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Grown from the soil of people’s hard necessities
Welcome message from CCRP Chairman John Lee to be provided
Clackamas County Republican Party Precinct Committee Person Handbook
Revised 2-29-12 CCRP PCP Training Committee Trudy Reusser, Chair
Table of Contents
Page(s)
Introduction The Republican Party Republican Party---from the Beginning I am a Republican because… Republican National Party Vision, Purpose, Function, and Structure Republican Party Flowchart Oregon Republican Party Mission, Purpose, Function and Structure Platform The Congressional District Clackamas Republican Party Mission, Purpose, and Function Structure and Function of the CCRP Executive Committee Clackamas County Republican Precinct Committee Person Role, Power, and Authority Election and Appointment Process PCP Tool Kit – Doing the PCP’s Job Getting to Know your Precinct Supporting the Republican Candidates Other Campaign Support – Petitions and Measures After the Election Building the Party – Post-Election Other Work within the CCRP Thank You PCP’s, Thank You Republican Party Appendices Other Suggested Reading
Introduction
The members of the Republican Party hold a common belief in the dignity and strength of the individual. We espouse and practice respect for the right of the individual to determine his or her own destiny. Party members work to ensure that governments do not fall prey to collectivism as they administer our democratic principles. Our Constitution guarantees that the rights and freedoms of all individuals are protected and are not lost to the bureaucracy of government. Only by focusing on individuals and giving them the opportunities to protect their own and everyone else’s rights can we, as a nation, exercise the required vigilance. Precinct Committeepersons (PCPs), elected to serve their Republican neighbors as representatives to the party, are the first building blocks in the foundation of the Republican Party. By creating and maintaining a strong grassroots organization, the Republican Party can open doors to all the people within all local communities to exert influence on the quality and appropriateness of government. The PCP is the grassroots official of the Republican Party.
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The Republican Party
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The Republican Party – From the Beginning
The Republican Party was born in the early 1850s by anti-slavery activists and individuals who believed that government should grant western lands to settlers free of charge. On February 28, 1854, Major Alvan E. Bovary called a meeting in the Congregational Church in Ripon, Wisconsin. The men who met that night in that small farming community were called together in the common belief that slavery was unconstitutional. The first official Republican convention took place on July 6, 1854, in Jackson Michigan. The crowd was so large that the meeting could not be held in the town’s largest facility. Business had to be conducted outside in a grove of trees. The name “Republican” was taken from Thomas Jefferson’s Democratic - Republican Party. At the 1854 Convention, they adopted the formal name and a platform. Organizational meetings soon followed. In the 1854 congressional elections, forty four Republicans were elected to the House of Representatives, and eleven were elected to the Senate. Thus our REPUBLIC, as opposed to a democracy, was operational. In June 1856, the Republican Party held its first national nominating convention in Philadelphia and nominated John C. Freemont under the slogan: “Free soil, free labor, free speech, free men, Fremont”. However, the Democrat, James Buchanan was elected as President. Two days after the inauguration of Buchanan, the Supreme Court issued the Dred Scott decision which was denounced by Republicans. The Democrat Party was split over the slavery questions. As a result, in 1858, the Republicans won control of the House of Representatives The second Republican national convention in 1860 resulted in the nomination of Abraham Lincoln for President. The platform pledged not to extend slavery, called for the construction of a transcontinental railroad, and supported a protective tariff. Lincoln’s friend, Oaks Ames, played the largest role in building the transcontinental railroad, connecting the West and the East, and became the Republican governor of Massachusetts. Many of the Ames family descendants live in Oregon and are contributing to the Oregon Republican Party. The Civil War erupted in 1861 and lasted four grueling years. During the war, against the advice of his cabinet, Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation that freed the slaves. The Republicans worked to pass the thirteenth Amendment, which outlawed slavery, the Fourteenth Amendment, which guaranteed equal protection under the law, and the Fifteenth, which helped secure voting rights for African-Americans. The Republican Party also played the leading role in securing women’s right to vote. In 1896, Republicans were the first major party to favor women’s suffrage. When the 19th Amendment finally was added to the Constitution, 26 of 36 state legislatures that had voted to ratify it, were in Republican control. The first woman elected to Congress was a Republican, Jeanette Rankin, from Montana, in 1917. Presidents during most of the late nineteenth century were Republicans. The White House was in Republican hands under Presidents Eisenhower, Nixon, Ford, Reagan, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush. The United States of America became the world’s only superpower with Republican leaders, winning the Cold War from the former Soviet Union and releasing millions from Communist oppression.
I am a Republican because:
by Jim Crawford
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
I BELIEVE the strength of our nation lies with the individual and that each person's freedom, ability, and opportunity, must be responsibly honored and protected. I BELIEVE in equal rights, justice, and opportunity for all, regardless of race, religion, creed, sex, age, or disability. I BELIEVE free enterprise and individual initiative have brought this nation opportunity, economic growth, and prosperity. I BELIEVE government must practice fiscal responsibility and allow individuals to keep more of the money they earn. I BELIEVE the proper, Constitutional, role of government is to provide the people only those critical functions that cannot be performed by individuals or private organizations and that the best government is the government which governs least. I BELIEVE the most effective, responsible, and responsive government is government closest to the people. I BELIEVE Americans must retain the principles that have made us strong while developing new and innovative ideas to proactively meet the challenges of changing times. I BELIEVE Americans value, and should preserve our national strength and pride while working to extend peace, freedom, and human rights throughout the world. I BELIEVE … the Republican Party most nearly represents traditional family values and Constitutional principles and is currently the best vehicle for translating these ideals into positive and successful functions of government.
The National Republican Party
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Republican National Committee (RNC)
www.gop.com Vision
Members of the Republican Party, affirm that unalienable rights are granted to us by our Creator. These rights, as expressed in the Declaration of Independence, confirm in each individual the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We believe in the freedom and equality of every individual as expressed and set forth in the Constitution of the United States of America. We believe in limited government, free markets, fiscal responsibility and a strong national defense. To support and maintain our founding principles so that government will continue to protect and ensure the rights of the people, and remain subordinate to the people.
Founding Principles of _______________
The Genius of Natural Law; A virtuous and moral People; Virtuous and Moral Leaders; The Role of Religion/Faith; The Role of the Creator; All Men Are Created Equal; Equal rights, not equal things/outcomes; Unalienable Rights of all Human Beings; The Role of Revealed Law; Sovereignty of the People; Who Can Alter the Government?; Advantages of a Republic; Protection Against Human Frailty; Property Rights are Essential to Liberty; Free Market Economics; The Separation of Powers; Checks and Balances; Importance of a Written Constitution; Limiting and Defining the Powers of Government; Majority Rule, Minority Rights; Strong Local Self-Government; Government by Law, not by Men; Importance of an Educated Electorate; Peace through Strength; Avoid Entangling Alliances; Protecting the Role of the Family; Avoiding the Burden of Debt; Sense of Manifest Destiny.
Purpose and Function of the RNC
The RNC works within the structure of the RNC Rules and serves as an umbrella organization over state committees, providing continuity between election cycles. Every four years, the RNC organizes the Republican National Convention where delegates from each state and territory nominate the Republican candidates for president and vice president, agree on the official Republican Party platform and adopt rules and procedures for the party.
Structure
The hierarchy of the Republican Party begins with the PCPs and goes up to the RNC. The authority and activities are not top down, but are from the “heart of the party”, the PCPs and up as is shown on the Flowchart on the following page. The organization can be summarized as the Republican Voter elects the Precinct Committee Person who becomes a member of the County Central Committee. From the ranks of the County PCP’s is elected members of the Party Congressional Districts and State Central Committee. PCP’s also can seek election to the Republican National Committee. The Republican National Committee consists of national elected officials and three representatives from each state and the four US territories. These representatives are the the state's/territories national committeeman, the state's/territories national committeewoman, and the state/territories party chairman.
For more information about the RNC, their structure or the Rules of the RNC, please visit their website at www.GOP.com
The Oregon Republican Party
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Oregon Republican Party (ORP)
www.oregonrepublicanparty.org
The name of this organization shall be the Oregon Republican Party (hereinafter referred to as the State Central Committee). The trade name of the organization shall be the Oregon Republican Party (ORP).
The Mission of the State Central Committee
To elect Republicans, who promote the platform of the Oregon Republican Party, to public office, To insure growth of the Republican Party, through voter registration and volunteer force, to make the Oregon Republican Party the number one national party in Oregon, To lead, contribute, and participate in the establishment of a Republican Party organization that is an effective vehicle for setting public policy through its platform, To coordinate, encourage, and assist county growth through the County central committees, To plan, organize, administer, and finance the State Central Committee’s operations to accomplish the other stated purposes. We support and work to uphold the Vision and Mission of the National Republican Party.
The Purpose and Function of the State Central Committee
The purpose of the State Central Committee shall be: to elect Republicans, who promote the platform of the Oregon Republican Party, to public office; to ensure growth of the Republican Party, through voter registration and volunteer force, to make the Oregon Republican Party the number one national party in Oregon; to lead, contribute to, and participate in the establishment of a Republican Party organization that is an effective vehicle for setting public policy through its platform; to coordinate, encourage, and assist county growth through the County central committees; to plan, organize, administer, and finance the State Central Committee’s operations to accomplish the other stated purposes.
The Structure of the ORP
The ORP State Central Committee is the highest Party authority in the State and has sole authorization to adopt rules or resolutions for all matters of Party government. The ORP works within the structure of the RNC Rules, the ORP By Laws and Rules and the Oregon State Statutes. The By Laws and/or any rules adopted by the ORP State Central Committee from time to time define the manner in which the Party is to be organized and operated. The ORP adheres to follow Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 248.001 – 248.011. Except as otherwise provided by the By Laws, it is not the intent of the ORP State Central Committee to conform with ORS 248.012 to 248.316. A copy of the applicable statutes are provided in Appendix _A_ Members of the State Central Committee consist of the Officers of the ORP (Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer), the elected National Committeeman and Committeewoman, the Chairman and Vice Chairman from each county, and the State Delegates elected within each county to serve on the State Central Committee. The Officers of the ORP and the National Committeeman and Committeewoman are elected by the State Central Committee at
the State Central Committee meetings. State Delegates are elected by each County’s Republican Party Central Committee (the PCPs of each County) at the County Biennial Organizational meeting. They serve a two year term. The State Executive Board oversees implementation of ORP programs, develops ORP policy, and reviews ORP finances. The Board consists of the ORP Officers, National Committeeman and woman, Congressional District Chairman and Vice Chairman, State Finance Chairman, and State Precinct Organization Chairman.
The Oregon Republican Party Platform
Preamble We, the Oregon Republican Party, affirm that the United States of America is one nation under God and that unalienable rights are granted us by our Creator. These rights, as expressed in the Declaration of Independence, confirm in each individual the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We believe in the freedom and equality of every individual as set forth in and protected by the Constitution of the United States of America and which also limits the powers of the federal government. All other powers are reserved to the states or the people. The Oregon Republican Party advocates personal responsibility, limited government, free markets, fiscal accountability and a strong national defense. We support ethical and accountable public officials that advocate these principles and those stated in this platform. State Convention The State Convention shall be called between August and October of odd numbered years. The purpose of the convention shall be to consider amendments to the Party Platform, and consider other matters that may come before the convention. Delegates to the State Party Convention consist of the officeholders or candidates to the US Senate, US House, statewide officeholders, State Senators, State Representatives, and each county’s State Central Committee Delegates or their Alternates. The rules contained in the latest edition of “Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised” shall govern the Central Committee meetings in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with the ORP By Laws or with special rules of procedure that may be adopted for the ORP. A quick guide to “Robert’s Rules” is provided for you in Appendix _B___.
