Virginia’s First District Republican Convention 2016
If anyone was looking for the divisive narrative in the weekend’s First District Convention they will be sorely disappointed. More like a family reunion than a typical convention, Cruz, Trump and even a few Kasich supporters sat down together and talked it over, vowing to be unified. Volunteers and party leadership who planned the convention months ago and who didn’t have the luxury of throwing in the towel or crying endlessly on facebook ran the proceedings seamlessly. The biggest snafu was running out of lanyards toward the end of check in.
Long time party activist and expert Parliamentarian, Allen Webb was on hand for rules and procedures doing the bang up job he always does. It would not be a properly run convention without Allen. First time volunteers had been roped into helping by Chairman, Eric Herr with everything from sign in to Credentials, including members from New Kent and Hanover, newly added to the First District.
People came early, apparently on purpose to talk to one another and talk they did. While expressing their disappointment in the withdrawal of their candidate directly to Trump supporters, Cruz people made it clear they were on board and the Trump folks received the message more than well. The gloat factor was not in evidence on Saturday. I have no prognostications other than if this is a small window into committed conservative voters, they will indeed unite. On the other hand, it is perhaps just an anomaly of the First District where hard line conservatism reigns, but purging is not the style of the leadership pertaining to local committees and volunteers. The philosophy is “We need everyone.”
Tea Party leaders, Libertarians and new and old Republicans met in the halls on breaks to dialog with state candidates for office in 2017, including Rob Bell, John Adams, Bryce Reeves, Jill Vogel and Congressman Rob Wittman. Morton Blackwell held a small town hall type meeting from the stage in a question and answer format about National Conventions and how they work while the vote was tallied. Steve Albertson, Larry Kile and Bob Watson were re-elected to the Virginia Republican State Central Committee by wide margins. Delegates to the National Convention were chosen on the 1st ballot. Elected to these positions were Steve Albertson, Laurie Tryfiates and Jeanine Lawson, also by wide margins.
The Alternate Delegate ticket was chosen at the end with lots of last minute campaigning by a young, beloved First District volunteer, Adam Washington. Just about everyone knows Adam for his hard work, kindness and willingness to help anywhere he is needed. A general consensus among the delegations was to make sure Adam was on the alternate list for the National Convention. Willie Deutsch, activist and school board member from Prince William was on hand to introduce the candidate and during Adam’s minute long speech, he was all but cheered. He was elected along with Bill Stewart and Bob Watson. The National Elector position went to Laurie Tryfiates.
