Minutes of the America First National Committee
Thursday, August 8, 2002
BE IT REMEMBERED that the America First National Committee met on Thursday, August 8, 2002 at 9 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, at the Orlando Airport Renaissance Hotel, pursuant to the Resolution of June 26, 2002 of the National Committee calling for a National Convention and National Committee Meeting.
The meeting was called to order by the Chairman.
The Secretary called the roll of National Committee members:
Present:
- John Verser of Arkansas
- Wanda Weatherford of Colorado
- Helen Leka of Connecticut
- Martin McClellan and Gaurav Ahuja of Florida
- Phil Anderson, O. Gene Lovell, and Diane Lovell of Georgia
- Ed Moses and Dave Doyle of Iowa
- Maureen McHugh and Guadalupe Lynch of Illinois
- John Clark and Virginia Clark of Maryland
- Ryan Walters and Candice Schmidt of Mississippi
- Francis Winters of New Hampshire
- Maureen Flannery and James Arft of New York
- John Francis and Ward Chorpenning of Ohio
- James Edwards and James D. Jones of Tennessee
- Blake Buffington, Wes Anderson, and George Pangborn of Texas
- Linda Muller of Virginia
- John Pittman Hey of Mississippi, Secretary
- Dan Charles of Colorado, Chairman and Treasurer
Absent:
- Billie Deeter of Arkansas
- Larry Carroll and Marcel Dietze of Colorado
- George Radzwillas and Floyd Atchley of Connecticut
- George Bashure of Florida
- Jim Monagan of Iowa
- Brendan McCrudden of Illinois
- Michael O'Brian, Gerald Duncan, and John Walker of Michigan
- Ray Cherry, Nancy Blankenship, and Dennis Carriger of Missouri
- Trey Golmon of Mississippi
- Cleve Pate, Norman Kent, and Gordon Ipock of North Carolina
- Jean Martha Groves and Ted Maravelias of New Hampshire
- Gary Grella of New York
- James Bunosky of Ohio
- John Fey of Tennessee
- Rick Besanko and Chris Wenzel of Virginia
A quorum being present, the National Committee meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and the Invocation.
The Secretary presented two amendments to the Certified List of National Committee members.
The Secretary reported receiving notice that the state party in New Hampshire had elected Mrs. Romelle Winters to replace Jean Martha Groves as National Committee member.
The Secretary moved the amendment of the Certified List of National Committee members to strike Jean Martha Groves and to add Romelle Winters as members of the National Committee. The amendment was seconded by Mr. Lovell, and adopted by unanimous vote of the National Committee.
Mrs. Winters, being present, was therefore seated as a member of the National Committee.
The Secretary reported receipt of a Petition for Affiliation from the Reform Party of Massachusetts chaired by Jonathan Hill. The Petition submitted the names of Mr. Hill and Mr. L. Thomas White as the National Committee members from Massachusetts.
The Secretary moved the amendment of the Certified List of National Committee members to add Mr. Hill and Mr. White as National Committee members from the State of Massachusetts. The amendment was seconded by Mr. Jones and adopted by unanimous vote of the National Committee.
Messrs. Hill and White, being present, were therefore seated as members of the National Committee.
Mr. McClellan moved the adoption of the Certified List of National Committee members in its entirety, as amended. His motion was seconded by Mrs. Lynch, and adopted by unanimous vote of the National Committee.
The National Committee was welcomed by the Chairman. He described the great progress the party has made in less than four months of existence. He proclaimed the party's intention to work and campaign until the party's principles are accepted as the governing principles of the country. He impressed upon the members the importance of understanding their role, as National Committee members, as the supreme governing authority of the party.
Mrs. Winters moved the adoption of the printed Agenda that had been distributed. Her motion was seconded by Mr. McClellan.
Mr. Moses moved that the agenda be amended to move the credentialing item from position 5 to position 3, and renumber the remaining items. His amendment was seconded by Mr. McClellan and adopted by unanimous vote.
The amended Agenda, which is set forth in Appendix A to these minutes, was adopted by unanimous vote.
The Chairman called for a report from Mr. Hey, Chairman of the Rules Committee, for any Standing Rules proposed for the National Committee. Mr. Hey reported that no standing rules would be proposed at this time.
The Chairman called for a report from the Rules Committee regarding the creation of a Party Constitution to replace the current Provisional Rules of the National Committee.
The Rules Chairman reported that the committee had drafted, discussed, debated, and adopted a proposed Party Constitution, which had been circulated to the members one week prior to this meeting. The Rules Chairman moved the adoption of the Party Constitution, pursuant to Article VI Section 1 of the Provisional Rules.
Mr. McClellan seconded the motion.
Mr. Moses moved the amendment of Article III Section 1 to substitute the word "final" for the word "supreme". His amendment was seconded by Mr. Clark and adopted by unanimous vote of the National Committee.
Mr. Pangborn moved the amendment of the Constitution to substitute the name "Operating Committee" for the name "Executive Committee" for each such occurrence in the document. His motion was seconded by Mr. Lovell, and adopted by unanimous vote of the National Committee.
Mr. Hill moved the amendment of Article IV Section 6 by insertion of the words "or appoint" to follow the phrase, "shall be entitled to elect"; and further, by inserting the phrase "in conformance with state party bylaws and state law" to follow the words "Each state". His motion was seconded by Mr. Edwards, and adopted by unanimous vote of the National Committee.
Mr. Rick Besanko, National Committee member from Virginia, entered the meeting.
Mr. Francis moved the amendment of Article IV Section 5(d) by insertion of the words "or appointed" after the word "elected". The Chairman ruled the amendment out of order, and explained that such wording would bring the party into conflict with federal law regarding the election of delegates to a national nominating convention.
Mr. Hill moved the amendment of Article XI Section 1 to require a seven day notice for the consideration of any amendment to the party Constitution. His amendment was seconded by Mr. Clark. After some discussion, the amendment was defeated by a vote of 6 'yeas' and 23 'nays'.