For more information regarding the ORP, the complete text of the ORP By Laws and ORP Platform, calendar of State Central Committee meetings, other important ORP events and state news, please visit their website at www.oregonrepublicanparty.org.
The Role of the Congressional Districts (CD)
The majority of the work accomplished by CD party representatives is with the State Executive Board. The Congressional District officers may use District funds to facilitate District Conventions, communications, candidate recruitment, candidate Primary debates, candidate assistance in General elections, volunteer training and other activities as approved by a majority of the Congressional District officers, or their Alternates and the Chairs of counties within the affected District. Clackamas County is located in two Congressional Districts, CD3 and CD5. Presently, our County Chairman, John Lee, Jr., holds the position of Vice Chair of CD3. A map of Oregon’s Congressional Districts, and a list of the Political Districts & Precincts is provided in the Appendix _C_& D___. A list of the Oregon’s elected officials presently serving Clackamas County can be found in Appendix _E__. The Congressional District Convention After the May Primary Election of each Presidential Election year, the PCPs of every county convenes for the purpose of: • Electing from the delegates a CD Chairman, Vice Chairman, their Alternates, and other officers as deemed necessary. • Electing delegates and their alternates to the Republican National Convention
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Further information regarding the Congressional Districts can be found in the ORP By Laws, Article XIV ; information regarding the National Convention can be found in the ORP By Laws, Article XVII. A copy of the By Laws can be accessed through the ORP website at www.oregonrepublicanparty.org.
The Clackamas County Republican Party
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The Role of the Clackamas County Republican Party (CCRP)
www.clackamasgop.org
The name of this organization shall be the Clackamas County Republican Party (hereinafter also referred to as the Clackamas County Republican Central Committee [CCRCC]). The trade name of the organization shall be the Clackamas County Republican Party (CCRP).
The Mission of the Clackamas County Republican Central Committee
The objectives of the CCRCC are to elect Republicans to public office who promote the platform of the Oregon Republican Party; to make the Republican Party the number one national party in Clackamas County by insuring growth of the Republican Party through voter registration and volunteer force; to lead, contribute, and participate in the establishment of a Republican Party organization that is an effective vehicle for setting public policy through its platform; to coordinate, encourage, and assist county growth through its precincts; and to plan, organize, administer, and finance the Clackamas County Republican Central Committee's operations to accomplish the other stated objectives.
The purpose and function of the CCRCC
The Clackamas County Central Committee is the highest party authority in the county and has sole authority to adopt rules or resolutions for all matters of the Clackamas County Republican Party government. All elected and appointed CCRP-PCPs comprise the Clackamas Central Committee. The Central Committee elects from its membership: the CCRP Executive Committee and its Delegates and Alternate Delegates to attend the ORP State Convention and State Central Committee meetings. Through their voting authority as a member of the Central Committee, the PCPs, affirm PCP appointments, amend the CCRP By Laws, establish a budget for the county party, and make decisions regarding other important party business. Therefore, it is very important for each PCP to stay involved in the politics in their county and to attend all Central Committee meetings. Each of your votes is important! The CCRCC works within the structure of the RNC and ORP By Laws and Rules, the CCRP By Laws and Standing Rules, and the Oregon State Statutes. The CCRP follows ORS 248.001 – 248.011. A copy is in Appendix _A__. Except as otherwise provided by the By Laws, it is not the intent of the CCRP to conform to ORS 248.012 to 248.316, as amended. Each CCRP-PCP, upon election or appointment is provided a copy of the CCRP By Laws and Standing Rules. Please retain them as an addendum to this Handbook. The By Laws are very important and you will find it a useful reference as a CCRCC member. You will find a copy of the By Laws posted on the CCRP website, under the “documents” link. If you cannot obtain that website, please contact the CCRP Secretary.
The structure and function of the CCRCC Executive Committee
The voting members of the Executive Committee of the CCRCC consists of all duly elected or appointed Officers (Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer), Delegates and Alternate Delegates to the ORP State Central Committee, House Captains from each House District, and Chairmen of all Standing Committees. The CCRP Chairman has general charge of the affairs of the CCRCC. He/she supervises and directs all officers and appoints Standing and Special Committee chairmen to assist in the management and operation of the CCRCC and Executive Committees. The Vice Chairman assumes the duties of the Chairman in his/her absence and is responsible for the coordination and training of House District Captains. The Secretary maintains the official records of all proceedings and is responsible for all filings required of the CCRCC. He/she maintains the official membership roster of the CCRCC. The Treasurer is the fiduciary agent of the CCRCC for the receipt and disbursement of its funds. He/she is responsible for submitting all required financial statements to appropriate government agencies. The House District Captains are the liaison between the PCP in their House District and the Executive Committee. They administer programs of material distribution and precinct organization. The State Central Committee Delegates represent the CCRCC at all State Central Committee Meetings and the State Convention. The Standing Committee Chairs of the Audit, Budget and By Laws Committees are voting members of the Executive Committee. Special Committees are appointed by the Chairman to accomplish special or specific tasks as are found necessary but are not voting members of the Executive Committee. Details of the duties of all Standing Committee Chairs as well as those Special Committees appointed by the present Chairman can be found in Article VIII of the CCRP By Laws.
A complete list of members of the CCRP Executive Committee, with contact information, and local, state, and national leaders’ names and contact information are provided in Appendices F_ and _G__, respectively. Refer to Articles V – IX in the CCRP By Laws for more details For more information about the CCRP, links to valuable resources at the county and state levels, and a calendar of important CCRP meetings and events, and a link to the CCRP ByLaws see your website: www.clackamasgop.org. It is important that you create a (free) login account for internal information shared only with PCPs through those login accounts.
The Clackamas County Precinct Committee Person
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The Role of the Precinct Committee Person
Precinct Committee Persons (PCPs) are the heart and soul of the Oregon Republican Party. PCPs are the most basic level of elected partisan office in the state and form the backbone of the county Republican organizations. PCPs get their name from the geographic boundaries known as “precincts” which are determined by the state.
Reasons for being a PCP
Precinct Committee Persons “put a face” on the Republican party in their neighborhoods and community, help elect local party leaders and set the agenda for the Republican party in their county; they care passionately about politics, current events and issues within their communities and government and how they affect their communities, families and future generations; they recognize a need to do something about the leadership of their party and communities; they like to stay informed about issues and party events, as well as to personally meet candidates and party leaders; they enjoy participating in election activities and volunteering to help elect Republican candidates
The power of Republican PCPs in Oregon
As with any volunteer organization, the Oregon Republican Party’s strength comes from the people who make up the party. Our party is only as strong as our base. PCPs serve as the base for the Oregon Republican Party. PCPs are involved at all levels of the Oregon Republican Party from recruiting volunteers and determining leadership at the county level to selecting the state’s representation at the national level and especially helping Republican candidates across the finish line to victory. With a strong roster of active and involved PCPs helping the party, we will have stronger county parties, a more influential state party and more Republican victories at the polls. These victories start with a good plan and a good people to help execute it.
The authority of PCPs in Oregon
The PCP works within the structure of the RNC and ORP By Laws and Rules, the CCRP By Laws and Standing Rules, and the Oregon State Statutes. Precinct Committee Persons statutory authority is provided in ORS 248.015 to 248.029. The ORP and the CCRP abide by those statutes. A copy of those statutes can be found in Appendix _A__.
Election and Appointment Process
For every precinct in the state, the Oregon Republican Party can elect at least one male and one female PCP. However, for many of the precincts, the party can elect more PCPs. A PCP is the only party official elected directly by the voters. To be a Republican PCP, an individual must be a registered Republican in their respective Oregon County for 180 days. With the redistricting of 2011, Clackamas County has 116 precincts. The number of eligible PCPs for each district is calculated according to the number of registered Republicans in each precinct. For every 500 Republicans or major fraction thereof, who are registered as of January 31 of even numbered years, the party is entitled to an additional male and female PCP position. PCPs are either elected or appointed. Election process for the PCP, as a filed candidate: • PCPs are elected during primary election years. • A registrant must complete & submit the current SEL 105 form (sample copy for 2012 in Appendix _H__) to the Clackamas County Clerk (through the Clackamas County Republican Party PCP Recruitment Chair). The registrant must identify the precinct for which they are filing; normally the precinct where they reside. If their resident precinct filings have been filled, the PCP Chair will recommend an adjacent precinct. The goal for a successful election season is to have all precincts represented by a PCP. • Filing must be completed within the identified timeframe stipulated on the SEL 105 form • Your name is placed on the Official Primary Nominating Ballot for the Republican Party • For you to be elected a minimum of three registered voters must vote for you. • A PCPs term of service is from the 24th day after the primary election until the 24th day after the date of the next following primary election. Election process for the PCP, by write-in vote If you are unable to file for PCP within the required time period you can still be elected. • You must write your name on your Official Republican Primary Nominating Ballot. • You must recruit a minimum of three Republican voters within your precinct to also write your name on their Official Republican Primary Nominating Ballot exactly as you have written your name. Appointment process for the PCP The CCRP Central Committee may appoint qualified registered Republicans to fill vacant PCP seats in precincts through mid-June of the next even numbered election season. Individuals who wish to become PCPs can be appointed by vote of the CCRCC at a Central Committee meeting. To be appointed, the applicant must meet all the requirements of an elected PCP and submit a “Request for PCP Appointment” to the PCP Recruitment Chair (copy in Appendix _I__, and can be downloaded from the CCRP website under the “documents” link) Appointed PCPs may serve in all capacities of elected PCPs, except they may not vote to elect Central Committee officers.
PCP TOOL KIT
Tools You Can Use
In this Tool Kit you will find many practical guidelines for building the Republican Party in your community. If you wish for further details or have questions, please contact your District House Captain. They will assist you in any way they can. This may seem like a long list, but the tasks of the PCP are spread out over the year, so you should never be overwhelmed by work. It helps to have a long-term plan; making your job easier and much more effective. Furthermore, many of the events can be enjoyable. Volunteers from your precinct will be happy to work with you in making your precinct solidly Republican.
Doing the PCP’s Job
Your job as a Republican PCP is extremely important. You are the Republican Party within your neighborhood, in many respects.
PCPs are the eyes, ears, and voice of the Party. You represent the Republican voters in your precinct and have the greatest influence on the results of elections. PCPs are the first, possibly, the most important link in the chain that makes up our representative form of government. You play a pivotal role in selecting and electing Republican candidates for a wide variety of responsible positions, ranging from United States Congress to city council to school board. PCPs have the power to direct the outcome of elections to ensure the values of Republicans are reflected in public policy and political office. You lead grassroots campaign efforts in your communities, during election years, including calling on phone banks, knocking on doors, and distributing literature. During non-election years, you take a leading role in ‘Growing our Party’ through active voter registration efforts and PCP and candidate recruitment. PCPs are the “face” of the party and an advocate for Republican principles in your neighborhoods/communities. You are urged to attend meetings of your county Republican Central Committee in order to know the issues, to know the candidates, to help set the party agenda in the county, and to learn and strategize how to spread the Republican message at the local level. PCPs have a voice in selecting Republican Party leadership at the county, state, and national levels. Elected by the PCPs in their counties, county leaders then help select the state party leaders who participate in the Republican National Committee and elect the national party leaders. PCPs also select Oregon’s delegates and alternates to attend the Republican National Convention in presidential elections. Further, PCPs become extremely important in the nomination of candidates for vacant offices. When an office holder vacates his or her office, it is the prerogative and job of the PCPs in that jurisdiction to select a new candidate.
