The Republican Party created an early “endorsement convention” prior to filing week, increasing the maximum number of delegates elected by their neighbors by 40 percent. This allowed for more grassroots involvement and input.
Ann Donnelly (“State GOP endorsements deprive voters of choice,” Local View, May 4) was briefed on this plan for over a year. At each gathering of precinct committee officers including Donnelly, we received positive feedback and encouragement. No one said this would “deprive voters of choice.”
Over 1,830 elected delegates from all around the state participated, including 130 from Clark County. When a nine-person committee decided to eliminate a vote on the governor candidates was revealed, delegates were extremely unhappy. CCRP Chair Matt Bumala simply put “choice” back on the ballot in the governor’s race.
None of us know why Dave Reichert chose to withdraw. On the surface, he had the numerical advantage, as only 17 county parties had voted to endorse Semi Bird. That left 22 counties presumably supporting Reichert.
The delegates from Clark County included both Bird and Reichert supporters. They all were allowed to vote on a candidate for governor.