Mr. Francis moved the amendment of Article III Section 6 to allow the registration and participation of alternate National Committee members when their principals cannot attend or participate. The amendment died for lack of a second.
The Chairman declared a short recess at 11:00 a.m.
The National Committee was called to order at 11:22 a.m.
Mr. Lovell moved the amendment of the Constitution to provide for a Ballot Access Committee, modifying Article VII Sections 1 and 7, and inserting a new Section 8, with subsequent renumbering of the remaining sections. The amendment was seconded by Mr. McClellan, and adopted by unanimous vote of the National Committee, one member abstaining.
Mr. Jones moved the amendment of Article VIII Section 5 to change the two year term to a one year term. The amendment was seconded by Mr. Edwards. After some discussion, the amendment was withdrawn.
Mr. Lovell moved the amendment of Article VII Section 5 to insert the phrase "developing budgets for National Committee approval". The amendment was seconded by Mr. McClellan. After some discussion, the amendment was withdrawn.
Mr. Verser moved the amendment of Article VII Sections 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 to insert after the word "developing" the words "for National Committee approval". The amendment was seconded by Mr. Moses. After some discussion, the amendment was adopted by majority vote with Mr. Besanko casting the sole "nay" vote, and Mr. Edwards abstaining.
Mr. Clark moved the amendment of Article VII by the insertion of a new Section 2, which would require Standing Committee chairmen to be members of the National Committee. The amendment was seconded by Mr. Moses. After some discussion, the amendment was withdrawn.
There being no further amendments, the Chairman called the question on the adoption of the Party Constitution as amended. The Constitution, as shown in Appendix "B" to these minutes, was adopted by unanimous vote of the National Committee.
The Chairman declared a recess for lunch until 1:30 p.m. The National Committee stood in recess at 12:05 p.m.
The Chairman called the National Committee to order again at 1:30 p.m.
Mr. George Bashure, National Committee member from Florida, entered the meeting.
Mr. Hey delivered the Secretary's report. He reported the attendance of thirty-four of the fifty-six members of the National Committee.
The Secretary reported that copies of the new Party Constitution were available for review by the members at the rear of the meeting room, and that the new Constitution has now been published on the party web site.
The Secretary reported great progress in organizing the web site and making available the facilities to distribute to the proper party building members the numerous contacts the party is receiving.
The Secretary moved the adoption of the Minutes of the July 30, 2002 meeting of the National Committee. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lovell, and adopted by unanimous vote of the National Committee, with one member abstaining.
The Secretary moved the adoption of the Minutes of the August 4, 2002 meeting of the National Committee. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Lynch, and adopted by unanimous vote of the National Committee.
Mr. McClellan moved the acceptance of the Secretary's report. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lovell, and adopted by unanimous vote.
The Treasurer gave a brief report. The party has received $400 dollars in donations since the last report. Convention expenses of $1000 have been paid, along with a $31 telephone bill for the toll free line. The Treasurer reported a balance on hand of approximately $2500.
A discussion was had regarding the number of "room nights" expected for the convention attendees. Additional discussion was had regarding the toll-free service, its capabilities and costs.
Mr. Edwards moved the acceptance of the Treasurer's report. The motion was seconded by Mr. Francis and adopted by unanimous vote, with two members abstaining.
The Rules Committee chairman presented a report on the Committee's preparation of "Special Rules Governing Submission and Consideration of Resolutions from the Convention Floor". These Special Rules are required by Article X Section 3(b) of the Party Constitution.
Mr. Hey moved the Resolution adopting the Special Rules as set forth more fully in Appendix "C" to these minutes. The resolution was seconded by Mr. Lovell, and adopted by unanimous vote of the National Committee.
Mr. Jones delivered a brief Convention Committee report. The report described the final preparations that had been taken for the Convention, and discussed the financial obligations the party had in connection with the convention. The price and availability of tickets to the Celebration Banquet were discussed.
Mr. Francis moved the acceptance of the Convention Committee report. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lovell and adopted by unanimous vote.
The Secretary presented a proposed Credentials Report for the National Committee's consideration, pursuant to Article IV Section 8 of the Party Constitution.
Mr. Hey moved the approval of the Credentials Report for transmission to the National Convention by the Secretary. The motion was seconded by Mr. Besanko.
The Secretary reported that he had received the name of an additional delegate from the state of Colorado. Mr. Hey moved to amend the Credentials Report to add Mr. Jon Didleau of Colorado as a Delegate. Mr. McClellan seconded the amendment, which was adopted by unanimous vote.
The National Committee adopted the amended Credentials Report by unanimous vote. The Credentials Report as adopted is set forth in Appendix "D" attached to these minutes.
Mr. Moses moved the amendment of the Agenda to insert, as an item after the Election of a Platform Chair, the election of a Ballot Access Chair. His amendment was seconded by Mr. McClellan, and adopted by unanimous vote.
The Chairman asked the National Committee to select a temporary chairman to conduct the election for National Chairman. Mrs. Muller nominated Mr. Hey of Mississippi to act as chair of the election. Mrs. Lynch seconded the nomination.
Mr. Lovell moved that nominations be closed. The motion to close nominations was seconded by Mr. McClellan and adopted by unanimous vote. Mr. Hey was elected temporary chair of the meeting by unanimous vote of the National Committee.
Mr. Hey called for nominations for the office of National Chairman.
Mr. McClellan nominated Dan Charles. Mr. Lovell seconded the nomination.
Mr. Hey called for additional nominations, and upon hearing none, Mr. Moses moved that nominations for National Chairman be closed. The motion to close nominations was seconded by Mr. Anderson of Georgia, and adopted unanimously.
Mr. Hey called the question upon the election of Mr. Charles as National Chairman. Mr. Charles was elected National Chairman by unanimous vote of the National Committee.
The Chairman, Mr. Charles, opened the floor for nominations for the office of National Vice-chairman.