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Getting to know your precinct
A strong and effective local party looks to its active and motivated PCPs to perform the work of the party. A few hours a month is all it takes to create a strong precinct. These few hours allow you to build a rapport with registered Republicans within your precinct so that they will recognize you as their contact person for advice on political issues and candidates. On becoming a PCP, you will want to get to know the geographic layout of your precinct and the nature of the voters in your precinct.
Mapping your Precinct
A precinct map showing every house in your precinct is very useful when organizing your precinct. If you tag the various houses within the boundaries of your precinct as to political affiliation, you will become an authority on the geographic area you represent. The map will help you when ringing doorbells, creating walking-lists, and spotting those who have voted and those who have not voted on Election Day. Tips for mapping your precinct Secure a precinct map. A map of your precinct can be obtained free of charge from the internet, the Clackamas County Elections website. The county clerk’s staff can also provide you with precinct maps or larger maps displaying all precincts within Clackamas County. Should you opt to obtain your maps from the clerk's office you will be charged a nominal fee for the maps. If you do not own a computer nor have access to one and do not want to purchase a map through the county, please contact your House Captain who will be happy to provide you with a copy of your precinct map. A sample of a precinct map is provided in Appendix _J_. Obtaining Precinct Maps from the Clackamas County Election website
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2. 3. 4. http://www.clackamas.us/elections click on “Statistics and Maps” left side of screen click on County and City Precinct Maps click on the option you need Select “by Precinct” to access yours from the entire list, or by your home address
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If the map is not large enough, draw your own using a larger format map. Don't worry about drawing it to scale. This map is simply a tool. You can even draw the precinct lines with a pen or colored pencil on a road map, marking churches, schools, hospitals and apartment buildings with another color or another shape, such as a triangle. Be as creative as you like. Keep the map up to date. If someone moves, remove the name but leave the address and fill in the new name after you do a follow-up with the new occupants. An updated and complete precinct map will be an excellent resource for you around election time.
Analyzing the voters in your precinct
Knowing the number of voters in your precinct, their political affiliations, and their voting record is a useful tool when canvassing your precinct, to introduce yourself, or to assist a Republican candidate to be elected. Tips to obtaining a precinct registered voter list Each county elections office can provide you with a list of voters in your precinct, but there would be a charge for that information. Fortunately, the Oregon Republican Party has contracts with a database firm, that can allow your House Captain to access the information for you and provide you with a Walking or Calling List for your precinct. When you are ready to get to know your precinct, or preparing to canvass your precinct, contact your House Captain and ask them to assist your in obtaining that list. A sample page from a registered voter list is shown in Appendix _K___. The registered voters’ list will provide you with the name and address of each registered voter in your precinct. It will also provide telephone numbers in some instances, and will allow you to determine how active a voter they are. Your House Captain can help you walk through understanding the voter list, if you are new to the process. Tips to obtaining Election results A database of past election results can be obtained from the Clackamas County Elections website at www.clackamas.us/elections. Click on the link for “election results”. Chose any of the past elections that you are interested in reviewing. The results are very detailed, even providing you with the breakdown of voters, by party affiliation and the result of each of the candidates and measures that were on the ballot. The Elections website is a very useful tool. We recommend that you visit the site and spend some time checking the various links that are available to you.
Meeting the voters in your precinct
Prior to the election season, and between election seasons, it is helpful to make contact with the voters in your precinct, and introduce yourself as their Republican Precinct Committee Person. You can do this by canvassing your neighborhood and/or drop them a quick letter of introduction. Leaving your email address and asking them to contact you to set up an email contact list of voters will be especially helpful when candidates seek your support for election. Tips to canvassing are found in the section on Candidate Support , page ____. A sample precinct letter is provided for you in Appendix _L___.
Supporting the Republican Candidates
One of the most important roles of a Precinct Committee Person is to support Republican candidates to get elected. There are many ways in which you can get involved, depending on your time and capabilities: walking your precinct, calling for the candidate, placing lawn signs, participating in fundraising, and many other ways that can help the candidate. Any and all work you are able to do will be greatly appreciated by the candidates.
Walking your precinct
Canvassing (walking your precinct) is a systematic process of direct contact with a target group of voters. As a canvasser you knock on residential doors within your precinct and interact face-to-face with voters. It allows you to turn out the largest vote during the election and to know who the Republicans in your precinct are. Many times elections depend not on how many registered party voters there are but who does a better job of getting their supporters to cast their votes, at the polls or by mail. Purpose: • • • •
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Identify how people intend to vote Identify voters in your precinct by party affiliation Find and register unregistered voters in your precinct Distributing party materials and candidate printed materials Provide Party and campaign visibility Recruit Republican volunteers from registered Republicans Lead/participate in Fundraising activities
Canvassing Tips
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Decide which voters you’ll want to reach (all, just Republican, etc.) A sample of a Voter Registration walking list is provided in Appendix _K__. Outline on your precinct map where you intend to walk Take a notepaper and pen for tracking information that will help the campaign, such as lawn sign locations or comments from voters Take along voter registration forms If you are walking for a particular candidate, where their campaign sticker Prepare a script of what you want to say about the candidate you are supporting. Have a prewritten note (sorry I missed you) to leave with the campaign material, if the voter is not home. Leave the material where it will be seen but not blown away Drive to a centralized area, park your car, walk down one side of the street and back up the other, which will bring you back to your car The goal is to spend only 25-30 seconds with the voter, being brief but friendly If they appear interested in supporting the candidate, ask if they’d like a candidate’s sign (Keep track of their location and report back to the candidate. It will be greatly appreciated) Make note of the contact on your walking list, along with any useful information you may have received about them.
Canvassing Do's: • Be considerate. Don’t cross over lawns. • Be brief • Listen • Be friendly • Answer as many questions as possible • Confine yourself to general party principles and not specific issues • Leave your name and contact information for their use Canvassing Don'ts: • Never knock on “no soliciting” doors, but you can leave campaign material on their mat • Never leave campaign material in a postal box • Never begin the conversation with “are you a Republican or Democrat” • Never engage in controversial issues • Never argue • Never make derogatory remarks about other party organizations, any candidates regardless of party or a Republican officer Finally, be prepared to answer the most frequently asked questions of voters & leave them material, especially your contact information, as mentioned above. If you are unable to answer a question, provide additional contact information such as your House Captain.
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Calling for a candidate
General call rules
•
• •
•
Identify the first call prospects (Voters are shown on the voter calling list ad “5”, “4”, or “3”. “5”s are new and likely haven’t received any introduction to the Republican candidate. “4”s and “3”s are active and looking for advice. Have a script of what information you want to convey. A sample page of a Voter Registration Call List is provided in Appendix K. Usually, you will have about 30 seconds to generate interest and 30 seconds to get agreement. A sample script is provided in Appendix _M_. Plan on leaving a lot of voicemail messages. Determine if you’d like to have them call you back or contact you by email. Email addresses add value to the voter database list for follow up contact, and for future elections. Make note of the contact on your call list, along with any useful information you may have received about them.
Tips when calling
• • • •
Tell them you are their neighbor. Most won’t be offended or cut you off. Tell them you are calling to help advise them as the Republican PCP. Tell them you’d be willing to email (or deliver to them) any details. Offer to provide your phone number and/or email address if they seem interested in your candidate, so they can reach you if they need any further information.
Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) During a general election season, the Oregon Republican Party and/or major candidates will set up phone banks, where a group of callers gather in a room with phones in the days leading up to the election. It is one of the most important jobs you have as a PCP. The best GOTV drives involves obtaining the lists of people who have voted, from the County Clerk’s office, and making calls to those who have not voted, and reminding them their vote is very important. For the most part GOTV volunteers are making calls to friendly voters as they are fellow Republicans. Without votes even the best Republican candidate can’t win.
Placing signs
Each locality has different sign ordinances. Always check with your local authorities before placing signs for a candidate. A list of all the sign jurisdictions within Clackamas County and their telephone numbers are in Appendix _N___. Lawn sign guidelines • Place only on private property, with permission • They must not by in the road right-of-way and not on public land • Make sure the sign is not in the line of sight for corners or driveways (safety comes above sign location and visibility) • Don’t put signs in the lawn areas between sidewalks and roads (not legal and generally get knocked down). • Try to place in flower beds rather than lawns (so as not to interfere with mowing), but watch out for the flowers • Make sure stakes are pounded fairly deep so wind, rain, or vandalism doesn’t cause it to fall over. • Replace fallen or broken signs. A poorly maintained sign reflects badly on the candidate. • Don’t fasten to trees, houses or other things fasteners might damage • Don’t fasten to fences (except rural ones) without permission, and then only fasten with fasteners that won’t do damage • Always be friendly and cooperative. Sometimes people change their minds. • Avoid blocking other signs, or attaching to them. • Often best to check with the owner, if they are home, to clarify the sign location. • Leave a thank you note in the hand of the owner or under the door mat. • Check off locations on route sheets, and note any information people give you • Move quickly but safely, and drive and park safely Tools you’ll need • Hammer and drill and/or wrench • Screws and washers • Plastic ties • Extra stakes • Paper/pencil for notes
Lead or Participate in fundraising Activities
As the saying goes, “money is the mother’s milk of politics”. Candidates will hold fundraising events, and appreciate your financial support or volunteer help in getting people to the event or working at the event. Offering your support in any way you are able to help saves them money they can spend on their campaigns.
Other ways you can help candidates
Letters to the Editor. Candidates will often have information on issues that they would like to have addressed and will have a list of newspapers that they want to reach with the letters. Postcards or letters sent to the Republican voters in your Precinct is one of the most valuable tools. Most people are not involved in politics. Often a recommendation from a neighbor is all a person needs to help them make the decision to vote, and for which candidate. Go high tech! State Party Chairman, Allen Alley, strongly encourages PCPs to become social media users. Use of social media will continue to increase and become more prominent as a tool in future elections. Connect with voters through Facebook, Tweets, or blogs. Host a coffee. Send invitations out to several hundred of the Republican voters in your precinct to come to meet the candidate. You will have very few actually turn out, but your invitation is an exceptional opportunity to show your support for the candidate. Sharing information about the candidate on the invitation from neighbor to neighbor is one of the most effective mail pieces the candidate will have sent on his/her behalf. You may not have a guest, but the candidate will get a vote. Be sure to call each of them when the ballots come out to remind them to vote.
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Other Campaign Support – Petitions and ballot measures
There are always ballot measures and petition drives going on in Oregon. Many local causes, or state-wide measures may be of interest to you. The CCRP encourages PCPs to become involved with many important political causes. The came “tools” that you use to help candidates get elected, can also apply to work you may do for a ballot measure. It is important, however, that you do not work for another campaign under your title as a PCP, unless the CCRP or ORP has determined through a vote of their Central Committee membership that they will be supporting that campaign. You may still support and work for the campaign, but only as an individual, not as a PCP.
