My First CA GOP Convention: Victory Through Principled Unity

[Valin]

Townhall:

Arthur Schaper

Sep 21, 2015

 

With the help of a good friend, I attended my first California Republican Party Convention, and the bi-annual CA GOP meet-and-greet in Anaheim, CA did not disappoint for this erstwhile inactive California conservative. Despite having Disneyland in the background, and tourists flocking from everywhere, I found the happiest place on earth to be with fellow Republicans unifying for future victories.

 

Anyone who has declared the CA GOP a dead afterthought will find a party alive and well. California Republicans have a lot to celebrate. For the first time in decades, Republicans unseat Democratic incumbents up and down the state. In the assembly and the state senate, Republican legislators locked hands and stopped increased taxes and fees. They deserve our respect and were duly recognized in key dinner functions on day one. Retiring assembly minority leader Kristen Olsen greeted me, as did former Congressman Ernie Konnyu (who for now has ruled out running for US Senate).

 

Fresh from these 2014 victories, which ended with liberal supermajorities and achieved major inroads with minority voters, Golden State Republicans are retooling for new fights, gaining ground statewide, and also in local government. Unlike some participants, I focused on gleaning as much information as I could on winning local elections. Conservative policy can turn into statewide purpose and victory, but must start at the local level. From data sessions to forums on branding and organization, I got schooled on winning at home before going abroad. California Republicans dominate non-partisan offices throughout the state, due to our naturally inclined strengths on accountability, government transparency, and law enforcement, and can turn these victories toward long-term successes.

 

Throughout the convention, unity and victory remained major themes, especially through minority outreach.

 

(Snip)