Mr. Jones nominated Gene Lovell of Georgia for Vice-chairman. Mr. Edwards seconded the nomination.
Mr. Verser nominated Ed Moses of Iowa for Vice-chairman. Mr. Anderson of Texas seconded the nomination.
Mrs. Muller of Virgina declined the nomination for Vice-chairman.
Mr. Besanko moved that nominations for Vice-chairman be closed. The motion was seconded by Mr. Ahuja, and adopted by unanimous vote.
Both Mr. Moses and Mr. Lovell addressed the National Committee.
Mr. Moses moved that the election be conducted by secret ballot. Mr. Francis seconded the motion, and it was adopted by majority vote of the National Committee.
The Chairman appointed Mr. Hill and Mrs. Lynch to serve as tellers for the election. The tellers collected thirty-three paper ballots. In conformity with the Constitution, the Chairman cast no vote.
The totals of votes cast were as follows:
For Mr. Lovell, twenty votes.
For Mr. Moses, twelve votes.
For Mr. Charles, one vote.
The tellers announced that Mr. Lovell had been elected by majority vote of the National Committee.
The Chairman called for nominations for the office of National Secretary.
Mrs. Winters nominated John Hey for Secretary. The nomination was seconded by Mrs. Lovell.
Hearing no further nominations, Mr. Francis moved that nominations be closed. The motion was seconded by Mr. Clark, and adopted by unanimous vote.
Mr. Hey was elected National Secretary by unanimous vote of the National Committee.
The Chairman called for nominations for the office of National Treasurer.
Mr. Jones nominated Maureen McHugh for Treasurer. The nomination was seconded by Mrs. Lynch.
Hearing no further nominations, Mrs. Lovell moved that nominations be closed. The motion was seconded by Mr. McClellan, and adopted by unanimous vote.
Mrs. McHugh was elected National Treasurer by unanimous vote of the National Committee.
The Chairman called for nominations for Chairman of the Finance Committee.
Mrs. Lynch nominated Jonathan Hill for Finance Committee Chairman. The nomination was seconded by Mr. Edwards.
Mr. Hill nominated Mrs. Lynch. Mrs. Lynch declined the nomination.
Hearing no further nominations, Mr. White moved that nominations be closed. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lovell, and adopted by unanimous vote.
Mr. Hill was elected Finance Committee Chairman by unanimous vote of the National Committee.
The Chairman declared a short recess. The National Committee stood in recess at 3:17 p.m.
The Chairman called the National Committee to order at 4:02 p.m.
The Chairman called for nominations for Chairman of the Rules Committee.
Mr. Lovell nominated Ed Moses for Rules Committee Chairman. The nomination was seconded by Mr. Doyle.
Hearing no further nominations, Mr. Verser moved that nominations be closed. The motion was seconded by Mr. Pangborn, and adopted by unanimous vote.
Mr. Moses was elected Rules Committee Chairman by unanimous vote of the National Committee.
The Chairman called for nominations for Chairman of the Candidates Committee.
Mr. Jones nominated James Edwards for Candidates Committee Chairman. The nomination was seconded by Mr. Lovell.
Hearing no further nominations, Mr. Francis moved that nominations be closed. The motion was seconded by Mr. Moses, and adopted by unanimous vote.
Mr. Edwards was elected Candidates Committee Chairman by unanimous vote of the National Committee.
The Chairman called for nominations for Chairman of the Public Relations Committee.
Mr. Lovell nominated Romelle Winters for Public Relations Committee Chairman. The nomination was seconded by Mr. Francis.
Hearing no further nominations, Mr. Francis moved that nominations be closed. The motion was seconded by Mr. McClellan, and adopted by unanimous vote.
Mrs. Winters was elected Public Relations Committee Chairman by unanimous vote of the National Committee.
The Chairman called for nominations for Chairman of the Party Building Committee.
Mr. Edwards nominated James D. Jones for Party Building Committee Chairman. The nomination was seconded by Mrs. McHugh.
Hearing no further nominations, Mr. Edwards moved that nominations be closed. The motion was seconded by Mr. Besanko, and adopted by unanimous vote.
Mr. Jones was elected Party Building Committee Chairman by unanimous vote of the National Committee.
The Chairman called for nominations for Chairman of the Platform Committee.
Mr. McClellan nominated Roger Simmermaker for Platform Committee Chairman. The nomination was seconded by Mr. Besanko.
Hearing no further nominations, Mr. Francis moved that nominations be closed. The motion was seconded by Mr. White, and adopted by unanimous vote.
Mr. Simmermaker was elected Platform Committee Chairman by unanimous vote of the National Committee. One member abstained from the vote.
The Chairman called for nominations for Chairman of the Ballot Access Committee.
Mr. Lovell nominated Trey Golmon for Ballot Access Committee Chairman. The nomination was seconded by Mr. Moses.
Mrs. Weatherford nominated John Verser for Ballot Access Committee Chairman. The nomination was seconded by Mr. White.
Hearing no further nominations, Mr. Besanko moved that nominations be closed. The motion was seconded by Mr. Pangborn, and adopted by unanimous vote.
A discussion was had regarding the nominations made. Mr. Golmon, who was not present, had requested that his name be placed in nomination only if no other candidates were available.
Mr. McClellan moved that nominations be reopened. His motion was seconded by Mr. Bashure, and adopted by unanimous vote.
Messrs. Lovell and Moses withdrew the nomination of Mr. Golmon.
Hearing no further nominations, Mr. McClellan moved that nominations be closed. The motion was seconded by Mr. Francis, and adopted by unanimous vote.
Mr. Verser was elected Ballot Access Committee Chairman by unanimous vote of the National Committee.
The Secretary moved the amendment of the Credentials Report for the National Convention, to include the eleven officers and committee chairmen who were elected and are therefore entitled to be seated as convention delegates pursuant to Article IV Section 5(b) of the Party Constitution. The motion to amend the Convention Credentials Report was seconded by Mr. Besanko and adopted by unanimous vote.
