Young GOP straw poll results tallied*

HOLLYWOOD -- The straw poll results from the Young Republicans national convention are tallied, but according to some attendees, they come with a big asterisk.

Former Gov. Mitt Romney, who spoke moments before the balloting, won* with 46 percent followed by former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson with 28 percent and then former mayor Rudy Giuliani with 10 percent. The other seven candidates took a combined 22 percent. A total of 366 votes were counted.

The asterisk was prompted by a number of Thompson fans who complained that some Romney supporters were voting even though they weren't Young Republican members.

It seems Thompson's folks lost sight of the fact that the straw poll is absolutely meaningless -- it's just for fun.

An interesting note: Guess who was in charge of supervising, qualifying voters and counting ballots? The Broward County Supervisor of Elections office.

--John Frank, Times staff writer

Comments

Thompson YR supporters-

Take note that previous straw votes taken by Yrers - Gallanger over Crist, Negron over McCullum, and Tom Lee...barely over Randy Johnson (and if JOhn would have let the non members vote in that one...randy would have won)

So...let the Romney people tout this victory, just remember they had to stuff ballots to beat a man who has not even announced he was running...that is what is the funny part

[UF Alumni]

surprise surprise.. (see post on Party Spirit still alive)

Romney won 46-28... and the Thompson people are complaining?!?! Someone explain to them that it was not a close vote.

Impressive for Romney... I would have thought the YR's would have been predesposed to lean Thompson.

11:57 - The other straw polls you site were from the Florida YR convention (with YR's from across Florida), this was the Nation YR convention with YR from all over the country. I understand your point, but just wanted to point out that it is not an exact comparison.

YRs are so nerdy. I always envision a group of gay paige types. Didn't these dweebs pick Gallagher to win. Will someone please get these hitler youths something constructive to do with their lives.

So that's what we'll get with Romney, cheating, lying and ballot box stuffing.

Thompson voters were complaining? Did I miss a formal announcement?

[Former YR]

Jon Woodard, the YR Executive Director, is Romney's chair for St John's County. He is on Romney's payroll. The vote was wired from the start. The YRs are an unremarkable group of misfits who could not get into any other "club". Their leadership is "for sale". The straw poll is meaningless. It is amazing that the Romney and Thompson folks could have been suckered into attending this event that was populated by extras from the Star Wars bar scene. The YRs need a change in leadership and tighter membership requirements before they even start approaching being a political force. Staggering around drunk on South Beach is about all they can muster. The sooner they dump their current leadership, the sooner they will begin restoring the integrity of their group.

[Atttendee]

11:23 pm I was at the convention. It was overwhelminingly Florida YRs 80%+. The national group has been adroitly hijacked by Florida. GO FLORIDA YRs!!!

Did anyone hear about any YRs getting arrested in South Beach last night?

No, did you?

Forget the percentages...what are the actual # of votes for each candidate?

907- use your own math skills. 366 votes were counted!

As for Jon, he may be the county chair for Romney, but I saw the back of his head at the beginning of the Thompson video proveded on this site...I bet he switches when Thompson jumped in...

and although I am a repub, I can't resist the funny crackback to 1247-

that is what we get from Romney, listen to some people and he is doing exactly what the president has done

The guy who got the votes is the guy who showed up and gave the keynote address. The YRs Exec Dir is on Romney's payroll. Any questions?

These kids are too emotional; they get caught up in the moment.

[NOT A BAD JOB]

Republican Party of Florida (PTY) 11/15/2006 2,000.00 GRAHAM, BRIAN 1712 NW 5TH AVENUE GAINESVILLE, FL 32603 CONTRACT LABOR MON
Lee, Tom (REP)(CFO) 11/18/2006 3,990.44 GRAHAM, BRIAN 1712 NW 5TH AVENUE GAINESVILLE, FL 32603 TRAVEL/PHONE/TICKETS MON
Republican Party of Florida (PTY) 12/06/2006 2,500.00 GRAHAM, BRIAN 1712 NW 5TH AVENUE GAINESVILLE, FL 32603 CONTRACT LABOR MON
Lee, Tom (REP)(CFO) 01/11/2007 1,036.96 GRAHAM, BRIAN 1712 NW 5TH AVENUE GAINESVILLE, FL 32603 TRAVEL/MEALS/EVENT T MON

[Politics and Business = $$$$]

Seems Woodard and Graham are more than YR colleagues!!

