Proposed RPA Rules Changes: A Power Play Against Local Control
Consolidating "top-down" Party power
On May 18, the Republican Party of Arkansas State Committee will consider proposed Rules changes that remove control from local County Committees to solidly enshrine it within the Party in a top-down fashion, contrary to the stated Party platform. The changes were submitted by State Committeewoman June Matheny, who will be replaced in that Pulaski County Committee position at the June 8 State Convention.
State Committee members will vote on those changes out of sight from other Republicans on May 18 at a “secret” meeting — “secret” because that meeting is not open to the public or even other members of the Republican Party of Arkansas.**
It’s all a continuation of the Party elites’ infighting aimed at circumventing the grassroots voters who elect people, donate to the Party, and do the door-knocking and fundraising. The move is now formally opposed via Resolution by eight Republican organizations (see below), as well as about 400 delegates who voted at the Feb. 17 Combined Districts 1 & 2 Convention to oppose the changes. UPDATE 05/01/24: Another County Committee has condemned the changes, bringing that total to 9.
Proposed Changes: RPA PROPOSAL #1
WHAT is it?
County Committees, per current Rules, have the ability to designate a Republican candidate as “not recommended / non preferred,” upon a motion with a 2/3 vote majority needed for approval.
WHY & HOW?
Following the Rules, some County Committees had designated Asa Hutchinson as a “not recommended” presidential candidate and Senator James Sturch as a “not recommended” legislative candidate, after each had taken numerous public positions and votes that violate the Republican platform. These County Committee votes upset old guard Republicans.
The RPA’s Proposal #1 Rules change means County Committees can only designate candidates who filed for office with the County as “non recommended.” Those candidates are typically just county-level candidates such as County Judge, etc. and JPs.
This Rules change, if approved, restricts the power of the Party’s base — County Committee members — to make their opinions heard on candidates; the people know best which candidates actually exemplify and follow the stated Republican principles and values.
Proposed Changes: RPA PROPOSAL #2
WHAT is it?
Per current Rules, to amend/change the RPA Rules and platform statements, County Committees and State Committees need a 2/3 majority vote. The proposed Rules change adds a requirement that State Conventions would also need a 2/3 majority vote to approve changes. Currently Conventions require only a simple majority vote for approval.
WHY & HOW?
County Committees are made up of all active members in good standing in a County Committee. However, the State Committee is made up of already-elected Republican officers at the County, District, and State levels – Party members do not elect delegates to serve on the State Committee.
The proposed Rules change puts a new requirement on State Conventions – made up of representatives of the members -- that would take a 2/3 majority vote to approve changes. The RPA’s rationale is to “make things consistent” with votes at the State Committee level.
However, State Conventions are made up of delegates who are elected by County Committee members to represent them. Preferential primaries and general elections by the people are always decided by a simple majority. Our Rules for Conventions need to remain the same – a simple majority wins, just as in other elections by the people — because Republican Conventions are where the grassroots members, the base, express their concerns.
This proposed Rules change dilutes the power of the people by making it more difficult for them – the County Committee members who make up the base of the Republican Party of Arkansas – to express their will.
Here’s a detailed analysis of the Rules changes, showing exactly what’s being changed:
The RPA’s explanation:
To date these eight Republican organizations have opposed the Rules changes via Resolution:
Hot Spring County Republican Committee
Faulkner County Republican Committee
Lonoke County Republican Committee
Lonoke County Conservative Republican Women
Washington County Republican Committee
Crawford County Republican Committee
Saline County Republican Committee
Pulaski County Republican Committee
Benton County Republican Committee
— plus about 400 delegates approved a similar Resolution at the Combined Congressional Districts 1 & 2 Convention on February 17 with only 1 dissenting vote.
** We should also point out that the State Committee meeting (where we expect these Rules changes to be approved) has historically been held after the State Convention. Scheduling that secret meeting so early on May 18 guarantees that Rules changes will be in place to hamstring the people’s Republican State Convention on June 8.