This year I, along with millions of other citizens, have gotten off the couch and become engaged in the struggle to maintain our individual freedom in the face of an ever expanding authoritarian regime. I have attended TEA Party Rallies in Grand Rapids, Lansing, Battle Creek, Brighton, Birmingham, and Troy, Michigan. I have participated in several Obama Care protests in the Metro Detroit area, voicing my opposition to the federal government taking away our health care choices. I have traveled to our nation’s capitol on 9/12 and 11/5 to join millions of other Americans concerned about future generations being saddled with debt to pay for the left’s selfish desire for “free” health care.
Throughout all of these rallies and protests, I observed a common theme. Americans will not bow at the altar of BIG GOVERNMENT and willingly cede control of their family’s health care. Average Americans from all walks of life have seen the Feds bankrupt every social program they have imposed on us. Americans will fight to the bitter end to prevent the Feds from ruining our health care system
I have also observed another common theme, many of my fellow citizens are unhappy with both major political parties. While the Democrat Party is viewed as the party of big government, the Republican Party tends to be viewed as the party of somewhat big government. Most people I spoke with are longing for a party of limited government. Neither the Republican Party, and certainly not the Democrat Party represents mainstream America’s desire for truly limited government.
That neither of the two major political parties represents the limited government values of mainstream Americans presents a quandary. Most of my colleagues do not want to vote for a third party candidate, as this will virtually guarantee victory for the Party of Big Government. Similarly, my colleagues are not thrilled about the prospects of victory for the Party of Slightly Less Big Government. What are we to do?
Here is the solution! There is a movement underway to recruit Americans with mainstream conservative values to become precinct delegates within the Republican Party. As a precinct delegate, citizens with mainstream conservative values are able to cast votes in elections for Republican Party leadership positions. As a precinct delegate, you have the ability to help shape policies for the Republican Party. As a precinct delegate, you have the ability to turn the Republican Party into the Party of Mainstream Conservative American Values.
Becoming a precinct delegate (also known as a precinct committeeman) is relatively easy. Obviously, each individual state will have its own specific rules but this generalized procedure provides a good overview for all states. For my home state of Michigan, I have included links for everything you will need to know before you sign up to run for a precinct delegate position. The Michigan procedure is quite simple. You do not need to circulate nominating petitions, file financial disclosure forms, or even be a dues paying member of the Republican Party!
You have made a difference by voting in elections. You have made a difference by attending TEA Parties that have shaped public opinion. Now take the next step and shape the policies of the Republican Party!
Follow these steps to run for precinct delegate in the State of Michigan:
1. Determine your precinct. Your County Clerk can help.
2. Find and contact your county’s Republican Chairman.
3. Let your Chairman know you would like to be a precinct delegate.
4. Your Chairman may appoint you right now if there is a vacancy.
5. Fill out an Affidavit of Identity. Return this to your township clerk.
6. Read the filing requirements. Filing deadline is May 11, 2010.
7. Understand the candidate requirements.
8. If you miss the filing deadline you can run as a write-in.
Wes Nakagiri 10:13 pm on February 6, 2010 Permalink
More information: Not all precinct delegates will necessarily be able to attend the State Republican Party convention. Which delegates get to go to the State Convention? Precinct delegates choose amongst themselves those who will attend the State Convention. This is done via an election at a County Convention. However, I am told that there generally there are sufficient openings such that any delegate that wants to attend the State Convention can go. It is at the State Convention that delegates will nominate the Republican nominee for Attorney General, Secretary of State, Judges, and University Regents.
Wes Nakagiri 7:22 pm on January 10, 2010 Permalink
Another Michigan update: State Election laws do not permit you to become appointed as a Precinct Delegate, even if there is currently a vacancy. According to law, a vacancy is filled by becoming elected at a County Convention. (I am told that County Conventions are usually held 2-3 times a year.) You can be elected to fill out the balance of a vacancy by a majority vote of the precinct delegates, present at a County Convention.
Wes Nakagiri 10:47 am on November 25, 2009 Permalink
Update for those in Michigan who want to become a Precinct Delegate! Elections for Precinct Delegate will be held during the August 2010 primaries. Unforntunately this date falls after the State Republican Party Convention. What does this mean to you? You will not be able to vote in the 2010 Republican Party Convention because you will not be a delegate until after the convention is held. If you want to have a vote in the 2010 Convention you need to contact the Republican Party Chairman in your county. If you are qualified the Chairman may appoint you now. This would enable you to cast your vote next year. The blog post above has links to help you find the Republican Party Chairman in your county. For those outside of Michigan – I urge you to contact your Chairman and become appointed so that you can vote in your state convention.