Florida Limited Liability Company
DIXIE STRATEGIES, LLC
Document Number L05000074874
State FL
Status ACTIVE
Effective Date 08/01/2005
Registered Agent Name & Address
WOODARD, JON G
Title MGRM
WOODARD, JON G
Title MGRM
GRAHAM, BRIAN H
Report Year Filed Date
2006 12/29/2006
2007 04/27/2007

[Chris]

I guess some losers dont have anything else to do but blog in their boxers about YRs.

Try getting a social life and/or become relevant and not an obscure annoymous blogger

[Blogger]

Must be a Dem no doubt. But how can officers of the YR - who should be Repub candidate independent - also take political money and support individual candidates? Seems the YR charter and rules need to be changed. Do the Young Democrats do the same?

[Dixie Wanabe]

How can I join Dixie Strategies. Sounds like easy money. You get paid for your position of influence.

[Chris]

The Young Dems are too busy planning protests and tree hugging to actually take part in our free market system often referred to as capitalism

[FED UP]

at least the young dems are not for sale like the young repubs......that makes the straw poll results worthless... bought and paid for courtesy of the young repubs leadership team..........romney may be able to buy nh, ia and the yrs, but not the florida primary. romney should issue a statement disavowing the results of the poll and putting his team on notice that he will not participate in any money for politics.

[Z]

Yes, as we all know all the Democratic candidates are all honest & clean with regard to campaign contributions, especially the Clintons. That is why all the Dems are so underfunded.

FED UP: GROW UP.

FED UP probably spent yesterday watching LIVE EARTH! He should realize that Republican candidates will buy any and all votes come hell or high water.

[Walnuts]

If true, the information about the YR is shocking. I thought they were young folks looking for a pathway to politics. Seems they found the path to money. I am really truly disappointed in this group and their apparently low standards for leadership.

[Help, I have Romnoids]

What goes around comes around. Since Romney doesn't stand a chance of winning the primary, our astute YR leaders will be hanging out on the sidelines during the general, unless they can get the RPOF to pay them like they did last year.

Straw Polls No Worth The Pull?

Romney wins the YR straw poll but continues in Florida to pull about 8 per cent in statewide public opinion polls by third-party polling people.

[Hemmoromnoid]

Is he up to 8%?

Young Republicans? I thought the literal translation was Hitler Youth.

[YD]

The typical YR -
-Failed to get a bid during fraternity/sorority rush
-No sports, including intramural
-mildly disabled or on anti-depressants
-lives in the burbs, probably rents
-drives a used car
-overweight
-pro-life (except if the GF gets pregnant)
-wonders why no one listens
-lives for republican party meetings
-blames lot in life on Dems
-fat GF (or fat Log Cabin BF)
-wears black socks and shoes with shorts on
-bathes infrequently
-BO and bad breathe with massive toe jam
-Cuts toenails once per 6 mos.
-Feeds like a Manatee grazing during receptions

2:57 No, that would be the YDs.

And just think, Hillary was once a YR.

I was there too, Gov Romney rocked the place and got 3 standing ovations for his policies, and another for his praise of President George Bush defending our country from terrorism.

Mitt is by far the most qualified, educationally and in leadership capabilities to be the next United States President.

I give the Fred-heads an A for their campaigning efforts, but this is about substance over form, and Mitt Romney won that hands down, just as he did the straw poll at the YR convention last night.

GOOOOOOO Willard!!!!!

Romney, one term,flip-flopping,ex-gov. of the socialist republic of Massachusetts.

