Russell Cain, a Delegate to the Republican National Convention
For those of us who watched on television the recent Presidential Nominating Conventions, we consider them to be just a giant pep rally, because, after all, the nominee of each party was a foregone conclusion. But, according to Realtor Russell Cain of Port Lavaca, one of our District 27 delegates to the Republican Convention, it was not a party; it was a lot of work.
They met with Senators and Congressmen each morning at 9:00 a.m., and participated in various meetings most of the day, then took a bus for the 20-mile trip to the convention center for the evening’s business. The day did not end until 2:00 or 3:00 a.m.
The Texas delegation was accompanied the entire time by Governor Perry, Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst, and Texas Attorney General Greg Abbot, with Gov. Perry providing breakfast one morning. Russell was also privileged to have dinner twice with Senate candidate Ted Cruz and his father.
District 27 Delegates in addition to Russell were Mrs. June Gildersleeve of Corpus Christi and Mr. Gilbert Hernandez of Corpus Christi. Alternate Delegates were Mrs. Drusilla Knight-Villarreal of Corpus Christi, Ms. Rebecca Lynn Berger of Schulenburg, and Mrs. Jackie McCormick Gloor of Victoria, who all traveled to the convention and stayed at their own expense. They were provided special shirts and hats to wear during the convention.
“I was fascinated at how foreign governments are interested in our political process,” Russell said. “I got interviewed by 11 different types of media. In addition to Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Tampa, Los Angeles papers and the New York Times, I was interviewed by several German reporters, one from Brazil, and one from the London Times.”
He was quoted in USA Today: “Russell Cain, 64, a delegate from Port Lavaca, Texas, was energized by the entire convention. ‘I feel great,’ he said. ‘I am excited that Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan are going to be our candidates, and they are going to bring America back to what it used to be.’”
Russell reported that security at the convention was tight, and Thursday night before Romney was to speak, all those in attendance had their credentials checked again. Most of the attendees around him were regular delegates like Russell, but he was a bit enthused to be able to see Herman Cain and to sit near Michelle Bachman.
Before there were conventions, members of Congress selected the nominees in congressional, or legislative, caucuses. The process was considered elitist and not representative of the entire party.
The first national convention in our country was held in 1831 by the Anti-Mason Party. The Democrats held their first convention in 1832, when they nominated Andrew Jackson with Martin Van Buren as his running mate.
The Republican Party held their first convention in 1856, and nominated John Fremont, an American military officer, explorer, and the first candidate of the anti-slavery Republican Party for the office of President of the United States. He lost the 1856 presidential election to Democrat James Buchanan when Democrats warned his election would lead to civil war.
Russell called his opportunity to participate in the political process “the experience of a lifetime”. He expressed hope that citizens will inform themselves and exercise their right to vote. “Americans have a right to a balanced budget, to cut spending. Americans have a right to know the truth. Mitt Romney has a plan to create new jobs. He will fight for the hard working taxpayer.”
Russell Cain at the Republican Convention
Voter Registration Deadline Nears
The November general election will take place on Tuesday, November 6, 2012. Voters did not have to vote in the May 29, 2012 primary election in order to qualify to vote in the general election on November 6, 2012. Whether you voted or not in the primary, you may vote for whomever you choose in November. Eligible Texans who are not registered to vote must register by October 9, 2012 to vote in the November 6, 2012 election.
The deadline to register and be eligible to vote in the November 6, 2012 General Election is October 9, 2012. This can be either the postmark date or the date the application is received in the office of the voter registrar. You may, of course, register at any time before that date to ensure that your registration is effective for voting in November. You can obtain a voter registration application from your voter registrar’s office, libraries, most post offices, high schools, or from www.votetexas.gov.
In Calhoun County register with: Elections Administrator Dora Garcia; 211 S. Ann St. Port Lavaca 77979 ; (361) 553-4440 Phone.