After the Election
You have had many people in your precinct helping you, and whether we win or lose you will want to write notes to each one thanking them for their efforts. Encourage them to remain active in the Republican Party, to build for the future of the community and our country. You should critique your own organization and its conduct of the various election activities. What things did you do well? Where can you improve for another election year? Your group of workers should be asked for their input as well. As you move into the non-election year, remember you are still the PCP. Continue to participate in the Clackamas County Central Committee, and other Republican Party activities. Your input is important. Keep in touch with your election volunteers—you and the Republican Party will need them in the next election year. Consider getting together socially from time to time, such as inviting all your volunteers, and perhaps your leaders, to “A Coffee”.
Building the Party - post election
There is much work to be done between elections. Most importantly, registering voters and developing the volunteer base. Certainly, both can be done during an election cycle, but more time is available between elections. Both are critical to a successful election result.
Voter Registration
Voters can register using the voter registration form provided by the Clackamas County Elections office, or they can register to vote online. The link to online registration can be accessed through the CCRP website, or the elections website. We encourage you to provide the CCRP website link to register voters, as that will draw them to our site where they may be encouraged to register Republican, or be encouraged to become more involved in the Party. Also. Voter Registration forms are always available at the CCRP Headquarters. Often voters will be removed as registered voters without their knowledge. If they have not voted on a consistent basis, depending upon the requirements of the County, they may be removed from the voters’ rolls. If a person has not received the voter pamphlet or their ballot for the previous election, it is likely they will need to re-register to vote. Oregon registration requirements Voters registrations must be submitted or postmarked no later than the 21st day before the election in which they intend to vote. Voter registrations must be updated by filling out and submittiing a new registration card, or registering online if: • • • • • Residence address has changed Mailing address has changed Name has changed Signature has changed Political party affiliation has changed
To register to vote, a person must meet the following requirements: • Must be a citizen of the United States • Must have permanent residency in Oregon • Must be 17 years old; however, if they are 17 years of age, they will not receive a ballot until an election occurs on or after their 18th birthday.
Voting in Oregon
In 1998, Oregon voters overwhelmingly passed a ballot measure directing elections to be conducted by mail, commonly called “vote by mail”. Vote by mail is a method of distributing ballots for an election. Ballots are mailed in a timeline established by Oregon Statutes. Local ballots are mailed 18 days before an election. Out of state ballots are mailed 29 days before and election, and out of country and all military are mailed 45 days before an election. A ballot is mailed to each registered voter. Each ballot is then voted and returned to the county election office to be counted. Every county provides assistance, should a voter have special needs. A Q & A of frequently asked questions about voting is provided in Appendix _O___. In Appendices _P___ through _R___, you will find the 2012 Local Election Calendar, an Electoral College Map, and a list of the predicted Battleground States for 2012. Primary elections are too often ignored by voters but should be considered the Most Important Step of the General Election. In primary elections, each party nominates and votes on candidates who want to run for the general election. Often, several individuals within the party will compete for their party’s nomination. In these cases it is extremely important that the party voters research each candidate’s beliefs, record and what each candidate stands for. Remember, the winner of the party primary election, if elected in the General Election, will represent you. There are four types of Primaries. In a Closed Primary (Oregon) only the registered voters within each party select their candidates . In an Open Primary voters from all recognized parties select the candidates. In a Semi-closed Primary voters are required to request a specific party’s ballot. In a run-off Primary all parties participate and the top two candidates selected move to the General Election, regardless of Party. The more open the system, the greater the chance of raiding, or voters voting in an other party’s primary in hopes of getting a weaker opponent chosen to run against a strong candidate of their own party in the general election. Some political thinkers believe that a closed system encourages a candidate to cater to their party’s strong partisans during the primary and then move to the center in the general election to capture votes across party lines. Oregon has a Closed Primary, however, through a vote at the State Central Committee’s winter meeting, the majority passed 2012 “Freedom Primary”, a resolution which Opens the Republican primary election of statewide candidates for the 2012 election to all registered nonaffiliated voters. The 2012 Primary Schedule can be found in Appendix _S___.
Developing the Volunteer Base
Working together on a campaign is much more fun when the time is shared with a friend. Encourage your friends and neighbors within your precinct to walk with you, make calls with you at a phone bank, go to events or work on campaigns of candidates in other ways. Many have never gotten involved in a campaign and working with you can be an exciting experience for them. Invite them to a CCRCC meeting, so they can see what happens behind-the-scenes in party politics. Invite them to work on a CCRP Committee with you. They do not need to be a PCP to be a part of work on one of the CCRP Committees. Share the list of opportunities that are available. They may want to join your committee, or find something else that may interest them, during or after the election season. Encourage them to become a PCP and work with you within your precinct. Fill your precinct with the maximum number of PCPs allowed. It will lessen your load and your group will come to enjoy strategizing in ways you can help candidates and strengthen the Republican Party. The PCP Appointment Request form can be accessed online through the CCRP website and a sample is provided for you in Appendix _I__. Feel free to make as many copies as you wish. If anyone shows an interest, encourage them and share their name and contact information with the CCRP-PCP Recruitment Chair. The Chair can verify that they meet the qualifications and can encourage them further and walk them through the process.
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Other work within the CCRP
The stronger and more vibrant the Clackamas County Republican Party can become, the more effective we will be in carrying out our mission to elect Republican candidates who are committed to the same values that we Republicans shere. Throughout the year, PCPs are encouraged to be involved in other CCRP activities.
Committee work
Within the CCRP structure, there are both Standing Committees required under the By Laws, as well as Special Committees which may be appointed by the CCRP Chairman. These Special Committees are established as may be necessary or appropriate to accomplish additional, special or specific tasks. Each committee has a Chairman appointed, and PCPs are encouraged to be involved in any one or more committees that may interest them. A full list of the Committees, as well as a brief description of their tasks is provided in the CCRP By Laws. A Committee Assignment Sheet listing the Committee Chairs and SubChairs, as well as their contact information, is provided in Appendix _T___. A Committee Interest Card is also provided for you in Appendix _U__. We would like to have you complete the card indicating all the committees or office positions that may interest you now or in the future. Obviously, you would not be indicating you want to be on all those committees, but it does allow the Committee Chairs to contact you and share information about projects they are/may be working on, so you can decide if you have the time or interest to be involved. Committee meeting dates, times and locations are posted on the CCRP website under the “calendar”. Meetings are open to all PCPs who may be interested in being involved, or learning more about the activities and projects of the various committees. There is always a lot of worthwhile and exciting work to be done, so whether you have a few minutes or a few hours each week to donate your time and expertise, you will be welcomed.
Leadership within the Executive Committee
The CCRP has many positions on the Executive Committee that give PCPs an opportunity to play a leadership role in the Clackamas County Republican Party. From there, PCPs can get
involved on a State or National level in the ORP or even the RNC. Leaders at all levels began as PCPs and continue to be PCPs in the Republican Party. It all begins with you. CCRP Executive Committee meetings are held monthly. Beginning in April 2012,they will be held on the 2nd Monday of each month. The meetings take place at the CCRP Headquarters, 612 Molalla Avenue, Oregon City (a map is available on the CCRP website). Meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. The meetings are mandatory for members of the Executive Committee, but all PCPs are welcome and encouraged to attend Those who may consider getting involved at some point as a member of the Executive Committee as an Officer, a State Delegate, a House Captain, or the Chair of a Committee, are especially encouraged to attend all such meetings.
CCRP Central Committee Meetings (CCRCC)
The PCPs are the voting membership, making up the CCRP Central Committee. Your attendance and involvement at the CCRCC meetings are a very important responsibility of your position. Decisions are made and votes cast at each of the quarterly Central Committee meetings throughout the year. Your voice, your input and your vote are critical to the planning and function of the County Republican Party. CCRCC meetings are posted in advance on the website calendar. Notice is also sent out by email to all PCPs, indicating the business to be discussed and votes to be taken. If there is an election of a member of the Executive Committee or a vote to consider a change to the By Laws, notice will be sent out 30 days in advance of the meeting with the details. Committee Chairs report on the progress of their Committees, PCPs are appointed, and our elected officials and other speakers share political insight and activities taking place that affect Clackamas County. Biennial Organizational Meeting The Biennial Organizational Meeting of the CCRCC is held in every even-numbered year following the General Election. The specific purpose of the Biennial Organizational Meeting is to elect the officers, Delegates and Alternate Delegates (to the Oregon Republican Party State Central Committee) as well as to elect House District Captains. Appointed PCPs may not vote for the positions of Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Delegate or Alternate Delegate; however, they may vote for House District Captains.
Other important CCRP Events & Fundraising Activities
The Lincoln Day Dinner & Auction held in February of each year is they main fundraising activity of the CCRP. Funds raised help fund the general expenses for the CCRP and candidate support for the general election. PCPs are encouraged to volunteer their time to
help with the auction, donate items or talents they may offer. They should attend, and of course bid on and purchase auction items! It is an enjoyable meeting with our elected representatives all attending and being a part of the festivities. The CCRP Booth at the Clackamas County Fair provides an excellent opportunity to connect with the community, advertise our presence in the county, and REGISTER VOTERS. PCPs volunteer their times to cover the booth throughout the fair week. Attendees at the fair, visiting the booth, love to discuss politics, complain about Democrats, and ask questions about the Republican Party. It is a wonderful experience for new PCPs to cover the booth with a more veteran PCP to learn from them, and to share your love of the Republican Party. Donations of the Political Tax Credit are an excellent source of funding for the CCRP. Under Oregon law $50 per individual/$100 per couple may be directed to any campaign or political groups, such as the CCRP. Your contribution is subtracted from what you owe in state taxes. If the state owes you a refund, they will add it to your refund check. This is a tax credit, not a deduction, so every dollar comes back to you ( presuming you pay at least $50/$100 in state taxes). This credit can not be used for charities and if it is not used, your $50/$100 stays with the state. The CCRP encourages all PCPs to consider making a tax credit donation to the County Party, and has provided a quick and easy link through the CCRP website if you or your friends would like to make a contribution.
The CCRP Website www.Clackamasgop.org
Throughout this Handbook, reference was made on many occasions to the CCRP website. The site is a useful source of documents you may use in your work as a PCP. It links to other important reference materials and other poltical sites. A calendar provides meeting and event dates, times and locations, and the contact menu allows you easy access to members of the Executive Committee. For those who are tech savvy, you can blog your opinions, share comments on Facebook and twitter to all of your Republican acquaintances, new and old.
CONTRIBUTE TO THE POLTICAL DIALOG, STAY INFORMED AND… VOTE!
Thank you for your service as a Clackamas County Republican Party Percinct Committee Person.
APPENDICES TABLE OF CONTENTS
A.
