Goldwater’s supporters began as early as 1961 to win precincts and win over conservative activists. The Tea Party is following a similar trail. But they work for a stricter conservative establishment, not a singular conservative challenging the moderate establishment. A Republican dark horse will likely only emerge if he or she can become that singular conservative.

It’s important to get involved in the local GOP.  In 2008, constitutionalist Delegate (state representative) Robert G. “Bob” Marshall was in a tight convention battle with former Virginia governor James S. “Jim” Gilmore, III.  There was a battle among the RonPaul supporters as to what to do – work within the party or opt-out.  I recommended that the Paul supporters get involved in the local party and run for delegates to the local and the state convention.  They did sign up to the local (Hanover County) convention where there was a tight local party chair race.  I brought a small county flag as the symbol to rally around the we sat together.  All who prefiled went to the state convention.  But the first ballot for local party leader (where we decided to support one of the candidates) ended in a stunning tie!  Thus there was a second ballot.  Many left the convention thinking it was decided and the liberty contingent became a crucial part of the election of the new local party chair (who is still there and is doing a fabulous job). 

But there’s more:  When the Hanover liberty contingent went to the state convention in Richmond, they were joined by others:  loud and vocal.  Although the Paul delegates were not siginifcant in influencing the national delegate selection or bring about major debate, they did make the Marshall/Gilmore race much closer than expected.  The final vote was about 52-48 percent.  This was a encouraging moral victory where virtually every establishment politician endorsed Gilmore. 

There’s still more:  In 2009, at least one pundit (Soren Dayton at the Next Right) credited the Republican Liberty Caucus and Ron Paul supporters in nominating Ken Cuccinelli for Virginia Attorney General.  Cuccinelli’s election is a powerful tale of what can happen when Paul supporters work within the system. 

Being a precinct captain is not glamorous work but it is how a political party stays true to its grass roots.  When I was elected precinct captain in Ohio, I was a member of the county central committee.  I also served once in Prince William County as a magistrial district chairman (a district that elects a member of the board of county supervisors) and I was again on the county committee but with a more important duty. 

At the Daily Paul is the report of a liberty supporter who was elected his precinct committeeman in Iowa and as a result he will CHAIR his local caucus in 2012.  One of those posting support said this:

Point of Order!
Great job Patriot!
In 2008 I ran for Precinct chair in Texas to support Ron Paul. I won 142 to 141. I am back on the ballot for the March 2 election.  I’ve spent the last 2 years spreading the message of Freedom, Supporting Dr. Paul and now Debra Medina.
Everyone who would be interested,think about running for precinct chair as a lot of the chairs are vancant (sic) and you can run unopposed.

I confess that right now I have so many other irons in the fire (curling, National Day of Prayer, Toastmasters, leadership at church) I am not especially active in my local party committee but I plan to get more active as time goes on.  I also have a boring election (Cantor is my congressman and he will not have a serious opponent) so I can be a bit inactive.  I ran into Donna Holt at my local tea party in Richmond that I was a bad libertarian but I blog for the cause.  She was very encouraging and said keep on blogging that is a real talent and a help.  Donna Holt is a hero of mine as she is our state Campaign for Liberty coordinator and worked hard to get Virginia to pass anti-REAL ID legislation and also some new laws this year.  I would guess that C4L needs many local leaders as well.  Contact C4L for more information.  Also consider joining your state Republican Liberty Caucus.  If on or near a college campus, check out the YAL, Young Americans for Liberty.  Find a local constitutionalist leader to support – a candidate for school board or county commission.  Or BE the candidate.

The Texas congressman, speaking in shirtsleeves and interrupted frequently by applause, said the country could cut down on spending by ending wars and downsizing government.

Those interested (and I recommend all my readers do so!) can go to the Daily Paul site and listen to the You Tube version.  It’s a great speech.

I promise more on Huey Long!  Stay tuned.

Sandy