A deal in GOP District 12, not yet in District 10

Peace broke out at the Republican Senate District 12 convention shortly after the preliminary speeches were over.

The temporary chairman, Tom Quinones, and his co-workers stayed up until the wee hours of Saturday morning working out a deal to recognize the Ron Paul voters' numbers and give them delegates to the state convention based on their numbers, with the understanding that they would not disrupt the convention.

Chad Bishop, a Paul delegate, gave a speech nominating Quinones as permanent chairman. He said he recognized that the district was among the most conservative in the state, and "that conservative heritage is not lost on us."

The convention drew more than 500 delegates, about four times the normal number, and will send 194 to the state convention in Houston.

Quinones said, "There been a lot of work to try to arrive at this point."

"I think the Ron Paul delegates will be well represented on our state delegation list," he added.

Party notables including Texas Secretary of State Roger Williams urged unity. Williams called the election a contest between "fascism and capitalism" and said voters who abstain from the election would only hurt the party in the long run.

"You may be mad at someone at the top of the ticket, but are you mad at the county judge?" he asked.

At the District 10 meeting, the Republicans were still haggling over delegates as of 2 p.m.

 

-- Mike Lee

Comments

[Judith Van Hoof]

Tom Quinones is to be commended for a well organized convention. But, more than that, he should be praised by every Republican in Tarrant County for providing a warm, fair, and welcoming face for the party. While I cannot say that I often agree with the Ron Paul supporters, they are young, enthusiastic, and they want to be involved. Ton Quinones displayed exceptional leadership abilities by brokering the peace and giving them a seat at the table in Senate District 12.

[conservative girl]

I'd like to know how a temporary chairman is given the authority to broker and/or pledge delegates prior to a senatorial convention. This action by Mr. Quionnes is unprecedented, and had the consequence of undermining the authority of the SD 12 Nominating Committee. It is also my understanding that Ron Paul won a mere 4.5% of the vote in Tarrant County, yet his supporters were awarded over 42% of the delegate appointments. Moreover, many, if not most Paulites were nominated with absolutely no record of GOP activism and/or were first time Republican voters. Mr. Quionnes's decision has angered many activists and volunteers, who have sacrificed and selflessly dedicated hundreds of hours of their personal time and money promoting the GOP, only to be ignored and passed over as delegates because of this unilateral decision. This decision runs counter to the Republican Party of Texas Rules for Senatorial Conventions, and usurps the authority, intent and purpose of the Nominating Committee. Shame on you Mr. Quionnes for challenging the will of the people simply because you did not want a challenge to your position as Convention Chairman. Had I known prior to the convention that you had illegally brokered this "deal", I would have voted against your nomination.

[Jim]

I agree, Mr Quinones displayed a great amount of patience and professionalism. I double dog dare someone to try and find a better person for the job.

This was my first senate convention and it was very encouraging. I think/hope Chad Bishop's quote "conservative heritage is not lost on us." dispelled the rumors and misconceptions of "the Ron Paul" people taking over. We are conservatives who believe in the Texas Republican Platform and want to see the party become stronger.