Mr. Francis moved the amendment of the Convention Credentials Report to strike the name of Joe Schriner as a delegate from Ohio on the grounds that he is not a state party member and does not wish to serve. The amendment was seconded by Mr. McClellan, and adopted by unanimous vote of the National Committee.
Mr. Pangborn moved that the National Committee authorize the purchase of a subscription to Ballot Access News for the Ballot Access Committee Chairman's use. His motion was seconded by Mrs. Weatherford and adopted by unanimous vote, with one member abstaining.
Mr. Moses moved that the National Committee schedule the next convention to be held the first week of August 2003 in Iowa. His motion was seconded by Mrs. Muller. After some discussion, a friendly amendment was accepted by Mr. Moses and Mrs. Muller to move the convention to the third week in July.
After more debate, the question was called, and the motion failed.
Mr. Clark moved that the National Committee instruct the Convention Committee to focus on the third and fourth weekend of July as the dates for next year's convention. The motion was seconded by Mr. Moses.
Mr. Hey proposed an amendment, to add the creation of a Special Convention Committee for the 2003 convention, to appoint Gene Lovell as its chairman, and to instruct the Convention Committee to report to the National Committee by November 1 of this year its proposal for the venue and schedule of the 2003 convention. The amendment was accepted as friendly by Mr. Clark and Mr. Moses.
The motion, as amended, therefore authorizes the creation of a Special Convention Committee, appoints Mr. Lovell as its chairman, instructs the Convention Committee to focus on the third and fourth weeks of July as the dates for the 2003 convention, and requires the Convention Committee to report to the National Committee its recommendations by November 1, 2002.
The motion, as amended, was adopted by unanimous vote of the National Committee, with one member abstaining.
Mr. Ahuja moved that the National Committee remove the reference to faith from the party's unofficial slogan, "Fighting for Faith, Freedom, and the Constitution to Put America First." His motion was seconded by Mr. McClellan.
After debate, the motion was defeated, all the members voting "nay" except Mr. Ahuja, who cast the lone "yea" vote, and Mr. McClellan, who abstained.
The Secretary reported that he had received the name of an additional convention delegate from the state of Florida. Mr. Hey moved to amend the Convention Credentials Report to add Mr. Victor Mansfield of Florida as a Delegate. Mr. McClellan seconded the amendment, which was adopted by unanimous vote.
Mr. Buffington moved that the National Committee permit members of the Platform Committee, who were not also members of the National Committee, to address the National Committee regarding certain amendments they wish to proposed during the Convention debate on the platform. Mr. Besanko seconded the motion.
Upon further discussion, after hearing objections from many of the members, Messrs. Buffington and Besanko withdrew the motion.
There being no further business at this time, Mr. McClellan moved the following resolution:
"Resolved, that the America First National Committee shall stand in recess until called back into session by either the chair, the Executive Committee, or by petition of one-quarter of its members."
The motion was seconded by Mr. Francis, and adopted by unanimous vote of the National Committee.
The National Committee stood in recess late Thursday afternoon, August 8, 2002.
Pursuant to notice given by the Chairman at the Convention Hall, the National Committee reconvened on August 9, 2002 at 2:04 p.m. in the same venue.
The Secretary reported receipt from the Missouri State Party Chairman, Mr. Roberts, of a request to seat an additional Delegate to the Convention from that state, Mr. Robert Brandtly. Under the Party Constitution, the National Committee must approve the addition of any Delegate whose name was not submitted on or before the adoption of the Credentials Report by the Convention.
The Secretary moved to amend the Credentials Report, as submitted to the National Convention, to add the name of Robert Brandtly as a delegate from the state of Missouri. The amendment was seconded by Mr. McClellan, and adopted unanimously by the National Committee.
Upon motion made by Mr. Moses, seconded by Mr. White, and adopted by unanimous vote, the National Committee stood in recess at 2:07 p.m.
Pursuant to notice given by the Chairman at the Convention Hall, the National Committee reconvened on August 10, 2002 at 5:17 p.m. at its previous venue.
There being no further business, upon motion made by Mr. Lovell, seconded by Mr. McClellan, and adopted by unanimous vote, the Chairman declared the meeting adjourned at 5:18 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
______________________
John Pittman Hey
National Secretary
America First National Committee
Appendix "A"
America First National Committee
August 8, 2002
Orlando, Florida
Agenda
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Invocation
- Credentialing
- Welcome by the Chair
- Adopt Agenda
- Rules Committee Report: Standing Rules for America First National Committee
- Rules Committee Report: Constitution
- Lunch Recess
- Secretary's Report
- Treasurer's Report
- Rules Committee Report: Convention Rules
- Convention Committee Report
- Convention Credentials Report
- Election: Chair
- Election: Vice Chair
- Election: Secretary
- Election: Treasurer
- Election: Finance Chair
- Election: Rules Chair
- Election: Candidates Chair
- Election: Press Secretary & Public Relations Chair
- Election: Party Building Chair
- Election: Platform Chair
- New Business
- Motion to Recess: Resolved, that the America First National Committee shall stand in recess until called back into session by either the chair, the Executive Committee, or by petition of one-quarter of its members.
Appendix "B"
Constitution
of the America First Party
(Adopted by the National Committee on August 8, 2002 at Orlando, Florida.)
Article I. Party Name
Section 1: The name of this Party shall be the America First Party.
Article II. Purpose of the Party
Section 1: The purpose of the America First Party shall be:
(a) To promote the Mission Statement of the America First Party;
(b) To promote the platform and principles of the party and to develop and promote policy positions consistent with these;
(c) To nominate candidates for President and Vice President of the United States of America and to assist in their election;
(d) To assist the affiliated state parties in the furtherance of these objectives and in the election of their local and state candidates for public office;
(e) To assist the party's elected officials in the furtherance of the mission, principles and platform of the America First Party;
(f) To raise and expend monies for the successful operation of the America First Party; and
(g) To assure that, in the furtherance of these goals, the highest ethical standards are adhered to by all party officers and public officials.
