National Convention and the Ten Key Values
May 28, 2008 in Presidential Campaign, Social & Economic Justice
It has been suggested that the costs associated with attending the nominating convention in Chicago will be so high that some delegates will not be able to attend. For some states I imagine the costs are always high. Hawai’i (I think that’s the preferred spelling, no?), Alaska, Maine, states with big areas with sparse numbers like Texas, Montana, the Dakotas. I can see how costs for those folks can be prohibitive.
So, what to do? Apparently the GNC is debating the prospects of charging states to cast their proxy votes. At $250 a pop, these proxy votes may not be cast by some states just to save money. I am not sure if that cost estimate is accurate.
Over the next few days I hope to get information to share with you about how the process works, what costs are involved, how different people and states are handling the costs, and what impact this may be having on the four Presidential campaigns. I hope you’ll stay tuned.
Ronald Kane Hardy said on May 28, 2008
I heard a lot of comments about how a “virtual” convention using video teleconference technology would be a more “Green” thing to do as opposed to 800 delegates plus others flying from all over the country.
But on the other hand, a physical face to face Convention allows greens to meet, network, share ideas, hold workshops and round tables etc, etc, PLUS it creates a centralized node for media to have access to our candidates – and not just the Presidential ones.
So on the one hand we have high cost hurting financially strapped delegates and parties plus a large carbon footprint, but on the other hand you have a high profile Green Party Presidential Nominating Convention in more or less the Center of the United States (sort of).
I think the Convention is worth the cost. I hope so anyway.
Gregg Jocoy said on May 28, 2008
An update on the cost of proxies. According to a message forwarded to a McKinney supporter’s email list, the Steering Committee is recommending a proxy registration cost of between $50 and $75 to the GNC.
Bry said on May 28, 2008
First, I’m not an attorney, but aren’t there laws against polling fees? I know that it is to “register the delegate”, but having a “cut rate” for proxy’s means exactly that…it’s for the purpose of voting.
Second, the Nader people really tick me off with their constant moaning about the GP “rigging the convention”. But if you get to buy votes…which is what is going to happen…doesn’t this open the door to any and all “shenanegans” and leave the convention results in question??
Third, I am a Kat Swift supporter, and hope to be a delegate (it doesn’t look promising right now). Most of her support seems to come from young people, and “working class” people, those who will have a hard time making the convention. Is this fair to Kat? To her supporters? To grassroots democracy???
Just as a hypothetical…Let’s say I have the resources to go, and pay the freight on another delegate…an uncommitted delegate. I am also willing to “buy” the way for two proxy’s…uncommitted proxy’s…”My Candidate” takes the state of South Carolina 4-0-0-0…Do you see why this could get Very UGLY…Very FAST???
Just a few random thoughts…But it does leave some interesting scenarios doesn’t it???
Ronald Kane Hardy said on May 28, 2008
Bry,
I’m not on the national committee (nor a lawyer) but this is how I understand it to work:
Each state gets X number of delegates which has already been established.
Each State Party determines how those delegates are allocated (to which candidates that is) with some guidelines provided by GPUS. (States with state-run primaries may allocate proportional to the vote results; In Wisconsin we mailed ballots to all members; in other states they meet at a state wide convention; in Maine they had regional conventions and a state wide convention, etc.)
Acknowledging the transportation costs and other circumstances, delegates can carry up to one “proxy” vote each. So a state with 8 delegates could send 4 people who would vote for themselves and their “proxies”.
However, delegates are also “bound” to vote for the candidates that they were sent to represent in the first round of voting. I believe this stands for Proxy votes as well.
I don’t know how South Carolina allocates delegates, but if it is determined that kat swift gets 2 delegates and you are named a delegate I don’t see why you can’t go to the convention and carry the proxy for the second swift delegate as well. I don’t know your state rules.
Sorry for a long winded reply, but I do think that the process is confusing and needs more clarification in general.
Bry said on May 29, 2008
The point of my hypothetical was to show how confusing this is. And how this confusion could lead to abuse of the system from the leaders or the floor…
In South Carolina we have 4 McKinney, 1 Swift, and 3 uncommitted delegates. I am curious what the rules are for uncommitted delegates in general and uncommitted proxy delegates in particular are, if they exist.
The other thing that rubs me the wrong way, is that this equates to a poll tax. Normal registration covers the cost of the delegate being at the convention, for the rooms of seminars, materials, entertainment, etc… A proxy is not there using any of these services, meaning someone is having to pay, the State or the person who wants their vote to be delivered as a proxy, for the chance to have their voice heard.
I have defended the GP and the National Committee whenever I have seen someone who was attacking them. I am afraid that this decision is giving some weight to their anger and arguments.
First Elaine Brown left the Party, and I didn’t stand up for her, then Nader and his supporters felt there was an injustice being done, I didn’t stand up for them, now, I feel I am the victim of injustice, is there anyone left to stand up for me???
Ronald Kane Hardy said on May 29, 2008
Yeah I hear you, it does seem like paying to vote.
But on the other hand, we all voted in our individual states. This is paying to be a delegate at the Convention.
However I agree, proxy votes should not cost money.
Regarding “uncommitted”, I am the lone “uncommitted” delegate from Wisconsin (19 for McKinney, 2 for Mesplay, 1 for Swift, 1 for Nader, 1 Uncommitted). Uncommitted delegates are bound to vote “Uncommitted” in the first round of voting. If there are subsequent rounds then delegates may change their votes or whatever their state rules are.
The Wisconsin delegation is to vote for whom they are pledged to until that candidate/choice is eliminated. After that they are to consider first their voters’ second choice. We are bringing our ranked choice info to Chicago with us.