RNC Avoids "Purity Resolution"
HONOLULU, HI -- The RNC avoided a potentially embarrassing resolution that would have given the party an ability to impose sanctions on candidates who do not follow key elements of the GOP platform, a move that would have shone a spotlight on some of the party's best recruits.
GOPers meeting in Honolulu this week unanimously said the party is in good shape to make big electoral gains this year, but many worried that the proposed resolution could highlight differences between conservatives and several more moderate contenders.
The resolution, submitted by IN national committeeman Jim Bopp, would have given the RNC the power to request money from candidates the party supported if the party determined the candidate did not conform to at least 8 of 10 policy planks.
That original wording appeared to put Reps. Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Mike Castle (R-DE) out of contention for RNC funding, even though they stand strong chances of retaking Dem-held Senate seats. Castle and Kirk voted in favor of cap and trade legislation, have "F" ratings from the NRA and aren't completely -- violating 3 of the 10 planks.
Bopp had the 10 signatures needed to get the resolution to the floor, but negotiations over a compromise proved fruitless. An association of GOP state chairs unanimously opposed the resolution, and Bopp eventually withdrew the motion. Bopp's decision to withdraw the resolution won a round of applause on the floor of the general session.
Meanwhile, RNC chair Michael Steele used his address to the national party to blast Pres. Obama's State of the Union address and to launch a new program aimed at promoting GOP wins in every state, similar to ex-DNC chair Howard Dean's 50-state strategy. The new program, D2H, is intended to spotlight every state from DE, the First State, to HI, the 50th state.
Steele, concluding a bumpy first year as chair, acknowledged some of his gaffes while insisting the focus should be on the party, not on himself.
"This is not Michael Steele's moment. This is not [RNC co-chair] Jan Larimer's moment. This is not the Republican Party's moment. This is the people's moment," Steele said. "We put our faith in people and not in Pres. Obama. We put our faith in people and not the policies of Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid."
RNC CoS Ken McKay presented an upbeat assessment of the party's electoral chances, pledging to win back seats both in Nov. and in any special elections beforehand. "We might as well beat as many [Dems] as we can," McKay joked.
RNC members will hear from Honolulu city councilman Charles Djou (R), the party's top candidate in a special election to replace resigning Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-HI), at the closing dinner tonight.
There has to be a better candidate than Kirk, this guy isn't just a BAD choice, he is a DIRECT THREAT to our children!!
Google the Student Teacher Safety Act, there is one for 2006 that was sponsored by Rep. Geoff Davis.
This was PASSED in a secret vote in congress, but died in the Senate.
Then there is the H.R. 3291 Student Teacher Safety Act of 2007, this was sponsored by Rep. Mark Kirk, AFTER CHANGING ONE WORD in the bill!
This bill concerns searching Students, and MANDATES that EVERY public school have a search policy, but it is as vague as to mean ANYTHING, up to and INCLUDING STRIP SEARCHES!
Be assured there is NO mention of that in the bill, but since it is so vague, you can bet schools would use this to ward off lawsuits for the practice.
And lockers, backpacks, vehicles, ETC can already be searched, so WHY would we even NEED a bill such as this unless it was for MORE searching authority?
Every school should deal with their OWN PROBLEMS, locally; we don't need Mark Kirk forcing this trash legislation on us.
Rehashing a BAD failed bill, with one word changed, and this guy is trying to tell us he’s a LEADER?
Remember THAT Feb 2nd!
The Tea Party is Over... In Illinois there ads are up on the air exposing guys like Randy Hultgren as out of the mainstream fringe candidates.
however as constituents across the usa themselves have different ideas in what they expect in a candidate there should be no major constrains.
chair steele has done many things for republican committee central committees across the usa. i am so glad he is our chair.
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Education is a very necessary component to just about every child's life, however I actually do believe public school presents children expertise and life instruction that a private or home schooling simply can not teach them. Interacting with other human beings their own age group along with stuff just like that is vital to each and every younger child.