Article III. National Committee
Section 1: The National Committee shall be the final governing authority of the party, and shall have all power to conduct the affairs of the Party under the provisions and by the authority of the Constitution, the Mission Statement, the Founding Principles, and the Platform of the Party.
Section 2: Meetings of the National Committee shall be called:
(a) By resolution of the National Committee setting the time, date, and place of the meeting;
(b) By two-thirds vote of the Operating Committee setting the date, time, and place of the meeting; or
(c) By written petition of one quarter of the members of the National Committee specifying the date, time and place of the meeting.
Section 3: Notice of meetings of the National Committee shall be such that:
(a) When called by resolution of the national committee, no additional notice shall be required;
(b) When called by the Operating Committee or by written petition of the membership, a notice of at least seven days for a teleconference meeting, and 30 days for an in-person meeting, shall be provided to the members of the National Committee;
(c) During the National Convention, and on the day prior thereto, and on the day of the adjournment thereof, the National Committee may be called into meeting upon short notice by publication in a prominent place at the site of the convention.
Section 4: A Quorum shall consist of a majority of all the members of the National Committee.
Section 5: At any such time as shall be required by the Operating Committee, each Member of the National Committee shall execute the following statement: "I hereby state that I desire to continue to serve the Party as a member of the National Committee"; failure by such person to deliver to the Operating Committee such signed declaration within thirty days upon being notified of such requirement, shall render the position on the National Committee automatically vacant; and such person's name shall be deemed stricken from the Certified List of National Committee Members."
Section 6: The members of the National Committee shall be only those persons whose names appear upon the Certified List of the National Committee Members, less those persons who have tendered resignations in writing, have failed to provide the required statement as described hereinabove, or who are deceased. Only such members as described herein above, shall be eligible to vote or otherwise participate in the business of the National Committee.
Section 7: Each affiliated State Party shall be entitled to select three members to serve upon the National Committee. National Committee members from a given state must be members of, and chosen by, a single state party. The members shall be registered by the State Chairman with the Secretary.
Section 8: The National Committee shall, from time to time, adopt and/or amend the Certified List of the National Committee Members. Such adoption or amendment shall be by a three-fifths vote of the National Committee, or by a majority vote of all the members of the National Committee, whichever may be more practical to obtain.
Section 9: The National Committee shall have the authority to create and abolish such committees as it shall deem necessary and proper for the conduct of the party's business.
Section 10: The National Committee shall have the sole authority to determine its membership, and shall have the power to place upon the Certified List of National Committee Members only such persons as, in its judgment, possess the requisite qualifications for membership. Qualifications for membership on the National Committee shall include:
(a) Election in accordance with all applicable national and state party rules and state and federal election laws;
(b) Membership in the affiliated State Party;
(c) Support for the platform of the party, its mission statement and its founding principles;
(d) Obedience to the rules of the party;
(e) Faithful execution of the duties of the office; and
(f) Upright moral character and behavior that is a credit to the party.
Section 11: The National Committee shall not confer any award, recognition, or honorific title, unless such shall be approved by a two-thirds vote of the National Committee; and any such resolution may be repealed by majority vote of the National Committee.
Section 12: The National Committee shall have the authority to rescind a nomination made at a Convention by three quarters vote of the National Committee.
Section 13: After the adjournment of any nominating Convention, the National Committee shall have the authority to fill any vacancy in the nominations for the offices of President and Vice-President of the United States of America.
Section 14: The National Committee may exercise its authority in any matter by the written consent of a majority of all its members as follows:
(a) Resolutions shall be submitted to the National Committee for written consent by a majority vote of the Operating Committee or upon the written petition of one quarter of the members of the National Committee. Such written petitions shall be filed with the Secretary;
(b) Action by written consent shall have the same force and effect as a Resolution adopted at a meeting of the National Committee;
(c) The Secretary shall provide the resolution to the members by electronic mail, fax, or postal mail as appropriate. The Secretary shall tally only such votes as he receives by fax or postal mail within 14 days of the Secretary's publication of the resolution, and which bear the signature of the member and the date of execution. At any such time as a resolution shall receive the affirmative vote of a majority of all the members, the Secretary shall immediately proclaim the results of the vote and declare the resolution adopted; and
(d) The Secretary shall provide interim reports and a final report of the voting to the members by electronic mail. The Secretary shall also prepare minutes that contain the text of the resolution and the roll call vote, and shall submit such minutes for approval at the next meeting of the National Committee.
Article IV. The National Convention
Section 1: The National Committee shall be responsible to arrange and call the National Convention of the America First Party at least once each calendar year.
Section 2: The National Convention shall be responsible for adopting and maintaining a party platform, and in the appropriate years, nominating candidates for the offices of President and Vice-president of the United States of America, and any other business as shall be assigned by the National Committee.
Section 3: Thirty day written notice of the time, date, and place of the National Convention shall be provided to the State Chairmen of the affiliated State Parties and the members of the National Committee.
Section 4: The National Committee shall serve as the credentials committee to the National Convention.
Section 5: The delegates to the National Convention shall be:
(a) The members of the National Committee from each state;
(b) The members of the Operating Committee;
(c) Each elected municipal, county, state, and federal official who is a member of the affiliated State Party, and has publicly proclaimed such;
(d) An additional number of delegates elected by each state party equal to the number of congressional districts within the respective states.
Section 6: Each state, in conformance with state party bylaws and state law, shall be entitled to elect or appoint alternate delegates equal in number to that of the congressional districts within the respective states, and any such alternate delegate may be seated only as a replacement for a congressional district delegate who surrenders the position by resignation or inability to attend.
Section 7: The State Party chairman, or his designee, shall be responsible to report to the Secretary or such other person as the National Committee shall designate the names of the delegates and alternate delegates from the respective state prior to the start of the Convention; and no person may be seated as a delegate to the Convention whose name was not so reported by the time of the adoption of the credentials report by the Convention, unless specifically authorized by the National Committee.
