Letters: Conventional Wisdom and Rejection of GOP 'Top-Down' Structure

Dear Editor:

Yesterday, the, the New Hampshire Republican Party, after an afternoon of spirited  floor fights, voted to accept a new State Party Platform after 20 proposed amendments were debated. However, the most remarkable event was yet to come. In the closing minutes of the Convention, the GOP delegates passed the following Resolution by an overwhelming voice vote in a sharp rebuke to the national GOP:
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RESOLUTION TO RESTORE THE POWER OF THE GOP GRASSROOTS

Whereas, the new party rules at the Republican National Convention in Tampa were adopted under questionable circumstances with disregard for convention rules;

Whereas, the new rules impose a top-down structure of governance in place of the party's traditional bottom-up structure and reduce the power and autonomy of state and local party organizations;

Whereas, the changes to Rule 12 give unprecedented power to the national committee to change party rules without the input and approval of state parties and their members;

Whereas, it is to benefit of the New Hampshire Republican Party that First in the Nation rules not be open to change between conventions;

Therefore, be it resolved that:

We condemn Rule 12 as antithetical to Republican values and assert the primacy of the delegates to the Republican Convention in setting party rules;

We reject the new top-down structure of governance as detrimental to the long-term success of the Republican Party.
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It seems the "First in the Nation" State Republican Party has taken a courageous (and possibly unprecedented) step to reclaim the GOP for the grass roots. The vote, which some observers believe may have been as many as 90 percent  of those present, reflects the growing influence of the Republican Liberty movement in New Hampshire. It is sure to spark controversy and healthy discussion. I wonder if other States will soon follow suit?

David Murotake

Nashua, NH