Oregon Revised Statutes 248.001 – 248.011 and 248.015 to 248.029
B. Robert’s Rules Quick Guide, and link for expanded version C. Congressional District Map D. Oregon’s Political Districts & Precincts E. Oregon Elected Officials Serving Clackamas County F. Republican RNC, ORP, and CCRP Leadership Contact Llist G. CCRP Executive Committee Roster H. SEL 105, Precinct Committee Person State Filing Form I. Request for PCP Appointment Form J. Precinct/District Map (sample) K. Registered Voter/Walking/Calling List (samples) L. Precinct Letter (sample) M. Calling Script (sample) N. Sign Jurisdiction Reference Sheet O. Voting in Oregon, Frequently Asked Questions P. 2012 Local Election Calendar Q. Electoral College Map R. Battleground States for 2012 S. Primary Election Calendar for 2012 T. Committee Assignment Sheet U. Committee Interest Card
Othe Suggested Readings
The 5000 Year Leap – 28 Great Ideas That Changed the World. By Cleon
Skousen
Grown from the soil of people’s hard necessities
Welcome message from CCRP Chairman John Lee to be provided
Clackamas County Republican Party Precinct Committee Person Handbook
Revised 2-29-12 CCRP PCP Training Committee Trudy Reusser, Chair
Table of Contents
Page(s)
Introduction The Republican Party Republican Party---from the Beginning I am a Republican because… Republican National Party Vision, Purpose, Function, and Structure Republican Party Flowchart Oregon Republican Party Mission, Purpose, Function and Structure Platform The Congressional District Clackamas Republican Party Mission, Purpose, and Function Structure and Function of the CCRP Executive Committee Clackamas County Republican Precinct Committee Person Role, Power, and Authority Election and Appointment Process PCP Tool Kit – Doing the PCP’s Job Getting to Know your Precinct Supporting the Republican Candidates Other Campaign Support – Petitions and Measures After the Election Building the Party – Post-Election Other Work within the CCRP Thank You PCP’s, Thank You Republican Party Appendices Other Suggested Reading
Introduction
The members of the Republican Party hold a common belief in the dignity and strength of the individual. We espouse and practice respect for the right of the individual to determine his or her own destiny. Party members work to ensure that governments do not fall prey to collectivism as they administer our democratic principles. Our Constitution guarantees that the rights and freedoms of all individuals are protected and are not lost to the bureaucracy of government. Only by focusing on individuals and giving them the opportunities to protect their own and everyone else’s rights can we, as a nation, exercise the required vigilance. Precinct Committeepersons (PCPs), elected to serve their Republican neighbors as representatives to the party, are the first building blocks in the foundation of the Republican Party. By creating and maintaining a strong grassroots organization, the Republican Party can open doors to all the people within all local communities to exert influence on the quality and appropriateness of government. The PCP is the grassroots official of the Republican Party.
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The Republican Party
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The Republican Party – From the Beginning
The Republican Party was born in the early 1850s by anti-slavery activists and individuals who believed that government should grant western lands to settlers free of charge. On February 28, 1854, Major Alvan E. Bovary called a meeting in the Congregational Church in Ripon, Wisconsin. The men who met that night in that small farming community were called together in the common belief that slavery was unconstitutional. The first official Republican convention took place on July 6, 1854, in Jackson Michigan. The crowd was so large that the meeting could not be held in the town’s largest facility. Business had to be conducted outside in a grove of trees. The name “Republican” was taken from Thomas Jefferson’s Democratic - Republican Party. At the 1854 Convention, they adopted the formal name and a platform. Organizational meetings soon followed. In the 1854 congressional elections, forty four Republicans were elected to the House of Representatives, and eleven were elected to the Senate. Thus our REPUBLIC, as opposed to a democracy, was operational. In June 1856, the Republican Party held its first national nominating convention in Philadelphia and nominated John C. Freemont under the slogan: “Free soil, free labor, free speech, free men, Fremont”. However, the Democrat, James Buchanan was elected as President. Two days after the inauguration of Buchanan, the Supreme Court issued the Dred Scott decision which was denounced by Republicans. The Democrat Party was split over the slavery questions. As a result, in 1858, the Republicans won control of the House of Representatives The second Republican national convention in 1860 resulted in the nomination of Abraham Lincoln for President. The platform pledged not to extend slavery, called for the construction of a transcontinental railroad, and supported a protective tariff. Lincoln’s friend, Oaks Ames, played the largest role in building the transcontinental railroad, connecting the West and the East, and became the Republican governor of Massachusetts. Many of the Ames family descendants live in Oregon and are contributing to the Oregon Republican Party. The Civil War erupted in 1861 and lasted four grueling years. During the war, against the advice of his cabinet, Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation that freed the slaves. The Republicans worked to pass the thirteenth Amendment, which outlawed slavery, the Fourteenth Amendment, which guaranteed equal protection under the law, and the Fifteenth, which helped secure voting rights for African-Americans. The Republican Party also played the leading role in securing women’s right to vote. In 1896, Republicans were the first major party to favor women’s suffrage. When the 19th Amendment finally was added to the Constitution, 26 of 36 state legislatures that had voted to ratify it, were in Republican control. The first woman elected to Congress was a Republican, Jeanette Rankin, from Montana, in 1917. Presidents during most of the late nineteenth century were Republicans. The White House was in Republican hands under Presidents Eisenhower, Nixon, Ford, Reagan, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush. The United States of America became the world’s only superpower with Republican leaders, winning the Cold War from the former Soviet Union and releasing millions from Communist oppression.
I am a Republican because:
by Jim Crawford
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
I BELIEVE the strength of our nation lies with the individual and that each person's freedom, ability, and opportunity, must be responsibly honored and protected. I BELIEVE in equal rights, justice, and opportunity for all, regardless of race, religion, creed, sex, age, or disability. I BELIEVE free enterprise and individual initiative have brought this nation opportunity, economic growth, and prosperity. I BELIEVE government must practice fiscal responsibility and allow individuals to keep more of the money they earn. I BELIEVE the proper, Constitutional, role of government is to provide the people only those critical functions that cannot be performed by individuals or private organizations and that the best government is the government which governs least. I BELIEVE the most effective, responsible, and responsive government is government closest to the people. I BELIEVE Americans must retain the principles that have made us strong while developing new and innovative ideas to proactively meet the challenges of changing times. I BELIEVE Americans value, and should preserve our national strength and pride while working to extend peace, freedom, and human rights throughout the world. I BELIEVE … the Republican Party most nearly represents traditional family values and Constitutional principles and is currently the best vehicle for translating these ideals into positive and successful functions of government.
The National Republican Party
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Republican National Committee (RNC)
www.gop.com Vision
Members of the Republican Party, affirm that unalienable rights are granted to us by our Creator. These rights, as expressed in the Declaration of Independence, confirm in each individual the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We believe in the freedom and equality of every individual as expressed and set forth in the Constitution of the United States of America. We believe in limited government, free markets, fiscal responsibility and a strong national defense. To support and maintain our founding principles so that government will continue to protect and ensure the rights of the people, and remain subordinate to the people.
Founding Principles of _______________
The Genius of Natural Law; A virtuous and moral People; Virtuous and Moral Leaders; The Role of Religion/Faith; The Role of the Creator; All Men Are Created Equal; Equal rights, not equal things/outcomes; Unalienable Rights of all Human Beings; The Role of Revealed Law; Sovereignty of the People; Who Can Alter the Government?; Advantages of a Republic; Protection Against Human Frailty; Property Rights are Essential to Liberty; Free Market Economics; The Separation of Powers; Checks and Balances; Importance of a Written Constitution; Limiting and Defining the Powers of Government; Majority Rule, Minority Rights; Strong Local Self-Government; Government by Law, not by Men; Importance of an Educated Electorate; Peace through Strength; Avoid Entangling Alliances; Protecting the Role of the Family; Avoiding the Burden of Debt; Sense of Manifest Destiny.
Purpose and Function of the RNC
The RNC works within the structure of the RNC Rules and serves as an umbrella organization over state committees, providing continuity between election cycles. Every four years, the RNC organizes the Republican National Convention where delegates from each state and territory nominate the Republican candidates for president and vice president, agree on the official Republican Party platform and adopt rules and procedures for the party.
Structure
The hierarchy of the Republican Party begins with the PCPs and goes up to the RNC. The authority and activities are not top down, but are from the “heart of the party”, the PCPs and up as is shown on the Flowchart on the following page. The organization can be summarized as the Republican Voter elects the Precinct Committee Person who becomes a member of the County Central Committee. From the ranks of the County PCP’s is elected members of the Party Congressional Districts and State Central Committee. PCP’s also can seek election to the Republican National Committee. The Republican National Committee consists of national elected officials and three representatives from each state and the four US territories. These representatives are the the state's/territories national committeeman, the state's/territories national committeewoman, and the state/territories party chairman.
For more information about the RNC, their structure or the Rules of the RNC, please visit their website at www.GOP.com
The Oregon Republican Party
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Oregon Republican Party (ORP)
www.oregonrepublicanparty.org
The name of this organization shall be the Oregon Republican Party (hereinafter referred to as the State Central Committee). The trade name of the organization shall be the Oregon Republican Party (ORP).
The Mission of the State Central Committee
To elect Republicans, who promote the platform of the Oregon Republican Party, to public office, To insure growth of the Republican Party, through voter registration and volunteer force, to make the Oregon Republican Party the number one national party in Oregon, To lead, contribute, and participate in the establishment of a Republican Party organization that is an effective vehicle for setting public policy through its platform, To coordinate, encourage, and assist county growth through the County central committees, To plan, organize, administer, and finance the State Central Committee’s operations to accomplish the other stated purposes. We support and work to uphold the Vision and Mission of the National Republican Party.
The Purpose and Function of the State Central Committee
The purpose of the State Central Committee shall be: to elect Republicans, who promote the platform of the Oregon Republican Party, to public office; to ensure growth of the Republican Party, through voter registration and volunteer force, to make the Oregon Republican Party the number one national party in Oregon; to lead, contribute to, and participate in the establishment of a Republican Party organization that is an effective vehicle for setting public policy through its platform; to coordinate, encourage, and assist county growth through the County central committees; to plan, organize, administer, and finance the State Central Committee’s operations to accomplish the other stated purposes.
The Structure of the ORP
The ORP State Central Committee is the highest Party authority in the State and has sole authorization to adopt rules or resolutions for all matters of Party government. The ORP works within the structure of the RNC Rules, the ORP By Laws and Rules and the Oregon State Statutes. The By Laws and/or any rules adopted by the ORP State Central Committee from time to time define the manner in which the Party is to be organized and operated. The ORP adheres to follow Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 248.001 – 248.011. Except as otherwise provided by the By Laws, it is not the intent of the ORP State Central Committee to conform with ORS 248.012 to 248.316. A copy of the applicable statutes are provided in Appendix _A_ Members of the State Central Committee consist of the Officers of the ORP (Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer), the elected National Committeeman and Committeewoman, the Chairman and Vice Chairman from each county, and the State Delegates elected within each county to serve on the State Central Committee. The Officers of the ORP and the National Committeeman and Committeewoman are elected by the State Central Committee at
the State Central Committee meetings. State Delegates are elected by each County’s Republican Party Central Committee (the PCPs of each County) at the County Biennial Organizational meeting. They serve a two year term. The State Executive Board oversees implementation of ORP programs, develops ORP policy, and reviews ORP finances. The Board consists of the ORP Officers, National Committeeman and woman, Congressional District Chairman and Vice Chairman, State Finance Chairman, and State Precinct Organization Chairman.
The Oregon Republican Party Platform
Preamble We, the Oregon Republican Party, affirm that the United States of America is one nation under God and that unalienable rights are granted us by our Creator. These rights, as expressed in the Declaration of Independence, confirm in each individual the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We believe in the freedom and equality of every individual as set forth in and protected by the Constitution of the United States of America and which also limits the powers of the federal government. All other powers are reserved to the states or the people. The Oregon Republican Party advocates personal responsibility, limited government, free markets, fiscal accountability and a strong national defense. We support ethical and accountable public officials that advocate these principles and those stated in this platform. State Convention The State Convention shall be called between August and October of odd numbered years. The purpose of the convention shall be to consider amendments to the Party Platform, and consider other matters that may come before the convention. Delegates to the State Party Convention consist of the officeholders or candidates to the US Senate, US House, statewide officeholders, State Senators, State Representatives, and each county’s State Central Committee Delegates or their Alternates. The rules contained in the latest edition of “Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised” shall govern the Central Committee meetings in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with the ORP By Laws or with special rules of procedure that may be adopted for the ORP. A quick guide to “Robert’s Rules” is provided for you in Appendix _B___.
