Politics & Government

Atlanta Tea Party Patriots Make Themselves Heard at GOP Convention

Snellville's Kathy Hildebrand, delegate to the Republican National Convention, describes how a proposed policy change resulted in pushback from the Tea Party.

According to , the GOP was considering a change to the rules that would have seriously hurt grassroots movements. 

The change would have given future presidential candidates the right to veto citizens' choices for delegates..

"The fight is between the grassroots, the party elite and the two new proposed RNC (Republican National Convention) rule changes that strip us of our grassroots power and representation," said Hildebrand. 

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Julianne Thompson, another delegate from Gwinnett and Atlanta Tea Party leader, wrote a letter to the Republican National Convention, which she tweeted to Michelle Malkin. Mark Levin, host of the Mark Levin show, then read the letter on air. 

In part, it read:

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"As a National Delegate to the 2012 RNC, I am extremely disappointed that a rule would be passed through committee that essentially strips the grassroots of all of it’s representative power by ridding State Parties of their ability to choose whom they will send as delegates and alternates to represent their State to the Republican National Convention. The rules change would allow the Presidential nominee sweeping new power to override that process and choose their own National Delegates. The rule also allows the RNC (with only a 3/4 vote) the power to amend the party’s rules without a vote by the full Republican National Convention...

Why the change in rules? That is the million-dollar question, and it is fairly easy to answer. There are still those in place in the GOP and on campaigns that would like to use the delegate and alternate seats as rewards for donating large checks to campaigns and the RNC.

If your desire is to win elections, then I strongly suggest that you engage the grassroots and show respect to those who help put you in power.

During a time that should ring of unity, you have put the GOP at a crossroads. Do you want to win this election and future elections? Now is your opportunity to prove it. Either take it to the floor and let us vote it down, and better yet, pull this insulting attempt to disenfranchise the heart and soul of our Republican Party!"

Following the outcry, Hildebrand reported that it seems the RNC has backed down and will seek a compromise. 

"Kudos to Julianne Thompson," she said. "She articulated the grassroots message. We are the backbone of this party!"


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