Minutes of the Operating Committee of the America First Party

Tuesday, March 23, 2004

BE IT REMEMBERED that the Operating Committee of the America First Party met on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, pursuant to the previous resolution of the Operating Committee.

The Chairman led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Hey delivered the invocation.

The Secretary called the roll of Operating Committee members:

Present:

• Dan Charles of Colorado, Chairman
• John Pittman Hey of Mississippi, Secretary/Treasurer
• Tom White of Massachusetts, Party Building Committee Chairman
• Romelle Winters of New Hampshire, Public Relations Committee Chairman
• Jon Hill of Massachusetts, Vice-chairman

Absent:

• Trey Golmon of Mississippi, Ballot Access Committee Chairman
• Larry Carroll of Colorado, Platform Committee Chairman

A quorum being present, the meeting was called to order by the Chairman.

The Chairman moved the adoption of the standard Agenda. Mrs. Winters seconded the motion, and the Agenda was adopted by unanimous consent.

The Chairman delivered a brief report. He is working to set up a meeting with Congressman Tancredo.

The Secretary reminded the members that he had previously circulated draft minutes of the March 16, 2004 meeting of the Operating Committee. Mr. Hey moved the adoption of the minutes as published. His motion was seconded by Mrs. Winters and adopted by unanimous vote.

The Treasurer reported that the party's bank balance is around $2,000. There are no outstanding invoices left to be paid at this time.

Mr. Hill delivered a Finance Committee report. Work has begun on a major fundraising plan to build a stable house list to sustain the party's efforts.

Mr. White reported steady activity contacting prospects in North Carolina and California during the past week. Additional contacts who are enthusiastic to help build the party have been made. In addition, Mr. White represented the party at an immigration meeting in Massachusetts.

The Chairman reported progress in bringing a state party on-line.

The Rules Committee will next meet this Saturday afternoon.

Mrs. Winters delivered a Public Relations report. She reported an anecdote of a person who found our party because he did a Google search for the phrase that best described what he wanted in a political party: "America First". The committee has begun work on the next quarterly newsletter.

A time of general discussion was held. Recent news articles about the party were discussed. The problem with building a party around a charismatic leader was reiterated. Further discussion about a media hit piece directed at another party's candidate was had. The dangers and benefits of endorsements of other third party candidates were discussed.

There being no further business, upon motion made by Mrs. Winters, seconded by Mr. Hill, and adopted by unanimous vote, the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

______________________
John Pittman Hey
National Secretary
America First National Committee