For more information regarding the ORP, the complete text of the ORP By Laws and ORP Platform, calendar of State Central Committee meetings, other important ORP events and state news, please visit their website at www.oregonrepublicanparty.org.
The Role of the Congressional Districts (CD)
The majority of the work accomplished by CD party representatives is with the State Executive Board. The Congressional District officers may use District funds to facilitate District Conventions, communications, candidate recruitment, candidate Primary debates, candidate assistance in General elections, volunteer training and other activities as approved by a majority of the Congressional District officers, or their Alternates and the Chairs of counties within the affected District. Clackamas County is located in two Congressional Districts, CD3 and CD5. Presently, our County Chairman, John Lee, Jr., holds the position of Vice Chair of CD3. A map of Oregon’s Congressional Districts, and a list of the Political Districts & Precincts is provided in the Appendix _C_& D___. A list of the Oregon’s elected officials presently serving Clackamas County can be found in Appendix _E__. The Congressional District Convention After the May Primary Election of each Presidential Election year, the PCPs of every county convenes for the purpose of: • Electing from the delegates a CD Chairman, Vice Chairman, their Alternates, and other officers as deemed necessary. • Electing delegates and their alternates to the Republican National Convention
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Further information regarding the Congressional Districts can be found in the ORP By Laws, Article XIV ; information regarding the National Convention can be found in the ORP By Laws, Article XVII. A copy of the By Laws can be accessed through the ORP website at www.oregonrepublicanparty.org.
The Clackamas County Republican Party
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The Role of the Clackamas County Republican Party (CCRP)
www.clackamasgop.org
The name of this organization shall be the Clackamas County Republican Party (hereinafter also referred to as the Clackamas County Republican Central Committee [CCRCC]). The trade name of the organization shall be the Clackamas County Republican Party (CCRP).
The Mission of the Clackamas County Republican Central Committee
The objectives of the CCRCC are to elect Republicans to public office who promote the platform of the Oregon Republican Party; to make the Republican Party the number one national party in Clackamas County by insuring growth of the Republican Party through voter registration and volunteer force; to lead, contribute, and participate in the establishment of a Republican Party organization that is an effective vehicle for setting public policy through its platform; to coordinate, encourage, and assist county growth through its precincts; and to plan, organize, administer, and finance the Clackamas County Republican Central Committee's operations to accomplish the other stated objectives.
The purpose and function of the CCRCC
The Clackamas County Central Committee is the highest party authority in the county and has sole authority to adopt rules or resolutions for all matters of the Clackamas County Republican Party government. All elected and appointed CCRP-PCPs comprise the Clackamas Central Committee. The Central Committee elects from its membership: the CCRP Executive Committee and its Delegates and Alternate Delegates to attend the ORP State Convention and State Central Committee meetings. Through their voting authority as a member of the Central Committee, the PCPs, affirm PCP appointments, amend the CCRP By Laws, establish a budget for the county party, and make decisions regarding other important party business. Therefore, it is very important for each PCP to stay involved in the politics in their county and to attend all Central Committee meetings. Each of your votes is important! The CCRCC works within the structure of the RNC and ORP By Laws and Rules, the CCRP By Laws and Standing Rules, and the Oregon State Statutes. The CCRP follows ORS 248.001 – 248.011. A copy is in Appendix _A__. Except as otherwise provided by the By Laws, it is not the intent of the CCRP to conform to ORS 248.012 to 248.316, as amended. Each CCRP-PCP, upon election or appointment is provided a copy of the CCRP By Laws and Standing Rules. Please retain them as an addendum to this Handbook. The By Laws are very important and you will find it a useful reference as a CCRCC member. You will find a copy of the By Laws posted on the CCRP website, under the “documents” link. If you cannot obtain that website, please contact the CCRP Secretary.
The structure and function of the CCRCC Executive Committee
The voting members of the Executive Committee of the CCRCC consists of all duly elected or appointed Officers (Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer), Delegates and Alternate Delegates to the ORP State Central Committee, House Captains from each House District, and Chairmen of all Standing Committees. The CCRP Chairman has general charge of the affairs of the CCRCC. He/she supervises and directs all officers and appoints Standing and Special Committee chairmen to assist in the management and operation of the CCRCC and Executive Committees. The Vice Chairman assumes the duties of the Chairman in his/her absence and is responsible for the coordination and training of House District Captains. The Secretary maintains the official records of all proceedings and is responsible for all filings required of the CCRCC. He/she maintains the official membership roster of the CCRCC. The Treasurer is the fiduciary agent of the CCRCC for the receipt and disbursement of its funds. He/she is responsible for submitting all required financial statements to appropriate government agencies. The House District Captains are the liaison between the PCP in their House District and the Executive Committee. They administer programs of material distribution and precinct organization. The State Central Committee Delegates represent the CCRCC at all State Central Committee Meetings and the State Convention. The Standing Committee Chairs of the Audit, Budget and By Laws Committees are voting members of the Executive Committee. Special Committees are appointed by the Chairman to accomplish special or specific tasks as are found necessary but are not voting members of the Executive Committee. Details of the duties of all Standing Committee Chairs as well as those Special Committees appointed by the present Chairman can be found in Article VIII of the CCRP By Laws.
A complete list of members of the CCRP Executive Committee, with contact information, and local, state, and national leaders’ names and contact information are provided in Appendices F_ and _G__, respectively. Refer to Articles V – IX in the CCRP By Laws for more details For more information about the CCRP, links to valuable resources at the county and state levels, and a calendar of important CCRP meetings and events, and a link to the CCRP ByLaws see your website: www.clackamasgop.org. It is important that you create a (free) login account for internal information shared only with PCPs through those login accounts.
The Clackamas County Precinct Committee Person
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The Role of the Precinct Committee Person
Precinct Committee Persons (PCPs) are the heart and soul of the Oregon Republican Party. PCPs are the most basic level of elected partisan office in the state and form the backbone of the county Republican organizations. PCPs get their name from the geographic boundaries known as “precincts” which are determined by the state.
Reasons for being a PCP
Precinct Committee Persons “put a face” on the Republican party in their neighborhoods and community, help elect local party leaders and set the agenda for the Republican party in their county; they care passionately about politics, current events and issues within their communities and government and how they affect their communities, families and future generations; they recognize a need to do something about the leadership of their party and communities; they like to stay informed about issues and party events, as well as to personally meet candidates and party leaders; they enjoy participating in election activities and volunteering to help elect Republican candidates
The power of Republican PCPs in Oregon
As with any volunteer organization, the Oregon Republican Party’s strength comes from the people who make up the party. Our party is only as strong as our base. PCPs serve as the base for the Oregon Republican Party. PCPs are involved at all levels of the Oregon Republican Party from recruiting volunteers and determining leadership at the county level to selecting the state’s representation at the national level and especially helping Republican candidates across the finish line to victory. With a strong roster of active and involved PCPs helping the party, we will have stronger county parties, a more influential state party and more Republican victories at the polls. These victories start with a good plan and a good people to help execute it.
The authority of PCPs in Oregon
The PCP works within the structure of the RNC and ORP By Laws and Rules, the CCRP By Laws and Standing Rules, and the Oregon State Statutes. Precinct Committee Persons statutory authority is provided in ORS 248.015 to 248.029. The ORP and the CCRP abide by those statutes. A copy of those statutes can be found in Appendix _A__.
Election and Appointment Process
For every precinct in the state, the Oregon Republican Party can elect at least one male and one female PCP. However, for many of the precincts, the party can elect more PCPs. A PCP is the only party official elected directly by the voters. To be a Republican PCP, an individual must be a registered Republican in their respective Oregon County for 180 days. With the redistricting of 2011, Clackamas County has 116 precincts. The number of eligible PCPs for each district is calculated according to the number of registered Republicans in each precinct. For every 500 Republicans or major fraction thereof, who are registered as of January 31 of even numbered years, the party is entitled to an additional male and female PCP position. PCPs are either elected or appointed. Election process for the PCP, as a filed candidate: • PCPs are elected during primary election years. • A registrant must complete & submit the current SEL 105 form (sample copy for 2012 in Appendix _H__) to the Clackamas County Clerk (through the Clackamas County Republican Party PCP Recruitment Chair). The registrant must identify the precinct for which they are filing; normally the precinct where they reside. If their resident precinct filings have been filled, the PCP Chair will recommend an adjacent precinct. The goal for a successful election season is to have all precincts represented by a PCP. • Filing must be completed within the identified timeframe stipulated on the SEL 105 form • Your name is placed on the Official Primary Nominating Ballot for the Republican Party • For you to be elected a minimum of three registered voters must vote for you. • A PCPs term of service is from the 24th day after the primary election until the 24th day after the date of the next following primary election. Election process for the PCP, by write-in vote If you are unable to file for PCP within the required time period you can still be elected. • You must write your name on your Official Republican Primary Nominating Ballot. • You must recruit a minimum of three Republican voters within your precinct to also write your name on their Official Republican Primary Nominating Ballot exactly as you have written your name. Appointment process for the PCP The CCRP Central Committee may appoint qualified registered Republicans to fill vacant PCP seats in precincts through mid-June of the next even numbered election season. Individuals who wish to become PCPs can be appointed by vote of the CCRCC at a Central Committee meeting. To be appointed, the applicant must meet all the requirements of an elected PCP and submit a “Request for PCP Appointment” to the PCP Recruitment Chair (copy in Appendix _I__, and can be downloaded from the CCRP website under the “documents” link) Appointed PCPs may serve in all capacities of elected PCPs, except they may not vote to elect Central Committee officers.
PCP TOOL KIT
Tools You Can Use
In this Tool Kit you will find many practical guidelines for building the Republican Party in your community. If you wish for further details or have questions, please contact your District House Captain. They will assist you in any way they can. This may seem like a long list, but the tasks of the PCP are spread out over the year, so you should never be overwhelmed by work. It helps to have a long-term plan; making your job easier and much more effective. Furthermore, many of the events can be enjoyable. Volunteers from your precinct will be happy to work with you in making your precinct solidly Republican.
Doing the PCP’s Job
Your job as a Republican PCP is extremely important. You are the Republican Party within your neighborhood, in many respects.
PCPs are the eyes, ears, and voice of the Party. You represent the Republican voters in your precinct and have the greatest influence on the results of elections. PCPs are the first, possibly, the most important link in the chain that makes up our representative form of government. You play a pivotal role in selecting and electing Republican candidates for a wide variety of responsible positions, ranging from United States Congress to city council to school board. PCPs have the power to direct the outcome of elections to ensure the values of Republicans are reflected in public policy and political office. You lead grassroots campaign efforts in your communities, during election years, including calling on phone banks, knocking on doors, and distributing literature. During non-election years, you take a leading role in ‘Growing our Party’ through active voter registration efforts and PCP and candidate recruitment. PCPs are the “face” of the party and an advocate for Republican principles in your neighborhoods/communities. You are urged to attend meetings of your county Republican Central Committee in order to know the issues, to know the candidates, to help set the party agenda in the county, and to learn and strategize how to spread the Republican message at the local level. PCPs have a voice in selecting Republican Party leadership at the county, state, and national levels. Elected by the PCPs in their counties, county leaders then help select the state party leaders who participate in the Republican National Committee and elect the national party leaders. PCPs also select Oregon’s delegates and alternates to attend the Republican National Convention in presidential elections. Further, PCPs become extremely important in the nomination of candidates for vacant offices. When an office holder vacates his or her office, it is the prerogative and job of the PCPs in that jurisdiction to select a new candidate.
