This is a reminder that the fifth Biennial Endorsement Convention of the Rhode Island Republican Assembly – our state’s largest Conservative organization – will be held on Saturday, June 12th, 2010, from 12 Noon to 4:00 PM. The Convention will be held under the Rotunda of the Crowne Plaza Hotel, at 801 Greenwich Avenue, in Warwick, RI 02886.
The theme for the Biennial Convention will be “2010: The Conservative Comeback.”
Working towards that goal, several federal and state Republican candidates have been invited to address the RIRA delegates and our guests. Confirmed speakers include:
John Loughlin, Candidate for Congress (First District)
Mark Zaccaria, Candidate for Congress (Second District)
William Clegg, Candidate for Congress (Second District)
John Robitaille, Candidate for Governor
Victor Moffitt, Candidate for Governor
Erik Wallin, Candidate for Attorney General
Kernan ‘Kerry’ King, Candidate for General Treasurer
All Republicans and Conservatives in Rhode Island are welcome to attend this event. Suggested minimum contribution for the PAC fundraiser is $25.00 per person or only $15.00 for R.I. Young Republicans (of course, individuals may choose to donate much more!). Reserved “Tables of 6″ are available for $150.00 each (a great option for candidates!). Check-in and Registration will be from 12 Noon to 12:30 PM, with the Convention expected to be called to order promptly at 12:30 PM.
The Convention will kick-off with a great fundraiser for the Rhode Island Republican Assembly State Political Action Committee, featuring speeches by Republican candidates seeking our organization’s endorsement. A great selection of hot and cold Hors d’oeuvres will be served, and there will be a Cash Bar available. For your enjoyment, Live Musical Entertainment will be provided throughout the afternoon by the easy-listening band “Wing-It”.
Candidate speeches, as well as brief question and answer periods for each, will likely last until about 2:30 PM. Immediately thereafter, RIRA Delegates will vote on candidate endorsements. All nominations will be made from the floor. Endorsements may be made in Federal, Statewide, as well as in R.I. House and R.I. Senate races. Per our bylaws, RIRA endorsements require a Two-Thirds affirmative vote of those eligible RIRA Delegates present. All voting in contested races will be conducted by secret ballot. In addition, Delegates will also consider several important Resolutions.
All funds raised in excess of our costs will be used to support RIRA endorsed state candidates. Please note that RIRA members who are “in good standing” (with 2010 dues current) are not required to donate to the PAC fundraiser as a condition of voting on candidate endorsements. However, annual dues to RIRA must be paid up to date in order to be eligible to vote. Those RIRA members who are currently in arrears on their 2010 dues will be given an opportunity to rectify that prior to balloting. Of course, RIRA members are always encouraged to contribute to our PAC.
RSVP: Your RSVP in advance by Facebook or by e-mail would be greatly appreciated for planning purposes, but is not required. Tickets may be paid for in advance or at the door. Personal or PAC checks should be made payable to “RIRA-PAC.”
To reserve your tickets by mail today, please send your request and payment to:
Rhode Island Republican Assembly PAC
19 Bakers Creek Road
Warwick, RI 02886
You may also quickly and securely pay for your tickets online with by Credit Card or Electronic Check through our website at http://ri-ra.org/convention/ (There is also an online payment link in the upper-right hand corner of this website). All prepaid tickets will be held at the door. For any inquiries, you may contact RIRA President Raymond T. McKay at (401) 487-2514 or by e-mail at: president [at] ri-ra [dot] org .
We look forward to seeing you on the 12th!
Conservatively Yours,
Raymond T. McKay
President, RIRA
Chairman, RIRA-PAC
Note: State of Rhode Island campaign finance law requires us to record the Name, Address, Employer, and Occupation of contributors. Corporate and business checks cannot be accepted. Individual contributors are limited to contributing no more than $1000.00 per calendar year. Political contributions are not tax deductible. Jennifer Hirons, Treasurer.