So I rolled into the SDGOP convention this afternoon.
Actually had a nice experience at check in, as the people at the desk were very helpful. And ran into many friends – some I’ve seen recently, some I haven’t seen in more than a year.
But then I went into the voting hall. Where the friendliness evaporated somewhat, and a number of Sergeant of Arms were wandering around. Which left me wondering why do they have all this security pacing back and forth like they’re monitoring the yard at the state prison yard? With this crowd, I think it’s more likely that someone would fall and break a hip then break out into a riot.
One accosted me after I sat and was quietly chatting in the back with a long time friend and colleague, as he slapped his hand on my shoulder, chastising me because I was having a conversation. I pointed out that I was a delegate. Immediately triggering him to question me why was I not sitting with my county? ….Because I just got there?
Why am I being questioned at the convention by the equivalent of a dollar store security guard? What is this version of the convention I walked into?
From there they moved into resolutions. Some completely stupid, and as evidenced by the reaction, at least one unthinkable.
Setting the stage; There was a resolution proposed to attack Senator Thune this week, despite his attempts to bring the SAVE act to a vote. After the convention organizers were done with social media influencer Scott Presler yesterday, some of his followers took what ended up being an unproductive way to express their displeasure:
That kind of message went out to most of the people – if not all of them – on the State Republican Party executive board. Which had the exact opposite effect of what the Presler minions wanted.
Because they served to make a lot of people mad.
And when the anti-Thune resolution came to a vote, it went down hard. It was a welcome flash of unity at a convention where the party has generally been divided.
Divided to the point where the convention organizers feel they need have Sergeants of Arms circling the crowd like deputies circling the beer garden at a street dance.
We’ll see how tomorrow goes.
how many people are in attendance?
400-something
When the resolution fails and the threats start…. It’s fairly obvious it’s all a grift.
Big message sent by Thune. Still a formidable team. Still huge support in the party despite the best efforts of the weirdos. When you come for the king …
Looking at the executive board, you’d almost think the security detail was recruited from Landmark Church’s parking lot. The same church where Toby apparently interpreted acid reflux as a gubernatorial calling from the pulpit. Sometimes Tums really are the more responsible choice. At any rate, they are semi-tactical and maybe just a bit overzealous, although most haven’t spent any time down range and probably would shoot themselves in the foot trying to get a round off. Be safe!
What a joke! When will the grown ups take charge?