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Getting to know your precinct
A strong and effective local party looks to its active and motivated PCPs to perform the work of the party. A few hours a month is all it takes to create a strong precinct. These few hours allow you to build a rapport with registered Republicans within your precinct so that they will recognize you as their contact person for advice on political issues and candidates. On becoming a PCP, you will want to get to know the geographic layout of your precinct and the nature of the voters in your precinct.
Mapping your Precinct
A precinct map showing every house in your precinct is very useful when organizing your precinct. If you tag the various houses within the boundaries of your precinct as to political affiliation, you will become an authority on the geographic area you represent. The map will help you when ringing doorbells, creating walking-lists, and spotting those who have voted and those who have not voted on Election Day. Tips for mapping your precinct Secure a precinct map. A map of your precinct can be obtained free of charge from the internet, the Clackamas County Elections website. The county clerk’s staff can also provide you with precinct maps or larger maps displaying all precincts within Clackamas County. Should you opt to obtain your maps from the clerk's office you will be charged a nominal fee for the maps. If you do not own a computer nor have access to one and do not want to purchase a map through the county, please contact your House Captain who will be happy to provide you with a copy of your precinct map. A sample of a precinct map is provided in Appendix _J_. Obtaining Precinct Maps from the Clackamas County Election website
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2. 3. 4. http://www.clackamas.us/elections click on “Statistics and Maps” left side of screen click on County and City Precinct Maps click on the option you need Select “by Precinct” to access yours from the entire list, or by your home address
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If the map is not large enough, draw your own using a larger format map. Don't worry about drawing it to scale. This map is simply a tool. You can even draw the precinct lines with a pen or colored pencil on a road map, marking churches, schools, hospitals and apartment buildings with another color or another shape, such as a triangle. Be as creative as you like. Keep the map up to date. If someone moves, remove the name but leave the address and fill in the new name after you do a follow-up with the new occupants. An updated and complete precinct map will be an excellent resource for you around election time.
Analyzing the voters in your precinct
Knowing the number of voters in your precinct, their political affiliations, and their voting record is a useful tool when canvassing your precinct, to introduce yourself, or to assist a Republican candidate to be elected. Tips to obtaining a precinct registered voter list Each county elections office can provide you with a list of voters in your precinct, but there would be a charge for that information. Fortunately, the Oregon Republican Party has contracts with a database firm, that can allow your House Captain to access the information for you and provide you with a Walking or Calling List for your precinct. When you are ready to get to know your precinct, or preparing to canvass your precinct, contact your House Captain and ask them to assist your in obtaining that list. A sample page from a registered voter list is shown in Appendix _K___. The registered voters’ list will provide you with the name and address of each registered voter in your precinct. It will also provide telephone numbers in some instances, and will allow you to determine how active a voter they are. Your House Captain can help you walk through understanding the voter list, if you are new to the process. Tips to obtaining Election results A database of past election results can be obtained from the Clackamas County Elections website at www.clackamas.us/elections. Click on the link for “election results”. Chose any of the past elections that you are interested in reviewing. The results are very detailed, even providing you with the breakdown of voters, by party affiliation and the result of each of the candidates and measures that were on the ballot. The Elections website is a very useful tool. We recommend that you visit the site and spend some time checking the various links that are available to you.
Meeting the voters in your precinct
Prior to the election season, and between election seasons, it is helpful to make contact with the voters in your precinct, and introduce yourself as their Republican Precinct Committee Person. You can do this by canvassing your neighborhood and/or drop them a quick letter of introduction. Leaving your email address and asking them to contact you to set up an email contact list of voters will be especially helpful when candidates seek your support for election. Tips to canvassing are found in the section on Candidate Support , page ____. A sample precinct letter is provided for you in Appendix _L___.
Supporting the Republican Candidates
One of the most important roles of a Precinct Committee Person is to support Republican candidates to get elected. There are many ways in which you can get involved, depending on your time and capabilities: walking your precinct, calling for the candidate, placing lawn signs, participating in fundraising, and many other ways that can help the candidate. Any and all work you are able to do will be greatly appreciated by the candidates.
Walking your precinct
Canvassing (walking your precinct) is a systematic process of direct contact with a target group of voters. As a canvasser you knock on residential doors within your precinct and interact face-to-face with voters. It allows you to turn out the largest vote during the election and to know who the Republicans in your precinct are. Many times elections depend not on how many registered party voters there are but who does a better job of getting their supporters to cast their votes, at the polls or by mail. Purpose: • • • •
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Identify how people intend to vote Identify voters in your precinct by party affiliation Find and register unregistered voters in your precinct Distributing party materials and candidate printed materials Provide Party and campaign visibility Recruit Republican volunteers from registered Republicans Lead/participate in Fundraising activities
Canvassing Tips
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Decide which voters you’ll want to reach (all, just Republican, etc.) A sample of a Voter Registration walking list is provided in Appendix _K__. Outline on your precinct map where you intend to walk Take a notepaper and pen for tracking information that will help the campaign, such as lawn sign locations or comments from voters Take along voter registration forms If you are walking for a particular candidate, where their campaign sticker Prepare a script of what you want to say about the candidate you are supporting. Have a prewritten note (sorry I missed you) to leave with the campaign material, if the voter is not home. Leave the material where it will be seen but not blown away Drive to a centralized area, park your car, walk down one side of the street and back up the other, which will bring you back to your car The goal is to spend only 25-30 seconds with the voter, being brief but friendly If they appear interested in supporting the candidate, ask if they’d like a candidate’s sign (Keep track of their location and report back to the candidate. It will be greatly appreciated) Make note of the contact on your walking list, along with any useful information you may have received about them.
Canvassing Do's: • Be considerate. Don’t cross over lawns. • Be brief • Listen • Be friendly • Answer as many questions as possible • Confine yourself to general party principles and not specific issues • Leave your name and contact information for their use Canvassing Don'ts: • Never knock on “no soliciting” doors, but you can leave campaign material on their mat • Never leave campaign material in a postal box • Never begin the conversation with “are you a Republican or Democrat” • Never engage in controversial issues • Never argue • Never make derogatory remarks about other party organizations, any candidates regardless of party or a Republican officer Finally, be prepared to answer the most frequently asked questions of voters & leave them material, especially your contact information, as mentioned above. If you are unable to answer a question, provide additional contact information such as your House Captain.
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Calling for a candidate
General call rules
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Identify the first call prospects (Voters are shown on the voter calling list ad “5”, “4”, or “3”. “5”s are new and likely haven’t received any introduction to the Republican candidate. “4”s and “3”s are active and looking for advice. Have a script of what information you want to convey. A sample page of a Voter Registration Call List is provided in Appendix K. Usually, you will have about 30 seconds to generate interest and 30 seconds to get agreement. A sample script is provided in Appendix _M_. Plan on leaving a lot of voicemail messages. Determine if you’d like to have them call you back or contact you by email. Email addresses add value to the voter database list for follow up contact, and for future elections. Make note of the contact on your call list, along with any useful information you may have received about them.
Tips when calling
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Tell them you are their neighbor. Most won’t be offended or cut you off. Tell them you are calling to help advise them as the Republican PCP. Tell them you’d be willing to email (or deliver to them) any details. Offer to provide your phone number and/or email address if they seem interested in your candidate, so they can reach you if they need any further information.
Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) During a general election season, the Oregon Republican Party and/or major candidates will set up phone banks, where a group of callers gather in a room with phones in the days leading up to the election. It is one of the most important jobs you have as a PCP. The best GOTV drives involves obtaining the lists of people who have voted, from the County Clerk’s office, and making calls to those who have not voted, and reminding them their vote is very important. For the most part GOTV volunteers are making calls to friendly voters as they are fellow Republicans. Without votes even the best Republican candidate can’t win.
Placing signs
Each locality has different sign ordinances. Always check with your local authorities before placing signs for a candidate. A list of all the sign jurisdictions within Clackamas County and their telephone numbers are in Appendix _N___. Lawn sign guidelines • Place only on private property, with permission • They must not by in the road right-of-way and not on public land • Make sure the sign is not in the line of sight for corners or driveways (safety comes above sign location and visibility) • Don’t put signs in the lawn areas between sidewalks and roads (not legal and generally get knocked down). • Try to place in flower beds rather than lawns (so as not to interfere with mowing), but watch out for the flowers • Make sure stakes are pounded fairly deep so wind, rain, or vandalism doesn’t cause it to fall over. • Replace fallen or broken signs. A poorly maintained sign reflects badly on the candidate. • Don’t fasten to trees, houses or other things fasteners might damage • Don’t fasten to fences (except rural ones) without permission, and then only fasten with fasteners that won’t do damage • Always be friendly and cooperative. Sometimes people change their minds. • Avoid blocking other signs, or attaching to them. • Often best to check with the owner, if they are home, to clarify the sign location. • Leave a thank you note in the hand of the owner or under the door mat. • Check off locations on route sheets, and note any information people give you • Move quickly but safely, and drive and park safely Tools you’ll need • Hammer and drill and/or wrench • Screws and washers • Plastic ties • Extra stakes • Paper/pencil for notes
Lead or Participate in fundraising Activities
As the saying goes, “money is the mother’s milk of politics”. Candidates will hold fundraising events, and appreciate your financial support or volunteer help in getting people to the event or working at the event. Offering your support in any way you are able to help saves them money they can spend on their campaigns.
Other ways you can help candidates
Letters to the Editor. Candidates will often have information on issues that they would like to have addressed and will have a list of newspapers that they want to reach with the letters. Postcards or letters sent to the Republican voters in your Precinct is one of the most valuable tools. Most people are not involved in politics. Often a recommendation from a neighbor is all a person needs to help them make the decision to vote, and for which candidate. Go high tech! State Party Chairman, Allen Alley, strongly encourages PCPs to become social media users. Use of social media will continue to increase and become more prominent as a tool in future elections. Connect with voters through Facebook, Tweets, or blogs. Host a coffee. Send invitations out to several hundred of the Republican voters in your precinct to come to meet the candidate. You will have very few actually turn out, but your invitation is an exceptional opportunity to show your support for the candidate. Sharing information about the candidate on the invitation from neighbor to neighbor is one of the most effective mail pieces the candidate will have sent on his/her behalf. You may not have a guest, but the candidate will get a vote. Be sure to call each of them when the ballots come out to remind them to vote.
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Other Campaign Support – Petitions and ballot measures
There are always ballot measures and petition drives going on in Oregon. Many local causes, or state-wide measures may be of interest to you. The CCRP encourages PCPs to become involved with many important political causes. The came “tools” that you use to help candidates get elected, can also apply to work you may do for a ballot measure. It is important, however, that you do not work for another campaign under your title as a PCP, unless the CCRP or ORP has determined through a vote of their Central Committee membership that they will be supporting that campaign. You may still support and work for the campaign, but only as an individual, not as a PCP.
