The complicated dance between the Georgia GOP and the TEA Party groups will continue on the morning of March 12th when all counties hold their county conventions at 10 AM and even earlier when smaller counties hold their mass precinct meetings at 9 AM. This is a great opportunity for the GOP that will eventually play out across all 50 states, but some are worried about who will call the tune.
The GOP meetings are open to all legally registered voters of each county who believe in Republican principles. This would, in almost all instances, include TEA Party members. Some in the Republican Party are concerned about this, but there is no reason to worry.
The TEA Party people are here. I don’t believe they are going anywhere anytime soon. The only question is if they will operate from inside the Republican Party or from without. There are a lot of advantages to having the TEA Partiers within the GOP.
For county chairmen who want to grow their parties, this is a great opportunity. For county chairmen who are worried more about personal control than growth of the party, then it may be time for someone else to take the reins. It’s about leadership, not control. Welcome these folks aboard, do a good job and they will likely allow you to lead them. Block them or attempt to diminish them and you may find yourself the leader of a lifeless party or even outside looking in.
You can’t shake hands with a clenched fist; let go and clasp hands.
Great advice Ken, I hope the county chairmen will listen and take advantage of this great opportunity.
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