Thread: Fiasco At Fridays Maine Republican Convention

The Speech They Didn't Want You To Hear
(Dean Scontras is our ONLY person in Maine running that goes against giving people ILLEGALLY here......... anything.)

It was the Maine Republican Convention. It was the forum that our candidates had prepared for, planned for, rehearsed for, and agonized over. It was the forum that rank and file Republicans had looked forward to for weeks and months, the chance to see their candidates showcased, and to show their support. And Friday afternoon, May 2nd, the time was here at last!

But something happened.

Congressional candidate Dean Scontras had been allotted eight minutes to give his speech, perhaps one of the most important eight minute periods in his life to that point. As a political "outsider," and as a Ronald Reagan conservative in a state party whose old guard has traded those conservative principals for political expedience, he knew he would not be given a break. So he had rehearsed many times, getting his timing down to tenths of a second, to be sure he would not be in violation of the rules made largely by those who prefer business as usual to a fresh new face with a conservative message. I saw Dean minutes before he took the stage. I saw the nervousness, but I also saw the determination in his eyes, buoyed by his wife, children, siblings, and parents who proudly prepared to take the stage with him. I knew this would be one great speech. "Go get 'em!" I thought to myself. I flashed back to election day 1980 and the feeling I had as I watched the returns come in as Ronald Reagan defeated democrat incumbent Jimmy Carter. I knew that Reagan's election was the start of something big for this country, and now I felt that this was the start of something big for a state party that had left me years ago to partner with the left instead of fighting for what is right.

But something happened.

I guess I should have seen it coming. It was obvious from the opening of the convention that support for Dean was strong, and as the convention progressed, it was obvious that Scontras buttons far outnumbered Summers buttons, that the buzz was about upholding conservative principals not about putting up another establishment candidate who had already been twice defeated. And it was obvious as well that the old guard did not like it, that they expected us to roll over and support THEIR candidate. But still, I thought, they would surely listen to the groundswell of support that was behind this dynamic, articulate Reagan Republican who stuck to his principals.

But something happened.

As Dean's video played prior to his speech, his supporters started filing in. One observer said "it was like D-Day – wave after wave of people – I didn't know there were that many people in the place!" Indeed, there were at least three times the number that had come in support of the earlier Summers speech, a sea of supporters with signs and tee shirts, supporters of all ages, young and old. And as the video finished, Dean took the stage to use the precious eight minutes he had been allotted to make his case to the Republicans of Maine. This was it!

But something happened.

"We are running late," he was told by the convention moderator. "You must limit your speech to two minutes." Two minutes!!
Already nervous and a bit overwhelmed by the unbelievable outpouring of support surrounding the stage, Dean approached the podium. He looked at Ray Richardson, who had just given him a stellar introduction. He made a quick, firm decision, the kind that speaks volumes of his will and leadership. He would deliver his speech as planned.

As I stood with his supporters facing the audience, I saw a remarkable dynamic at work. As he spoke of family values and work ethic, the crowd leaned forward. As he spoke of personal responsibility and the need for fiscal responsibility for the benefit of future generations, they became ever more attentive. As he spoke of national security and the need to protect our borders, they applauded. As he spoke of the preservation of traditional marriage, and the sanctity of life, I could see he was winning the crowd, even the skeptics, and winning big. Now I didn't THINK this would be big, I KNEW it would be!

But something happened.

There was suddenly a pause. I looked at the stage, and a note was being put in front of him by the convention moderator. Later I found out the note was advising him they were shutting off the microphone, his time was up. And shut it off they did.

After much protest, it was turned back on, and he was allowed to wrap up. But the momentum had been lost, and what should have been one of the most inspiring and galvanizing moments of the convention never happened. To "make up" for it, the candidates were allowed to give their speeches again Saturday morning to a much smaller gathering. It was good – but it wasn't the same. Did I see a smile on the faces of the old guard?

I am sure the establishment will call it coincidence, or circumstance, that they cut Dean Scontras off as he was rallying the crowd around the core Republican values that they now so skillfully avoid. I can't really say for sure. But I will always remember it as "The Speech They Didn't Want You To Hear."
God Bless America.

Gordon A. Davis

Chair- Bridgton GOP Delegation

Bridgton, Maine

************************************************** ***
A write-up from people who went there.

LarryinAugusta

Augusta Maine

Here is my two cents on the convention.
[b]The McCain video that was slipped into the agenda late Thursday night caused a lot of hard feelings for the Ron Paul people towards the GOP. I still don’t know how this happened and the idea that the agenda item was label “videoâ€

I have a feeling the McCain camp is pulling their shenanigans all across this country to make sure the support for Ron Paul is not heard. I still believe Paul is way more popular than McCain, yet Paul is being thwarted at every turn. If people support Paul, they should vote for him whether he gets the nomination or not. I intend to vote for him in the primaries here in Idaho, and I will write him in come November. If everyone wrote him in, it would send a big message to the elites who think they run this country and our elections.