After the Election
You have had many people in your precinct helping you, and whether we win or lose you will want to write notes to each one thanking them for their efforts. Encourage them to remain active in the Republican Party, to build for the future of the community and our country. You should critique your own organization and its conduct of the various election activities. What things did you do well? Where can you improve for another election year? Your group of workers should be asked for their input as well. As you move into the non-election year, remember you are still the PCP. Continue to participate in the Clackamas County Central Committee, and other Republican Party activities. Your input is important. Keep in touch with your election volunteers—you and the Republican Party will need them in the next election year. Consider getting together socially from time to time, such as inviting all your volunteers, and perhaps your leaders, to “A Coffee”.
Building the Party - post election
There is much work to be done between elections. Most importantly, registering voters and developing the volunteer base. Certainly, both can be done during an election cycle, but more time is available between elections. Both are critical to a successful election result.
Voter Registration
Voters can register using the voter registration form provided by the Clackamas County Elections office, or they can register to vote online. The link to online registration can be accessed through the CCRP website, or the elections website. We encourage you to provide the CCRP website link to register voters, as that will draw them to our site where they may be encouraged to register Republican, or be encouraged to become more involved in the Party. Also. Voter Registration forms are always available at the CCRP Headquarters. Often voters will be removed as registered voters without their knowledge. If they have not voted on a consistent basis, depending upon the requirements of the County, they may be removed from the voters’ rolls. If a person has not received the voter pamphlet or their ballot for the previous election, it is likely they will need to re-register to vote. Oregon registration requirements Voters registrations must be submitted or postmarked no later than the 21st day before the election in which they intend to vote. Voter registrations must be updated by filling out and submittiing a new registration card, or registering online if: • • • • • Residence address has changed Mailing address has changed Name has changed Signature has changed Political party affiliation has changed
To register to vote, a person must meet the following requirements: • Must be a citizen of the United States • Must have permanent residency in Oregon • Must be 17 years old; however, if they are 17 years of age, they will not receive a ballot until an election occurs on or after their 18th birthday.
Voting in Oregon
In 1998, Oregon voters overwhelmingly passed a ballot measure directing elections to be conducted by mail, commonly called “vote by mail”. Vote by mail is a method of distributing ballots for an election. Ballots are mailed in a timeline established by Oregon Statutes. Local ballots are mailed 18 days before an election. Out of state ballots are mailed 29 days before and election, and out of country and all military are mailed 45 days before an election. A ballot is mailed to each registered voter. Each ballot is then voted and returned to the county election office to be counted. Every county provides assistance, should a voter have special needs. A Q & A of frequently asked questions about voting is provided in Appendix _O___. In Appendices _P___ through _R___, you will find the 2012 Local Election Calendar, an Electoral College Map, and a list of the predicted Battleground States for 2012. Primary elections are too often ignored by voters but should be considered the Most Important Step of the General Election. In primary elections, each party nominates and votes on candidates who want to run for the general election. Often, several individuals within the party will compete for their party’s nomination. In these cases it is extremely important that the party voters research each candidate’s beliefs, record and what each candidate stands for. Remember, the winner of the party primary election, if elected in the General Election, will represent you. There are four types of Primaries. In a Closed Primary (Oregon) only the registered voters within each party select their candidates . In an Open Primary voters from all recognized parties select the candidates. In a Semi-closed Primary voters are required to request a specific party’s ballot. In a run-off Primary all parties participate and the top two candidates selected move to the General Election, regardless of Party. The more open the system, the greater the chance of raiding, or voters voting in an other party’s primary in hopes of getting a weaker opponent chosen to run against a strong candidate of their own party in the general election. Some political thinkers believe that a closed system encourages a candidate to cater to their party’s strong partisans during the primary and then move to the center in the general election to capture votes across party lines. Oregon has a Closed Primary, however, through a vote at the State Central Committee’s winter meeting, the majority passed 2012 “Freedom Primary”, a resolution which Opens the Republican primary election of statewide candidates for the 2012 election to all registered nonaffiliated voters. The 2012 Primary Schedule can be found in Appendix _S___.
Developing the Volunteer Base
Working together on a campaign is much more fun when the time is shared with a friend. Encourage your friends and neighbors within your precinct to walk with you, make calls with you at a phone bank, go to events or work on campaigns of candidates in other ways. Many have never gotten involved in a campaign and working with you can be an exciting experience for them. Invite them to a CCRCC meeting, so they can see what happens behind-the-scenes in party politics. Invite them to work on a CCRP Committee with you. They do not need to be a PCP to be a part of work on one of the CCRP Committees. Share the list of opportunities that are available. They may want to join your committee, or find something else that may interest them, during or after the election season. Encourage them to become a PCP and work with you within your precinct. Fill your precinct with the maximum number of PCPs allowed. It will lessen your load and your group will come to enjoy strategizing in ways you can help candidates and strengthen the Republican Party. The PCP Appointment Request form can be accessed online through the CCRP website and a sample is provided for you in Appendix _I__. Feel free to make as many copies as you wish. If anyone shows an interest, encourage them and share their name and contact information with the CCRP-PCP Recruitment Chair. The Chair can verify that they meet the qualifications and can encourage them further and walk them through the process.
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Other work within the CCRP
The stronger and more vibrant the Clackamas County Republican Party can become, the more effective we will be in carrying out our mission to elect Republican candidates who are committed to the same values that we Republicans shere. Throughout the year, PCPs are encouraged to be involved in other CCRP activities.
Committee work
Within the CCRP structure, there are both Standing Committees required under the By Laws, as well as Special Committees which may be appointed by the CCRP Chairman. These Special Committees are established as may be necessary or appropriate to accomplish additional, special or specific tasks. Each committee has a Chairman appointed, and PCPs are encouraged to be involved in any one or more committees that may interest them. A full list of the Committees, as well as a brief description of their tasks is provided in the CCRP By Laws. A Committee Assignment Sheet listing the Committee Chairs and SubChairs, as well as their contact information, is provided in Appendix _T___. A Committee Interest Card is also provided for you in Appendix _U__. We would like to have you complete the card indicating all the committees or office positions that may interest you now or in the future. Obviously, you would not be indicating you want to be on all those committees, but it does allow the Committee Chairs to contact you and share information about projects they are/may be working on, so you can decide if you have the time or interest to be involved. Committee meeting dates, times and locations are posted on the CCRP website under the “calendar”. Meetings are open to all PCPs who may be interested in being involved, or learning more about the activities and projects of the various committees. There is always a lot of worthwhile and exciting work to be done, so whether you have a few minutes or a few hours each week to donate your time and expertise, you will be welcomed.
Leadership within the Executive Committee
The CCRP has many positions on the Executive Committee that give PCPs an opportunity to play a leadership role in the Clackamas County Republican Party. From there, PCPs can get
involved on a State or National level in the ORP or even the RNC. Leaders at all levels began as PCPs and continue to be PCPs in the Republican Party. It all begins with you. CCRP Executive Committee meetings are held monthly. Beginning in April 2012,they will be held on the 2nd Monday of each month. The meetings take place at the CCRP Headquarters, 612 Molalla Avenue, Oregon City (a map is available on the CCRP website). Meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. The meetings are mandatory for members of the Executive Committee, but all PCPs are welcome and encouraged to attend Those who may consider getting involved at some point as a member of the Executive Committee as an Officer, a State Delegate, a House Captain, or the Chair of a Committee, are especially encouraged to attend all such meetings.
CCRP Central Committee Meetings (CCRCC)
The PCPs are the voting membership, making up the CCRP Central Committee. Your attendance and involvement at the CCRCC meetings are a very important responsibility of your position. Decisions are made and votes cast at each of the quarterly Central Committee meetings throughout the year. Your voice, your input and your vote are critical to the planning and function of the County Republican Party. CCRCC meetings are posted in advance on the website calendar. Notice is also sent out by email to all PCPs, indicating the business to be discussed and votes to be taken. If there is an election of a member of the Executive Committee or a vote to consider a change to the By Laws, notice will be sent out 30 days in advance of the meeting with the details. Committee Chairs report on the progress of their Committees, PCPs are appointed, and our elected officials and other speakers share political insight and activities taking place that affect Clackamas County. Biennial Organizational Meeting The Biennial Organizational Meeting of the CCRCC is held in every even-numbered year following the General Election. The specific purpose of the Biennial Organizational Meeting is to elect the officers, Delegates and Alternate Delegates (to the Oregon Republican Party State Central Committee) as well as to elect House District Captains. Appointed PCPs may not vote for the positions of Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Delegate or Alternate Delegate; however, they may vote for House District Captains.
Other important CCRP Events & Fundraising Activities
The Lincoln Day Dinner & Auction held in February of each year is they main fundraising activity of the CCRP. Funds raised help fund the general expenses for the CCRP and candidate support for the general election. PCPs are encouraged to volunteer their time to
help with the auction, donate items or talents they may offer. They should attend, and of course bid on and purchase auction items! It is an enjoyable meeting with our elected representatives all attending and being a part of the festivities. The CCRP Booth at the Clackamas County Fair provides an excellent opportunity to connect with the community, advertise our presence in the county, and REGISTER VOTERS. PCPs volunteer their times to cover the booth throughout the fair week. Attendees at the fair, visiting the booth, love to discuss politics, complain about Democrats, and ask questions about the Republican Party. It is a wonderful experience for new PCPs to cover the booth with a more veteran PCP to learn from them, and to share your love of the Republican Party. Donations of the Political Tax Credit are an excellent source of funding for the CCRP. Under Oregon law $50 per individual/$100 per couple may be directed to any campaign or political groups, such as the CCRP. Your contribution is subtracted from what you owe in state taxes. If the state owes you a refund, they will add it to your refund check. This is a tax credit, not a deduction, so every dollar comes back to you ( presuming you pay at least $50/$100 in state taxes). This credit can not be used for charities and if it is not used, your $50/$100 stays with the state. The CCRP encourages all PCPs to consider making a tax credit donation to the County Party, and has provided a quick and easy link through the CCRP website if you or your friends would like to make a contribution.
The CCRP Website www.Clackamasgop.org
Throughout this Handbook, reference was made on many occasions to the CCRP website. The site is a useful source of documents you may use in your work as a PCP. It links to other important reference materials and other poltical sites. A calendar provides meeting and event dates, times and locations, and the contact menu allows you easy access to members of the Executive Committee. For those who are tech savvy, you can blog your opinions, share comments on Facebook and twitter to all of your Republican acquaintances, new and old.
CONTRIBUTE TO THE POLTICAL DIALOG, STAY INFORMED AND… VOTE!
Thank you for your service as a Clackamas County Republican Party Percinct Committee Person.
APPENDICES TABLE OF CONTENTS
A.
Oregon Revised Statutes 248.001 – 248.011 and 248.015 to 248.029
B. Robert’s Rules Quick Guide, and link for expanded version C. Congressional District Map D. Oregon’s Political Districts & Precincts E. Oregon Elected Officials Serving Clackamas County F. Republican RNC, ORP, and CCRP Leadership Contact Llist G. CCRP Executive Committee Roster H. SEL 105, Precinct Committee Person State Filing Form I. Request for PCP Appointment Form J. Precinct/District Map (sample) K. Registered Voter/Walking/Calling List (samples) L. Precinct Letter (sample) M. Calling Script (sample) N. Sign Jurisdiction Reference Sheet O. Voting in Oregon, Frequently Asked Questions P. 2012 Local Election Calendar Q. Electoral College Map R. Battleground States for 2012 S. Primary Election Calendar for 2012 T. Committee Assignment Sheet U. Committee Interest Card
Othe Suggested Readings
The 5000 Year Leap – 28 Great Ideas That Changed the World. By Cleon
Skousen
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