Thread: ELECTION: Whatcom GOP delegates favor Ron Paul

ELECTION
Whatcom GOP delegates favor Ron Paul
SAM TAYLOR
THE BELLINGHAM HERALD

It appears that solid strategy and a well-organized grassroots campaign put Ron Paul on top of the Whatcom County Republican Party convention this weekend.

While there are no hard figures yet, County GOP Chairman Chet Dow said it appears that Paul has received the majority of delegates who will be sent to the summer state convention in Spokane. From there, delegates will be selected for the national convention.

So how did it happen when Paul had neither the most delegates from the county caucuses or primary in February?

"One word: organization," Dow said.

There were several factors, however, Dow said. One was that people who had pledged to represent another candidate during the caucuses didn’t all show up to the county convention, changing the mix.

Then at the county convention people didn't vote for a candidate, but rather they voted for the delegate to send to the convention. Dow said some people seeking to be a delegate didn't state their candidate preference, though most did.

And the Paul campaign appears to have created a strong voting block, Dow said.

Other strategies that paid off:

The convention went so long – 9 a.m. to after 11 p.m. Saturday – that Paul supporters dug in their heels, and when others began going home, they stayed and maintained their strong presence.

The 40th District caucus at the convention was small, and the Paul supporters were able to elect all six delegates from that area from people who supported their candidate.

Dow said he was pleased with how the convention turned out, and he was impressed with the Paul supporters.

"They're happy. They should be happy," he said. "They should be proud of what they have accomplished."

Reach Sam Taylor at sam.taylor@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2263. Read his Politics Blog at TheBellinghamHerald.com/blogs.

http://www.bellinghamherald.com/256/story/354067.html

I can hardly wait till the Republican convention to see how this all turns out.Should be interesting and historical.

I'm really hoping for the Best . And it's NOT McAmnesty i speak of