Section 8: The Secretary or other proper person shall deliver the delegate registrations to the National Committee, which shall prepare and adopt a delegate credentials report.
Section 9: The National Committee shall designate the Secretary or some other proper person to deliver the Credentials Report to the National Convention for adoption and amendment at the start of said Convention. Only those persons who are listed in the Credentials Report, as presented, amended, or adopted, and who have signed in at the Convention and been issued voting credentials, shall be deemed delegates under this Constitution.
Section 10: In the event that the National Committee shall neglect to prepare and adopt a delegate Credentials Report, the Secretary shall prepare and transmit to the National Convention a Credentials Report for consideration, amendment, and adoption.
Section 11: A quorum of a session of the National Convention shall be a majority of all Delegates.
Article V. Officers
Section 1: The officers of the National Committee shall be the chairman, the vice-chairman, the secretary, and the treasurer.
(a) The officers shall be elected by majority vote of the National Committee at its first in-person meeting in the last half of each odd-numbered year.
(b) New officers shall take office immediately upon their election.
(c) The officers shall serve a term of two years or until their replacements are elected.
(d) The National Committee may elect any member of any affiliated State Party to serve as an officer.
(e) The officers shall be ex-officio members of the National Committee.
(f) Any officer may be removed by majority vote of all the members of the National Committee.
(g) The officers of the National Committee shall also serve as the officers of the Party and of the National Convention.
Section 2: The Chairman shall preside over meetings of the Operating Committee, National Committee and National Convention and act on behalf of the Party to carry out the resolutions of the Operating Committee, the National Committee and the National Convention subject to the provisions of this Constitution.
Section 3: The Vice Chairman shall assist the Chairman in the operation of the Party and assume the duties of the Chairman in his absence or incapacity.
Section 4: The Secretary shall have custody of the official copy of this Constitution, and any other rules adopted by the party; attend all meetings and record the proceedings of such meetings including, at a minimum, all actions taken by the Operating Committee, the National Committee and the National Convention; maintain the records (except financial) of the Party; provide official notice of all meetings of the Operating Committee, the National Committee and the National Convention; perform other duties as may be assigned by the Operating Committee.
Section 5: The Treasurer shall have custody of the Party funds and shall keep full and accurate records thereof in books belonging to the Party; deposit all monies and other valuable effects to the name and to the credit of the Party in such depositories as may be designated by the National Committee; prepare and file required federal reports; disburse funds in accordance with the resolutions of the Operating Committee, the National Committee and the National Convention subject to the provisions of this Constitution; report on the financial status of the Party at each meeting of the Operating Committee, the National Committee and the National Convention.
Section 6: The Chairman shall be ex-officio a member of all Party committees.
Section 7: The Chairman shall not exercise a vote in any meeting or proceeding of this Party except in such case as is necessary to break a tie.
Section 8: Each Officer shall execute and submit to the resolutions of the Operating Committee and the National Committee, and to the provisions of the Constitution.
Article VI. Operating Committee
Section 1: The Operating Committee shall be responsible for conducting the day to day business and affairs of the Party, between meetings of the National Committee. The Operating Committee shall at all times be subject to, and comply with, the Constitution and the direction of the National Committee.
Section 2: The Operating Committee shall be composed of the Officers and Chairmen of the Standing Committees.
Section 3: In the event of a vacancy in the position of a Standing Committee Chairman or party Officer, such vacancy may be filled by election at a meeting of the National Committee, or by election by written consent; but in the latter case, the Operating Committee shall provide a procedure for receiving nominations and conducting the election by mail-in balloting; provided, that in any election to fill a vacancy in any position, such election shall be only for the remainder of the term as described herein.
Section 4: The Operating Committee shall meet as necessary to conduct the required business of the Party. Operating Committee meetings may be called upon action of the Chairman or upon action of any three Operating Committee Members. The Operating Committee may conduct its meetings in person or by teleconference, with reasonable notice being provided therefore.
Section 5: The Operating Committee may conduct business by electronic mail, as follows:
(a) Any three members may propose a resolution, which they shall submit to the Secretary;
(b) The Secretary shall transmit the same to all the members of the Operating Committee, and shall collect and publish the votes thereon;
(c) The Secretary shall prepare minutes reflecting the text of the resolution, together with the roll call vote thereon, and shall submit such minutes to the Operating Committee for adoption at its next meeting.
Section 6: A quorum of the Operating Committee shall be a majority of its members.
Article VII. Standing Committees
Section 1: There shall be seven Standing Committees of the National Committee: Rules, Platform, Party Building, Finance, Public Relations, Candidates, and Ballot Access.
Section 2: The Rules Committee shall be responsible for developing and proposing amendments to this Constitution; developing and proposing other procedural rules, including amendments thereto, for the conduct of the party; working with various affiliated State Parties in development and adoption of their state party rules; and other such duties as the National Committee may assign.
Section 3: The Platform Committee shall be responsible for reviewing, developing, and proposing platform and policy for adoption by the National Convention.
Section 4: The Party Building Committee shall be responsible for developing for National Committee approval and implementing strategies to build and maintain the party as a major national political party; and working with the various State Parties to build and maintain the party as a major political party within each state.
Section 5: The Finance Committee shall be responsible for fundraising at the national level; developing for National Committee approval and implementing budgets for party operations; assisting the Treasurer in the performance of assigned duties; and advising the various State Parties regarding fundraising and other financial issues.
Section 6: The Public Relations Committee shall be responsible for developing for National Committee approval and implementing strategies for interfacing with the media and the public; and developing media contacts nationwide.
Section 7: The Candidates Committee shall be responsible for developing for National Committee approval and implementing strategies to assist the state parties in the recruitment and election of candidates for local, state, and federal office.
Section 8: The Ballot Access Committee shall be responsible for developing for National Committee approval and implementing strategies to assist the state parties in the acquisition and maintenance of statewide ballot access.
