Davidson, Michigan, Gourley, & Fun
Written by Mark Harris on March 25th, 2005A letter from the Michigan RSC, which in my estimation clears things up:
Hat Tip:Michigan CR Blog
Good morning,
First, let me thank all of those of you who have taken the time to speak with me over the last 48 hours. I know your phone has been ringing off the hook, as has mine, and through all of the communication, I appreciate the dedication you have shown to the future of the Michigan Federation of College Republicans.
As I have discussed with many of you, the actions that took place were not in any way an ideal situation. They were a result of grave concern by many of the unethical behavior that reflected poorly on both the Michigan Federation of College Republicans and the entire Republican Party.
I am disappointed and discouraged by those that have continued to spread lies regarding what has happened. As you know, both Sam and myself have done everything in our power to speak with as many of you as possible in the last few days to explain what happened, why it happened and most importantly where we, as an organization, go now. The lies that have continued to spread via phone and e-mail are truly disheartening, especially those that come from individuals who claim they have the best interests of the Republican Party at heart.
Claims that Michael Davidson, a candidate for College Republican National Committee Chairman, was involved in this decisions made here in Michigan are completely false. I can assure you that Mr. Davidson, nor were any members of his campaign staff involved in the actions that were taken in any way, shape or form. As a Vice-Chairman of the Michigan Republican State Committee, I am not only offended by accusations by some individuals that the Davidson campaign had any part of this, but I am truly discouraged by the lengths that these individuals are willing to go to prevent the unity that has already begun within the Michigan Federation of College Repu blicans.
I cannot express enough that these actions were not done in order to assert the power of the Michigan Republican Party into the College Republican level. They were not done at Michael Davidson’s request. And, they were not done because of any one person’s personal vendetta towards another. Anyone who claims that these were the reasons is lying and evidently seeks to demolish attempts at uniting College Republicans in Michigan. The decision to take action was made by Republican leaders and activists here in Michigan, without influence from any out-of state individuals or groups. What happened here in Michigan was about standing up for ethical behavior, and doing so when others refused to.
We must now all take a tough stand. We may be in uncharted waters, but let’s make sure that we are there together. Last night’s conference call was outstanding. It allowed for an even better open dialogue between members of our organization, and was done so as soon as possible to ensure that there was the proper opportunity for such dialogue. In the coming week, there are sure to be continued conversations. Sam, and the officers of the MFCR have worked to rearrange their schedule to ensure that a face-to-face meeting takes place as soon as possible, as this is also essential to continue to build unity and for future success! During the next week, we hope to have another conference call, as well as meeting on April 10th at Eastern Michigan University.
Thank you again to all of you who have taken the time to speak with myself, and others regarding recent events. Remember, we have lots to do for victory in 2006, and we can only accomplish victory by working together. We have a fine group of College Republicans here in Michigan, undoubtedly the best in the Nation. Let’s keep it that way! Please know that I am always available to answer any questions you may have. You can reach me at 989.621.2013 at your convenience.
Sicncerely,
Matthew Golden, Youth Chair
Michigan Republican State Committee
E: always_golden@yahoo.com
25
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Cassin is out. The debate is over. Gourley can bitch and moan all he wants but it’s a done deal.
25
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Golden and Anuzis did what was best for everyday college republicans.
26
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Exactly! Gourley came in and got involved with the michigan CR election (you don’t hear Cassin crying about that) and now the hypocrites are mad that the state party recognized that he is unfit to serve because he endorsed Gourley.
26
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WAAAAAHHHHH!!!! I’m not Chairman anymore. WAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!
26
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Fine and dandy, but has anyone thought that 100 Michigan CRs were effectively disinfranchised by this action. I do not support Cassin, but I do support the rights of Michigan CRs to elect their chair. Also, why didn’t state party contact the #2 vote getter at the convention? He supports Davidson and I heard that he only recieved 2 fewer votes than Cassin. Wouldn’t he be a better representative of the wish of the CRs in Michigan instead of a person that no one voted for? Regardless of Cassin’s ability to perform as chair, the will of the people should be recognized. Why should Michigan CR’s hold conventions? They should just wait and see who state party wants as their chair.
26
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#6 - That is easy to answer. Per the CRNC Constitution… You must hold a convention with at least two schools, at which point the elected Chairman is then to be recognized by the State Party Chair.
So it may not be the most ideal situation or candidate, but Saul Anuzis was clearly within the limits of the CRNC to do what he did.
People complain that rules were thrown out, and ask why something else wasn’t done. I say rules were followed, and if other rules existed I am sure Saul Anuzis would have followed those as well.
26
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So the rules were follwed. It doesn’t change the fact that the michigan state party ignored the will of the michigan cr’s. I understand that what Anuzis did was legal. What I don’t understand is how everyone is riding this high horse and saying that might=right. What is to stop Anuzis or any chairman from repeating this action every time a chair gets out of line? And who decides what is out of line? In this particular case the end result was correct but does that make it okay to ignore what 200 students had to say? And again, why should 200 students ever meet again to pick a chair? If state party disagrees with their decision, they will just replace them with whomever they choose. It seems like state party should be sophisticated enough to get what they want from college students in a more traditional way. Right now, what state party has said is that the CR organization is like a little puppy at the heels that they allow to exist. As long as it doesn’t do anything wrong it’s fine. It is insulting to say the least.
28
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I am not sure convention delegates knew that Cassin was in bed with Gourley from the get go. The chapter chairs in MI were never consulted about supporting Gourley. Why haven’t we heard directly from Gourley in this debate. Where is he on this issue. At least Davidson issued a statement…
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