The Cobb County Republican Convention

For those of us who didn't overdose during the November elections and prefer to Mainline our political junkie habits, the Cobb County Republican party held it's county convention last Saturday at Pope High School in East Cobb. Speaking as a veteran observer of this specific Cobb County ritual, it was a relatively tame and gracefully short affair compared to some of the more marathon events I endured in the past. Gone (or at least in cognito) were the Flaggers, and rebellious in-fighting some of us had to endure in the past. The crowd of about 185 delegates came, did what they needed to do and left without much blood shed.

The convention was dedicated to the memory of Col. William G. Gustafson, Cobb County Republican Chairman from 1991 to 1997, a time best remembered by Conservatives for Newt 's Contract with America.

The convention was called to order about 10:05 by Chairman Anthony-Scott Hobbs. After an opening prayer by the Rev John Roddy and pledge by Col. Al Rowe, Lori Hullett sang the National Anthem.

After some brief welcoming comments by the Chairman, U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson provided some brief remarks on U.S. Senate activity followed by comments on the U.S. House of Representatives by Dr. Tom Price.

Other speakers included Bob Barr, State Senator Chip Rogers, State Senator Judson Hill, 6th District Chair Sue Everhart, State Senator John Wiles, and State Representative Judy Manning.

Both Tom Price and Chip Rogers mentioned Immigration Reform as a top priority and John Wiles spoke on his efforts at judicial reform at the State level.

Fred Allen presented the voting strength report from the Credentials Committee of 155 delegates, plus 30 late arrivals who were added by voice vote.

The agenda was adopted and Calvin Rhodes was elected Convention Chairman.

Frank Molesky and Dawn Strickland presented Nominating Committee report in charge of selecting the County Officers and the Delegates to the State and District Conventions.

The County Officers ran unopposed and were accepted by voice vote. Sorry I didn't get all the officers, but by this point, Robert's Rules of Order had all but been discarded and the train was moving so fast that I couldn't keep up with the notetaking. :)

Suffice it to say the Officers included, but were not restricted to Chairman Anthony-Scott Hobbs, Vice-Chairman Michael Altman, 1st Vice Chair Debbie Ellis, Asst. Treasure John McWilliams, etc.

The Delegates to State and District Levels broke down as folows:

• 5th District - 18 Delegates and 18 Alternates
• 6th District - 176 Delegates and 160 Aternates
• 11th District - 38 Delegates and 38 Alternates

I imagine out of those delegate positions assigned we would be lucky to have 100 total delegates show up at the state convention.

Martin O'Toole presented the Report of the Rules Committee. The Rules were accepted with out change.

The Convention concluded with a rapid fire reading and accepting of the Resolutions Committee Report by Michael Opitz filling in for Richard Gruetter , after which the meeting was adjourned.

Saturday I will be checking in on the special legislative session at the state capitol.

'Till then;

Al Meyer