Section 9: Each Standing Committee Chairman shall be elected by majority vote of the National Committee at its first in-person meeting in the last half of each odd-numbered year, and shall serve until the election of his replacement.
Section 10: The members and any additional officers of each standing committee shall be appointed by the Chairperson of such Standing Committee or by the National Committee.
Section 11: Each Standing Committee shall be subject to the provisions of this Constitution and the directives of the National Committee.
Section 12: Each Standing Committee shall meet as necessary to conduct the required business of said Standing Committee. Standing Committee meetings may be called upon action of the Standing Committee Chair or upon action of one-fourth of the Standing Committee Members. Standing Committees may conduct business by mail, teleconference or other electronic media. Each Standing Committee may adopt such rules of operation as the Standing Committee Members deem proper to conduct Committee business.
Section 13: Each Standing Committee shall report to the Operating Committee and to the National Committee.
Section 14: A Standing Committee Chairman may be removed by three-fifths vote of the National Committee or by a majority of the entire National Committee, whichever shall be more convenient.
Article VIII. Affiliated State Parties
Section 1: The affiliated State Party shall be that political organization within a given state whose National Committee members appear upon the Certified List of National Committee Members. There shall be only one affiliated State Party within any given state. From time to time the National Committee shall adopt a list of the recognized state chairs of the affiliated state parties.
Section 2: The National Committee shall have the authority to adopt rules regulating the conduct, status, and duties of the affiliated State Parties, so long as such rules do not conflict with the Constitution.
Section 3: The affiliated State Parties shall fully support the nominees of the Party, and shall cause their names to appear on the ballot of their respective states for the offices so nominated.
Section 4: Affiliated State Parties shall not have any formal relationship with any other national party nor shall they be affiliated with any other national party during their affiliation with the America First Party.
Section 5: An affiliated State Party shall be required to adopt a name containing the words "America First", "Party", and the name of their state within two years of becoming affiliated, unless prohibited by state law.
Section 6: An affiliated State Party shall provide notice to the National Secretary of any statewide meeting or Convention at the same time as such notice is given to members of the State Party.
Section 7: An affiliated State Party shall submit to the National Secretary a true and current copy of the governing documents of said state party within 30 days after the adoption or amendment of such documents. An affiliated State Party shall provide copies of other records and documents within thirty days upon the request of the National Committee.
Article IX. General Provisions
Section 1: The qualifications to hold a position of trust within the Party shall include, but not be limited to, affirmative support of the Party, the Party-endorsed candidates for President and Vice President of the United States, the Party Mission Statement, Statement of Principles, and Platform; and said qualifications shall apply to such positions including but not limited to that of Officer, Operating Committee member, National Committee member, Standing or Special Committee member, and delegate to the National Convention.
Section 2: No person shall hold any position provided for in this Constitution who is not a Member of an affiliated State Party.
Section 3: No Officer shall be compensated for services rendered to the Party except for reimbursement of legitimate personal expenses incurred in the performance of his official Party duties.
Section 4: There shall be no voting by proxy.
Section 5: No person shall in any case exercise the privilege of casting more than one vote on the National Committee, the Operating Committee, the National Convention, or in any committee or sub-committee of the Party.
Section 6: In all cases where a vote is to be cast and counted on any matter to come before any deliberative body of the Party, such vote shall be of those present and voting provided a quorum is present, unless otherwise stated in the Constitution.
Article X. Adoption and Amendment of the Mission Statement, Statement of Principles, and Platform
Section 1: A Mission Statement shall be adopted or amended by a two-thirds vote of the National Committee.
Section 2: A Statement of Principles shall be adopted or amended by a two-thirds vote of the National Committee.
Section 3: The platform of the America First Party shall be consistent with the Statement of Principles. It shall be adopted or amended in the following manner:
(a) The National Committee may amend the Party Platform by a two-thirds vote of the National Committee;
(b) The National Convention shall adopt or amend the Party Platform by a three-fifths vote. The report of the Platform Committee shall be taken up first during the deliberations regarding the Platform. Amendments to the Platform or to the Platform Committee report shall require a three-fifths vote for passage, and shall be submitted in writing in a manner to be prescribed by the National Committee.
Article XI. Amendments and Interpretation of the Constitution
Section 1: Without prior notice, this Constitution may be amended by a three-fifths vote of the National Committee, or by majority vote of all the members of the National Committee.
Section 2: The rules contained in the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised shall govern meetings of the National Committee and the National Convention in all cases to which they are applicable and are not inconsistent with any Rules, Bylaws, Constitution or Resolutions adopted by the National Convention or National Committee.
Section 3: The provisions of this Constitution shall be deemed severable and separately enforceable. Should any Article, Section, sub-section or provision of this Constitution be invalidated or declared void, all other provisions of this Constitution shall remain in full force and effect.
Section 4: The Operating Committee shall publish the Constitution as amended; provided that they shall be properly and sequentially renumbered prior to publication.
Appendix "C"
Special Rules Governing Submission and Consideration of Resolutions from the Convention Floor at the National Convention of the America First Party
(Adopted by the National Committee on August 8, 2002 at Orlando, Florida.)
Section 1: These Rules shall govern the submission and consideration of any main resolution or amendment brought to the convention by a delegate that in any manner affects the platform, policy, or public position of the America First Party on any matter. These Rules shall not apply to regular or subsidiary motions made as part of the routine conduct of convention business.
Section 2: All Resolutions must be reduced to writing, shall name the maker of the Resolution, and shall be headed by the appropriate caption as follows:
a) A Resolution which seeks to adopt, amend, or expand the Platform shall be titled, "Resolution to Amend the Platform", followed by a brief sub-title describing the particular subject of the Amendment;
b) All other Resolutions shall be titled "Resolution of the National Convention", followed by a brief sub-title describing the subject of the Resolution.
Section 3: Each Resolution to amend the Platform shall specify in the first sentence thereof the Section and, where applicable, the Plank that is to be amended.