[Dan]

Having been a past President of a County YR'S club here in Florida and attended numerous FFYR conventions in the past, the truth is this YR organization is pretty much irrelevant in everything.
They have big mouths but come election time, they're much more interested in checking out the latest Blackberrys than actually walking a precinct.

They're also much more conservative than the average Republican and tend to see every issue in terms of black and white. But no one's ever accused the 20 -30 yeah old age group of ever having a brain anyway.

If I were Romney, I would be worried they endorsed me since they haven't been on the side of the eventual winner in eons at least in Florida.

As far as a fixed election result for Romney, I wouldn't doubt it.
Like most organizations there is a small clique that holds the reins of power and they're more interested in pursuing the narrow agendas and selfish interests than actually encouraging the members to give their opinions and motivating them to get more involved.

It was like that 6 years ago in the FFYR org. and it's no different now.

I was actually quite relieved when my term as YR President was over since I could now actually start using my brain again in discussing issues.

Yep, Mitt. Enjoy your one electoral victory this cycle.

[Cant believe it]

Did RPOF Chairman Greer Actually get the Fla YRs to give money to the state RPOF ,if true Greer can move mountains and should be Chairman for life .They have never done one thing for the party , but I hear Greer got them to give .Unbelievable !

The elction was done by the Supervisor of Elections. The National Chairman and Florida Chairman are Thompson people.

Why aren't these little conservatives lining up for military service in Iraq?
Who cares what that self-serving group of trash thinks about anything? Their party is definitely on the skids, thanks to that imbecile in the White House and his vanguard of cretins.

repiglicans just call an agency and hire the job out...christ, man, do you honestly think those young creeps are any different from their parents?

FEC records show none of the people mentioned nor their business receiving any money from the Romney campaign.

Since when does a straw poll matter any way? If Thompson went last he probably would have won. This is really a non-issue.

Greer got the YR's to give him money because he probably promised them fake promises and they are the only ones that like him...

They have given him more awards and respect, for what?? A man that walks around like he is the (shadow) Governor!

I thought Al lost his job when he did that to Jeb...I guess times have changed or Crist does not realize what a liability Jim is!

The YR's have just hosted a huge national convention, gotten media from around the country, drawn national attention to the Florida GOP, snagged Thompson, Romney, Hunter and Gov. Crist and given money to the RPOF.. I have seen in the past few years a lot of great things the YR's have done. I dont get the criticism of this group.. I have not seen any other political organization in Florida accomplish all this, Republican or Democrat.. It seems as if the YR's are probably the strongest political organization in the state, other than the RPOF. Just my observation. I guess there are some envious people here.

I completely agree with the 1:00 AM post. These are not the YR's I remember from 5 or 6 years ago. They have their act together, and it seems some people are envious. I goes to show that it's not just Democrats that are sore losers.

All of this over a straw poll? A straw poll? Oh, come on! Straw polls are for fun. They are in no way scientific. I would not take serious anyone who is complaining about a straw poll, especially one ran by an outside entity.

The problem with this blog is it allows someone to hide behind anonymity. There is a person who ran unsuccessfully for Alachua County GOP State Committeeman and REC Chairman who blogs on here. He was defeated because one of the people he's on here complaining about supported his opponent both times. This is not about the YRs or a straw poll. It is about a person who holds a grudge. I would not be surprised if every negative post was from him. The YRs and their leaders are generally well received by everyone, but this is politics, and you will always have enemies (who will attack you on blogs)

It seems no matter which party you are in you will find kooks who try to find a way to blame someone or some thing for their candidate losing.

[UF Alumni]

2:19 track the blog posts vs IP address, you'll find not a single negative post was from me. Don't pull me into this fight.

[UF Alumni]

2:19 why do you post anonymously?

It is completely inappropriate and possibly liable to attack someone personally. I would hope that anyone posting comments will do so in a professional way.

[Alan]

Demand a border fence! Build it NOW!! Beef up the border patrol and close our borders!

