thread reminds me of Pat Phillips, in that one’s affinity for underdog candidates should not blind you to the realities of the underdog’s shortcomings.
May 19th, 2008 at 11:47 am
Vern McKinley will easily beat Feder, on the issues.
The house floor is not public speaking 101??? That is correct, but have you watched CSPAN??? I’d say at least 50% of Congress are learning how to be good speakers on the fly.
Isn’t the point to elect someone who is a true conservative instead of someone who voted for RAISING the minimum wage, voted FOR SCHIP, voted against repealing the DC gun ban, and continues to say one thing and do another on earmarks???
I don’t care if the candidate has the public speaking merits of a child with a speech impediment as long as he/she VOTES as a true conservative.
McKinley is running for Congress as a citizen legislator, not for President of the Toastmasters club.
May 19th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
[…] Check out the article at NOVA Townhall. […]
May 19th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Vern McKinley’s speech was excellent. It was clear and concise. It may have been basic, but it was undeniably honest. There was no facade. It conveyed one clear message - follow the Constitution.
Half of Vern’s speech was direct quotes from the Constitution, in fact, as those familiar with the Constitution would know. He is proposing one thing that is nearly unheard of in today’s politics, the use of the Constitution in legislation.
May 19th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
The Last Reagan,
“He is proposing one thing that is nearly unheard of in today’s politics, the use of the Constitution in legislation.”
That’s why he is liked! He believes in it too.
May 19th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
It was once said, by nearly the entire Republican establishment, that Reagan would be “the end of the Republican Party”. - I would disagree.
Reagan was the life blood of the party. He brought the massive reform that was direly needed. He restored our long lost values. Reagan made the party what it is today.
Reagan’s work is now in jeopardy. A new establishment, more concerned about itself than the values it represents, has now emerged. This establishment, as was more than evident at the 10th District Convention, is trying to shut down its challenger. A challenger that will not stand on the sidelines as long as tyranny exists.
A choice must be made. Will the 10th District continue to tolerate the degeneracy of the Republican party that has allowed preferential treatment and dirty back room dealings within its leadership.
Or will they, in keeping with their great decisions at the 10th District Convention, bring restoration to the party. Will they vote in a true and honest man or once again settle for the despondency that persists.
May 19th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
“He had a captive audience and he rambled”
Is #27 an example of this ?
May 19th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
Frank Wolf did not ramble too bad, I didn’t think. Though he did stutter a little bit. From what I understand, he’s been stuttering his entire life. I would argue that his speech problems are irrelevant to the issues, however.
Vern’s speech was excellent. Remarkably, it was even better than Wolf’s speech. It was too bad that Vern was cut off before he was quite done, though. As I understand it, Vern had plans to challenge Wolf to a debate on the issues. - I hope that still happens.
May 21st, 2008 at 1:29 pm
I noticed this time that Jim Rich’s parliamentary henchman,
Loudoun County Chief Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney James P. Fisher
(seen in video referenced below)
http://www.novatownhall.com/blog/2006/05/virginia_10th_district_convent_5.php
had no involvement in the meeting. Good thing, though in fairness he was only obeying Jim Rich’s orders.
May 22nd, 2008 at 11:05 am
For those that may have not seen the article, the Herndon Connection recognized the preferential treatment that was portrayed at the 10th District Convention. Posted on their website yesterday, May 21, they clearly stated what took place.
As the Herndon Connection article reads, “Though convention workers prohibited campaign signs from entering the Langley auditorium, a single large ‘Wolf for U.S. Congress’ banner hung over the stage at the front of the room. ”
This is only more evidence to show that the establishment will protect itself at all costs, regardless of ethics. This self serving entity has time and again put itself before our values. - We need new leadership that will return the Party to our conservative principles that it once stood by. We need honest leadership.
May 22nd, 2008 at 12:17 pm
LastReagan,
I saw both speeches. I am a vern supporter, but I am also a realist. Vern’s speech was terrible. You have gots to be kidding. Wolf gave a standard ‘reach across the aisle god I hope the mushy middle we like that’ speech. But unlike vern he was cognet, on message and I did not hear any stuttering. get real, we cannot pretend our candidates are doing their homework when they clearly are not. Vern was TOTALLY unprepared.
May 22nd, 2008 at 2:08 pm
In anything and everything one can find a difference of opinion. Some may be right, some wrong. The key thing is to identify what is important and what is peripheral.
Vern represents conservative principles. - That is what is important. He has pledged to cut spending and thus taxes. He has pledged to protect life, liberty, and property. In this, the Rights of the unborn and the Right of the people to keep and bear arms will be ensured, as the Constitution details.
Our values must be forefront, above all else. Vern has in all ways proven to be the candidate that will make this happen. He is honest and forthright, just what we need to restore or values. - It is our values that are most important.
May 22nd, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Last Reagan,
“Vern represents conservative principles. - That is what is important.”
I agree, but he also has to sound like something other than a bright 14 year old on stage. You were quick to point how Wolf stuttered, in effect you are also saying presentation matters.
Why does presentation matter? Go look at the retard in the Whitehouse. Vern has the right positions, but politics is about message. Message is about discipline and hard work. Vern did not show either.
If you want to WIN elections with CONSERVATIVES we cannot wax nostalgic when the conservative mumbles ‘lower taxes’ on the stage. I am not looking for a hyper polished Clintonian guy, but someone who is not looking at the floor, mumbling disconnected thoughts and doing an excellent approximation of Gentleman Jim from taxi is a bare minimum.
May 22nd, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Anyone who thinks McKinley has a remote chance against Frank Wolf…probably just moved here and does not understand the area. Everybody out here LOVES Frank Wolf.
It’s just that simple.
And the mere fact that McHugh and McSweeny have embraced the Paullocks to spike their numbers for this agenda did not do well for one Republican in the Va.10th. As a matter of fact (that’ll be relayed over the next two years–when I get to say I told you so)the Party took two large steps backwards last Saturday. Having said that….it was fair. Those who wanted to set the Party back did indeed outnumber those who want better days for the Republicans.
May 23rd, 2008 at 1:28 pm
The day of the 10th District Convention was a day of historic victory for conservative principles and fair process in the Republican Party. Hope is indeed on the horizon for this district.
Those who want better days for the Republican party were elected that day. Those that lost, lost because they had strayed from their principles. They had abandoned the Party for their own gain.
This time change was for the better. This time principles were victorious over politics. - With hope and prayer we will continue and return to the principles that we once knew.
May 26th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
When we’re standing looking back in 4 years, I’ll be the one saying “I told you so”….not you.
May 26th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
10cm,
Hey pal, the guys in the last election ran on YOUR ideas. We now have Democrats running the BOS, try this …
I TOLD YOU SO.