Originally Posted by tinybobidaho

I have a feeling the McCain camp is pulling their shenanigans all across this country to make sure the support for Ron Paul is not heard. I still believe Paul is way more popular than McCain, yet Paul is being thwarted at every turn. If people support Paul, they should vote for him whether he gets the nomination or not. I intend to vote for him in the primaries here in Idaho, and I will write him in come November. If everyone wrote him in, it would send a big message to the elites who think they run this country and our elections.

If the Independents GOT to vote in either the D or R Caucus, Ron Paul would be in and NOT this Antique IDIOT

Originally Posted by WorriedAmerican

Originally Posted by tinybobidaho

I have a feeling the McCain camp is pulling their shenanigans all across this country to make sure the support for Ron Paul is not heard. I still believe Paul is way more popular than McCain, yet Paul is being thwarted at every turn. If people support Paul, they should vote for him whether he gets the nomination or not. I intend to vote for him in the primaries here in Idaho, and I will write him in come November. If everyone wrote him in, it would send a big message to the elites who think they run this country and our elections.

If the Independents GOT to vote in either the D or R Caucus, Ron Paul would be in and NOT this Antique IDIOT

Independents will be able to write him in, in Nov. , along with Republicans and some Democrats.

Yes. The Local gop groups in Orange County Florida and Pasco County Florida have blocked Ron Paul supporters from joining the executive committees..and have even had the sheriff there to escort Ron Paul supporters out. This is why I left the GOP ...they are nothing but a bunch of polecats. RON PAUL 2008!

I am a strong Ronald Reagan conservitive.I dont support Ron Paul because he believes we caused 911.It was our polecies that caused it.I do agree with him on the federal reserve and immagration.But if I have to choose between him and Mclame,its a no brainer.I will never vote for Mcain no matter what.

Originally Posted by LuvMyCountry

I am a strong Ronald Reagan conservitive.I dont support Ron Paul because he believes we caused 911.It was our polecies that caused it.I do agree with him on the federal reserve and immagration.But if I have to choose between him and Mclame,its a no brainer.I will never vote for Mcain no matter what.

If I p****d you off for many years and then your house blew-up, would you think it was me?
You'd be right. It was!!!

If Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Afghanistan, or Iran decided to put an Army in America, how would you feel about it?

I feel it was our fault too.

If we realised that when the terrorists fails at a bombing, they ALWAYS try again... How hard is that to comprehend Mr Presidents! 9-11 was the second attempt, not the first.

Originally Posted by WorriedAmerican

Originally Posted by LuvMyCountry

I am a strong Ronald Reagan conservitive.I dont support Ron Paul because he believes we caused 911.It was our polecies that caused it.I do agree with him on the federal reserve and immagration.But if I have to choose between him and Mclame,its a no brainer.I will never vote for Mcain no matter what.

If I p****d you off for many years and then your house blew-up, would you think it was me?
You'd be right. It was!!!

If Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Afghanistan, or Iran decided to put an Army in America, how would you feel about it?

I feel it was our fault too.

If we realised that when the terrorists fails at a bombing, they ALWAYS try again... How hard is that to comprehend Mr Presidents! 9-11 was the second attempt, not the first.

I completly disagree with that.These people are fanatics that want to impose shri law on the world.They target innocent people,men woman and children to get their way.They must be wiped off the face of the earth.In one respect your right,this war started a long time ago,but we burried our head in the sand and ignored it.Saudi Arabia asked us to protect them from the threats in the region,Afganistan basicaly atacked us and Iraq was a huge threat to us and its neighbors.The problem is that we should not fight a politicaly correct war,we must kick their butts and get out.

"WorriedAmerican
If I p****d you off for many years and then your house blew-up, would you think it was me?
You'd be right. It was!!!

If Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Afghanistan, or Iran decided to put an Army in America, how would you feel about it?

I feel it was our fault too.

If we realised that when the terrorists fails at a bombing, they ALWAYS try again... How hard is that to comprehend Mr Presidents! 9-11 was the second attempt, not the first.

I completly disagree with that. These people are fanatics that want to impose shri law on the world. Hey, it seems to be working with that stupid Reverend in England. They have way to much time on their hands, just like gangs do, just like kids do when all they do is get in trouble. The people working aren't terrorists, unless they are in the armies. They target innocent people, men woman and children to get their way. How about when they set of rockets and bombs from schools and hospitals. If we let that stop us from aiming, it will continue. It's called collateral damage and it sucks but the bigger view is GET THEM before they get us. I can see being careful as you can but not letting it stop us from getting them They must be wiped off the face of the earth. In one respect your right, this war started a long time ago, but we burried our head in the sand and ignored it. Saudi Arabia asked us to protect them from the threats in the region, (OIL) Afganistan basicaly attacked us I think we should just bomb the hell out of Afghanistan too. The leaders are not taking control so we should. and Iraq was a huge threat to us and its neighbors. The problem is that we should not fight a politicaly correct war, we must kick their butts and get out. Hey, I'm all for annilating them. I feel the kids attitudes are not able to be changed. War is war, there should be no rules. How can you have rules in such a fiery event? I go by the costs and this costs too much and too many lives. Just Do It!
I felt the same about Waco, at a million a day, I would not go over 2-3 million .....
I'm all or none, but not this stupid politically correct crap. The countries hate us as it is so give them a better reason.

We are NOT a superpower now, China is and we are saps.