U.S. Senate switchboard: (202) 224-3121

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White House comments: (202) 456-1111

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Toll free to the US Senate:

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Courtesy of a pro-amnesty group, no less!!

Republican National Committee
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phone: 202.863.8500 | fax: 202.863.8820 | e-mail: info@gop.com

Take a look at their hidden agenda: http://www.mexica-movement.org

Alan, frenzy is breaking through your obsession. You need professional help.

[Ruth]

I've put in my time as a YR and while, I'm not 'aged-out' I have decided to take a break for career reasons.

I would have been at the convention if I didn’t have other obligations. Honestly, I think the state of Florida and Republicans should be happy that we got headlines across the nation that didn't include, sex parties (2003 Boston Convention) and money problems (2005 Vegas).

Whatever your beef might be with the FFYR, its probably because they beat you at something, or didn't allow you to be one of the 'cool ones', or gave you the boot.

Chill out! Be happy that it was a success and go find a new project to piss on and discourage.

As for the RPOF and the FFYR, they have been friendly for the past several years. Once the organization actually stayed in the black (not asking for money) and didn't cause problems (including being rude the JEB), the RPOF started to view the group as adults.

Ruth rocks!

Take your negativity elsewhere.

So much BS posted above. For example, Jon Woodard is NOT on the Romney payroll.

One post above said something to the effect of "the YRs haven't picked a winner in forever". Total nonsense. The Florida YRs were the only statewide GOP organization that endorsed Jim Greer for Chairman.

I'm envisioning the losers who have spent so much time on here trashing the YRs. All the trash talk about how dorky the YRs are and blah blah blah. No doubt there are some rare characters involved in the YRs. But some of us aren't so lame and dorky. And I'm willing to bet that me and some of my boys could kick the S@%& out of the pack of losers/virgins who have been talking trash on this blog.

And to the cry baby YRs who support the unaccomplished and unimpressive media creation, Fred Thompson, and are whinning about the straw poll, get over it! You sound like liberal democrats.

[calfloridia]

Shame on the Giuliani and McCain campaigns for not participating at the YRNF convention!

"And to the cry baby YRs who support the unaccomplished and unimpressive media creation, Fred Thompson, and are whinning about the straw poll, get over it! You sound like liberal democrats"

Exactly 9:56!

why isn't this young repuke scum serving in iraq? repukes are garbage and liars. how many more of our precious soldiers have to die, just because little repuke trash want to party on daddy's dime? shame on that garbage.

[Todd Brown]

I attended the YRNF convention at the Westin Diplomat this past week (and the 2005 convention in Las Vegas). I am turned off by the strong-arm tactics of the FFYR leadership (I was heavily criticized for simply meeting NY's Jason Weingartner in January; and Saturday night I had my "Rudy 2008" label sticker ripped off my suit jacket by someone told me I was supporting the wrong candidate). However, I do congratulate those at the FFYR who pulled off, in my opinion, a highly successful convention that included three presidential candidates and media coverage. Good job Brian, Rita, William and Dana!

[PBH]

Rudy Giuliani or Vampire Ghouliani?

http://www.prosebeforehos.com/government_employee/06/19/rudy-giuliani-or-vampire/

9:56 is your tone typical of the Mormon approach to dissent?

In case you need a translation: are all of you dumb bully boys out to beat up anybody who doesn't agree with you? If so, you're about 70 years late. That was Hitler's SA.

For the YRs reading this: don't be upset with idiots attacking you. You guys have showed that you have a strong and professional organization. For some, this blog is the only way they can feel important. They are not taken seriously in the real world, so do not take them seriously here. You guys did a great job!

I was a YR many years ago, and I can tell you that we have never had a more impressive group than we do now.

The YRs I know are group of hard working, dedicated young people. Whatever else is true, they put on a sparkling event in Hollywood that brought out major candidates and earned them (and the GOP) a lot of press. To them i say: GOO JOB!