Section 4: Each Resolution must bear the signatures of at least one fifth of the Convention delegates, to include at least one delegate from each of five states, before such Resolution may be considered by the Convention; and each signer shall provide a legible printed name and state alongside said signature.
Section 5: All Resolutions shall be filed with the National Secretary or his designated assistant, who shall mark thereon the date and time of submission; and the National Secretary shall verify that the required number of signatures has been met.
Section 6: Each Resolution to Amend the Platform bearing the required number of signatures shall be presented by the National Secretary to the Platform Committee Chairman, who shall ascertain whether such Resolution is germane to the Section and Plank described therein; the Platform Committee Chairman shall endorse the Resolution with the word "Refused" if he determines the Resolution to be non-germane or out of time; and such refused Resolution shall be returned immediately to the National Secretary. The Secretary shall notify the maker of the resolution of such refusal.
Section 7: A Resolution shall be refused by the Platform Committee Chairman as "out of time" if it is submitted after the disposal of that portion of the Platform Committee report to which it would be germane.
Section 8: The Presiding Officer shall, at the appropriate time during the presentation of the Platform Committee report, recognize the maker of each Resolution that has been adjudged timely and germane; and such resolution shall be treated as an amendment of the platform committee report, and shall require a three-fifths vote for adoption.
Section 9: All remaining Resolutions which bear the required number of signatures shall be called up for consideration by the Presiding Officer in the order of descending number of delegate signatures, and in the case of multiple resolutions bearing the same number of signatures, in order of submission to the National Secretary.
Appendix "D"
Credentials Report
To the Founding Convention
Of the America First Party
Orlando, Florida, August 9 - 11, 2002
To the National Committee:
As National Secretary to the Party, and in conformance with the Constitution of the America First Party, I hereby submit for your approval the list of persons qualified to participate as delegates to the 2002 Founding Convention.
The following persons are delegates by virtue of their membership on this National Committee:
AR Mr. John Verser
AR Mrs. Billie Deeter
CO Mr. Donald Lawrence Carroll
CO Mr. Marcel Dietze
CO Ms. Wanda Weatherford
CT Mrs. Helen A. Leka
CT Mr. George C. Radzwillas
CT Mr. Floyd Atchley
FL Mr. George S. Bashure
FL Mr. Martin S. McClellan
FL Mr. Gaurav Ahuja
GA Mr. O. Gene Lovell
GA Mrs. Diane S. Lovell
GA Mr. Phillip G. Anderson
IA Mr. James E. Monagan
IA Mr. Edward Moses
IA Mr. David W. Doyle
IL Mr. Brendan T. McCrudden
IL Mrs. Maureen O. McHugh
IL Mrs. Guadalupe Lynch
MA Mr. L. Thomas White
MA Mr. Jonathan Hill
MD Mr. John B. Clark
MD Mrs. Virginia T. Clark
MI Mr. Michael J. F. O'Brian Sr.
MI Mr. John P. Walker
MI Mr. Gerald Duncan
MO Mr. Dennis Carriger
MO Mr. Ray N. Cherry
MO Mrs. Nancy Blankenship
MS Miss Candice Schmidt
MS Mr. Ryan S. Walters
MS Mr. Ernest E. "Trey" Golmon III
NC Mr. Gordon Ipock
NC Mr. Norman Kent
NC Mr. G. Cleve Pate
NH Mrs. Romelle F. Winters
NH Mr. Francis Winters
NH Mr. Ted Maravelias
NY Mr. Gary R. Grella
NY Mr. James E. Arft
NY Mrs. Maureen Flannery
OH Mr. James Bunosky
OH Mr. John Francis
OH Mr. H. Ward Chorpenning Jr.
TN Mr. James Edwards
TN Mr. John T. Fey
TN Mr. James D. Jones
TX Mr. Blake Alan Buffington
TX Mr. George Pangborn
TX Mr. James Wesley Anderson
VA Mr. Chris Wenzel
VA Mr. Rick Besanko
VA Mrs. Linda Muller
The following persons have been registered as delegates from their respective states by the state party chairman or his designee:
CO Mr. Jon Didleau
FL Mr. Roger D. Simmermaker
FL Mr. James W. McConnell
FL Mrs. Lydia Marie O'Conner
FL Mr. Patrick Joseph O'Connor
FL Mrs. Barbara S. Susco
FL Mr. Cameron D. Bates
FL Mr. James McClellan
FL Mr. William Petys
FL Ms. Drusilla Massaro
FL Mr. Ralph S. Anderson
FL Ms. Cheri Anderson
FL Mr. Joe Roberts
FL Mr. Kirk Gibson
FL Mr. Robert Huguley
FL Mr. Urbano Magno
FL Mr. Lawrence Cox
FL Mr. Frank W. Russell
FL Mr. David Vincent
FL Mr. Carl Aberg
FL Mr. Mark Arth
GA Mr. Charles E. Elmore Jr.
IA Mr. Daniel M. Keller
IL Mr. John Wassenaar Ph.D.
IL Mr. Edmund McHugh
IL Mr. James J. Beckert
IL Mrs. Bessie Karegianes
IL Mr. David R. Wade
IL Mr. Bob Karegianes
NY Mr. Yehuda Littmann
NY Mr. Bradley F. Maurer
NY Mr. Edward R. Heelan
OH Mr. Brian Douglas Wilson
OH Mr. Lou Schier
OH Mr. Joe Schriner
TN Mrs. Kelly Rae Marrs
TN Mr. Peter Poremski
TN Mr. Warren Baldwin
TN Mr. Bill Sharp
TX Mr. Donald P. Kelley
A total of 94 persons are therefore shown as delegates to the National Convention.
It is the Secretary's intention to move an amendment to this report to include the members of the Operating Committee as delegates as soon as those persons have been selected by the National Committee.
Respectfully Submitted,
John Pittman Hey
National Secretary
America First Party
