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State Convention FAQ

Below are some frequently asked questions to help attendees, members of the media, and the public better understand what the 2012 Convention is all about.

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What is a State Convention?

The Republican Party convention system is a means by which Texas Republicans can participate in the formulation of the state platform, choose the leadership of the state party, and have a voice in who represents Texas at the national level of the party. Delegates and alternates are elected to attend the convention for the purposes of attending to Texas statutory and Republican Party rule requirements and of highlighting the state party's goal of electing Republicans to office.

Delegates to the state convention will:

• Elect a State Party Chairman and Vice-Chairman
• Elect members to serve on the State Republican Executive Committee
• Adopt a Party Platform

Who is eligible to become a delegate to the State Convention?
In 2012, anyone who affiliates with the Republican Party of Texas by swearing an Oath of Affiliation is eligible to become a delegate or alternate.  All delegates and alternates are elected at county or senatorial district conventions that will be held on April 14 or April 21, 2012.  At each local convention, a Nominations Committee recommends a slate of names to bring before the full convention for consideration.

What is an alternate?
Delegates are not always able to attend every convention session or every caucus. Alternates fill in during a delegate's absence.  Alternates may speak and vote on all convention issues during the delegate's absence.  Alternates may attend all caucuses and sessions even if the delegate is present.

What happens if a county has only a few delegates and each of them will not be able to stay for the entire convention?
No votes may be cast from a county if no member of the delegation is present.  However, in senatorial district caucuses at the State Convention, a delegation gets to vote its full delegate strength on roll call votes as long as at least one delegate is present.

What is a senatorial district caucus?
State Convention delegates will meet twice in caucuses made up of only those from each of the state's thirty-one senate districts.  Delegates there will elect a permanent caucus chairman, elect one man and one woman to represent them on the State Republican Executive Committee, and elect one person to each of the following committees: Credentials, Organization, Nominations, Platform & Resolutions, and Rules.

May others attend even if they are not delegates or alternates?
Yes, each delegate and alternate will receive a guest pass.  Guests may watch all convention activities as well as go to dinners and meetings held by numerous groups, candidates, and office- holders in conjunction with the convention.

Will there be any chance to personally meet statewide officeholders?
Yes.  In addition to many officeholders addressing the full convention, they will be found at many receptions and dinners and even just walking around the convention arena.  Keep your eyes open and you will be able to see and meet a number of them.

What is the purpose of the facilities fee?
As Republicans, we believe in taking responsibility for ourselves. Conducting the State Convention is very expensive. The facilities fee helps pay some of the cost and frees up more money for our candidates.

What should I wear to the convention?
Comfortable clothes. You may want to dress up a little more if attending one of the optional dinners. The exhibit area will feature plenty of booths selling clothing, jewelry, and other items appropriate for the convention.

How is the platform determined?
A temporary committee will conduct preliminary deliberations for the purpose of making recommendations to the permanent Platform & Resolutions Committee.  The permanent Platform & Resolutions Committee will receive the recommendations of the temporary committee, as well as any resolutions filed with the convention secretary.  The committee will also hear additional testimony, if offered.  Their report will be distributed to delegates and approved on the second day of the convention.

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