To the Mormon Hitled Jugend at 9:56: the Florida Federation of Republican Women also endorsed Jim Greer for Chairman.

Apparently, their are a handful of YRs who are the next generation of influence in FL. Then there are a handful of people who are jealous that they can only try to influence through a blog.

If I ever run for office, I know who to call!

There is a certain blogger who has a personal issue with one member of the YR leadership. He comes on this blog and tries to discredit them any chance he gets. No matter what the YR do he will try to find a way to knock it.

4:13 what a shame!! The YRs do very good work. It is a worthwhile organization I would hope my children would join when they are old enough.

Would the spoilsport be Charles Brady, by any chance?

[Jon Woodard]

Just to set the record straight:

1) I am not paid by the Romney campaign.
2) I am not paid by the YRNF.
3) As the reporters at the convention know, my duty at the convention was to work with the media--I had no involvement with the straw poll planning, rules or how it was conducted.
4) As national executive director, I serve at the pleasure of the national chairman.
5) There are campaign volunteers for various campaigns involved in the planning of the convention.
6) I made sure the reporters were aware of the concerns voiced by a very small group.
7) The County Supervisor of Elections conducted the poll
8) All people voting had to have a YRNC 2007 name badge and each badge was signed to prevent double voting.
9) All campaigns were encouraged to attend.
10) Attendees included: YR delegates, alternates, YR spouses, the YR Alumni Network, the Broward Republican Party Executive Committee and those who came to specific events. Those events included: lunch with Fred Thompson and Mary Matalin, dinner with Governor Crist (our convention keynote speaker who is very popular with the YRs and with the people of Broward County) and Governor Romney, Friday lunch with Congressman Duncan Hunter and Thursday lunch with GOPAC Chairman Michael Steele.
11) The number of people voting in the straw poll is very close to the number of delegates voting in the YRNF elections that took place earlier that day.

I usually do not post comments on blogs, but there are so many untrue statements posted on here by anonymous people. I felt I should set the record straight.

Thanks for setting the record straight- love ya tons, you have always been fair

Honest Question now- when did CC become VERY POPULAR with the YRs? I remember a certain former club president (who is hoping to run in a special election)try to convince me that I was wrong about CC. Funny thing, he is cloaking himself all over Greer now! Politics make strange bed fellows....but I am betting Greer can read through his deceptions. Or at least I hope he does!!!

ps. I am not talking about Chris D

Props to Ruth and Jon- both using your names....

Just because you support someone else in the primary doesn't mean you cannot like and support them once they have been elected.

The YRs support of Chairman Greer is sincere. Greer has reached out to the YRs, and they have responded.

Yes you are right...but we all look at doster different cuz who he supported.

To: Dan | July 08, 2007 at 08:26 PM,

Things have changed a lot in 6 years. The FL YRs are a strong group now.

Rule #1 when you lose a straw poll - spin, spin and spin some more.

rule #2- when you win a straw poll -spin spin and spin some more

[Daniel Ruoss - President. Broward County YR's]

I usually would never use my name and title on the Buzz (spoils the fun! lol) but I feel some of the comments here need to be balanced by someone who helped with YRNC, actually attended YRNC, and has a knowledge of how these types of political events work.

1. To the Liberals - Please get some new jokes. The 'Hitler Youth' comments while funny in a twisted way are just stale. Can you guys ever come up with ANYTHING new and original? I would also like to mention that a number of YR's (certainly more than Young Democrats) have served and are serving in the military. Politics is not the only thing with which the YR's "walk the walk". But then again you don't show up to these things so how would you know?

2. YR's Being Ineffective - Obviously some people just don't keep up with current events. The YR's (especially in Florida) have come a long way from those "ineffective" days. Thank you to Team Ambrose for what has happened on the national level. We're back, baby! If you were disillusioned I encourage you to get back involved and see for yourself how the YR's are growing more effective at every level: local, state, and national. Congrats to Team Murphy on their YRNF election and I'm ecstatic beyond words to see what gets accomplished in the future!

