Seaview.  The Pacific County Republicans held their convention in Seaview on Saturday, March 27.  An unprecedented number of grassroots and teaparty activists participated as delegates, having been elected through the caucuses last February 13. The first order of business was to elect delegates to represent Pacific County to the State Republican convention to be held in Vancouver in June.  Elected were Jean Harrington, Daniel Turner, Bill Nickila and Jack Smith, in addition to county leadership Nansen Malin, Karla Webber and Brett Malin.  The official delegates to the State Convention will be voting on the State Party Platform, attending workshops, events, a campaign school and hearing speeches by Mitt Romney and noted author Michelle Malkin.

A very lively debate took place during the county platform discussion.  Delegates holding differing opinions passionately presented their thoughts on key planks in the county party platform.  After much consideration, consensus was reached and the official county party platform was adopted.  It will be available on the party website www.pacificgop.com. 

After a discussion weighing the pros and cons of pre-primary endorsements and the new Top Two Primary ballot, their attention moved to learning about candidates for U.S. Senate and the 3rd Congressional District.  The delegates had the opportunity to hear the candidates speak and meet with candidates one on one the previous Saturday at the annual Lincoln Day Dinner.  Delegates shared their impressions and asked questions of each other about reasons for supporting candidates.  A straw poll was conducted for the position being vacated by Brian Baird.  State Representative Jaime Herrera won the poll with 95% of the vote.  Upon announcement of the poll results, long time South Bend community leader Vince Shaudys placed a motion to endorse Herrera, explaining his desire for the grassroots to “get behind one candidate.”  The motion to endorse passed unanimously.  Pacific GOP Chair Nansen Malin observed, “As county parties we are normally very reluctant to make pre-primary endorsements. Despite my cautions, it’s really exciting to see the grassroots so inspired by a candidate.”

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