3. The Straw Poll - The straw poll is supposed to be fun. Thank you to Brenda Snipes and the Broward SOE for setting that up. A "selling point" for the dinner (and any like this) is that you could vote in the straw poll. Now obviously with Romney speaking more of his supporters bought tickets and the poll reflected that. It's just fun people. Thanks to the Romney folks (and the supporters of the other candidates) for coming out and supporting the Young Republicans.

4. Unity and Tolerance - While there is always some friction between YR's supporting different Presidential candidates (personally I'm for Giuliani), I can testify that this convention was free of any significant infighting. YR's displayed stickers and literature from every candidate in the race. Conversations on the whole were cordial and enlightening. There is definitely a consensus that whoever gets the GOP nomination is going to get our full and passionate support in November 2008. If Democrats are counting on Republicans "cracking-up" they're in for the shock of their lives. We're having spirited and important debates but at the end of the day we all agree 100% on this: YOU ARE NOT GOING TO WIN!!!

5. THANKS!!! - To Todd, Jon, Brian, Rita and all my Florida YR friends: THANK YOU! Not just for pulling off the best YRNC ever but for what you've done for the FFYR. It has been an honor to work with you (always is!). I am inspired and in awe of your dedication to the Republican cause. Thank you to everyone in the YR nation who helped pull this off. There are just too many to name individually. To the general membership goes the biggest thanks! It's not a show if y'all don't show up. You gave up time, money, and a lot of effort to come down to my hometown from all over this great nation. Thank you so much! I hope you had as good a time as I did and please come down to South Florida any time! You've got a friend!

I hope to see all of you again very soon! :-)

Daniel Ruoss
President - Broward County Young Republicans

[The Fake Daniel Ruoss]

I challenge the President of the BYD's to a street fight. I choose swords at the courthouse steps at noon.

http://www.kepplah.com/stuff/duel%5B1%5D.jpg

[Philip Blumel]

See www.rlcfl.org for recap of the YRNC 2007 event (w/pictures) from the point of view of the libertarian Republican Liberty Caucus.

[Philip Blumel]

See www.rlcfl.org for recap of the YRNC 2007 event (w/pictures) from the point of view of the libertarian Republican Liberty Caucus.

[Todd Brown]

I'm new to posting on blogs, so forgive me for not being anonymous! But the good news is that because I listed my name, Todd Goberville was able to alert my county REC chairman of my error, and thus, (at the risk of censure), I will issue a correction. My post on July 9 at 1:33 P.M. thanked 4 folks who were listed as co-chairs of the YRNC 2007 on the FFYR website. Then I reviewed the resolution that was passed by my fellow delegates at the convention on Saturday afternoon. The "Resolution of Appreciation To Thank the Organizing Committee of the 2007 YRNC" thanked Brian, Rita and Dana, but, it also thanked Jon Woodard. I neglected to thank Jon in my previous post. Jon, I appreciate everything you did to make this convention a success. I also appreciate the clarifications you gave in your earlier post on this blog.

[Advice for YRs]

The key unanswered question amid all the backslappping, kudos and blatant spin is,

Did any of the event organizers or leadership tell the Romney campaign or volunteers that dinner tickets, versus YR membership, made one eligible to vote? Buy the tickets and buy the vote.

If so, were all the campaigns notified of this rule in very explicit terms? In writing, not over the telephone. Campaign managers, not volunteers.

Simply inviting campaigns to attend is not sufficient. That is a poor explanation. The devil is always in the details and the precision with respect to voting rules and communication clarity.

The whole thing was very sloppy, poorly run and created a huge black eye for the YRs.

Next time, please practice full disclosure, which includes publishing the rules on your website. All of your excuses and self righteous spin thinly veils what turned into a total farce for a straw poll.

Finally, make sure that any person in any type of leadership position with the YRs is required to remain candidate neutral until the general election. You invite well deserved criticism otherwise. This is a mandatory change. Until it is made, leaders will remain suspect.

[YR motto]

who cares: get wasted, get laid

[Actual Young Republican]

Advice for YR's - Everybody who's involved in political events knows how these things work. Nothing was secret or veiled. Perhaps you should join the YR's and get an education in these things. Then maybe you can have some perspective and can make comments that are not hostile and uninformed. Oh, and us YR's will decide what is mandatory or not for our organization, thank you.

AYR - your comments explain precisely why the YRs continue to be irrelevant. You should heed thoughtful advice and transform your organization from a social club for political wannabes to something that has impact.

7:33 PM, if the YR's were so irrelevant, and a do nothing organization, than certainly, no one would be complaining and making these accusations. Your comments only serve as validation of the great successes the YR's have made over the past several years. I congratulate them for their hard work and recent successes, Keep it up YR's!

[set an example]

Folks are complaining because the YRs are supposed to set an example for all Republicans and set the highest possible standards. The expectations are high for young people, so when the leadership fails to strive for high standards, and starts engineering excuses, many take notice. All the press you had was critical. None of it was good. Take heed and act. Step one is to make sure your leadership is unaligned during primaries. Step two is to make sure your leaders sign a statement saying they are independent and will remain so during their term of office, and that they will take no money or consulting fees from any candidate. If they want to be politically active with specific candidates, which they have every right to be, they should resign their posts and let others lead in an independent and objective manner for the good of the party. Right now the YRs are a joke. Nothing they do will be taken seriously because of the straw poll incident. Want to make a difference? Heed these recommendations!

[An Actual Young Republican]

To "set an example" - You have no clue about the YR's. Let's start with your 'demand' that leaders stay independent in the ridiculously impractical way you suggested. If all ancillary political organizations followed your rules nobody would be left to lead them whether Democrat or Republican.

YR by-laws prevent any single Club leader from endorsing (as a board member or as a Club as a whole) and becoming a mouthpiece for any personal candidate preference. Any stated personal preferences are usually always quantified with "I personally support...". Even then Reagan's 11th commandment is in effect - 'Do not speak ill of other Republicans'. Anybody who lets a campaign use their name and title to impart a sense of authority and consensus agreement has the hammer dropped on them pretty swiftly. We have plenty of safeguards in our local, state, and national constitution & by-laws to prevent "hijacking". The best being that to have an effective local YR Club the board members have the obligation to foster a welcome environment for all Young Republicans regardless of candidate preference. Promoting one candidate and shutting out the supporters of other candidates would very quickly make your state organization or local club ineffective and useless in recruiting new members not to mention creating conflicts with local REC's and your state GOP.

You say the press on YRNC was all critical. Please read these articles that were from the local paper where YRNC was held.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flbthompson0708nbjul08,0,7186320.story

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nationworld/politics/wire/sns-ap-young-republicans,1,2605800.story?ctrack=1&cset=true

Positive coverage on the whole and one of them was written by the AP which means it was the one that was published in the most papers and put on the most websites. Your claim of all press being critical is flat out wrong and uninformed. Once again I invite you to join up with your local YR's and get a first hand look at what the organization is about. If only to save you from making any more negative, embarassing and uninformed comments. If this is about some past personal vendetta, please let it go. You're hanging on to it hard and that hate is making you sound like a very bitter and resentful person.

[Hammer Time]

"Anybody who lets a campaign use their name and title to impart a sense of authority and consensus agreement has the hammer dropped on them pretty swiftly."

http://www.mittromney.com/News/Press-Releases/Florida_County_Chairs

"St. Johns:
- Young Republican National Federation Executive Director and St. Johns County State Republican Committeeman Jon Woodard" - From Romney website

Looks like its "hammer time"

[More Controversy]

http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2007/07/young_republicans_defend_their.php

[Hmmmm]

http://www.redstatenetwork.com/stories/elections/2008/the_romney_advantage_who_needs_grassroots_when_you_can_astroturf

Hey, "More Controversy" and "Hmmmm": good find on those links! Very interesting.