I think it is deplorable that the ORP would put up to vote such an important item as changing our Republican primaries without having given all County Central Committees and State Delegates the knowledge that the vote was coming. As a state delegate I was not given any prior notice of this. There was no chance to get a sense of what direction those PCP's that I represent would wish for this vote to take, or that I could carry their voice to the floor, or seek answers to questions they may have.

Chairman Alley's comments that this step needs to be taken because the Democrats being beholden to the "special interests" is unconvincing. He has chosen to open up our primaries to a voting block that has become almost as large as the Republican Party, so in effect, he has done two things. First, he has put the selection of our Republican candidate in the hands of those who may NOT share our ideals, and second, he has said to the nonaffliated, there is no need to change their non affiliation. By being able to vote in the Republican Primary they do not have to become Republican. Very shortsighted, I believe. 

I welcome in all voters to the Party, and hope to think that our pride in who we are as Republicans, and the ideals and principles that we stand for will inspire them to join us. This decision, not only does not indicate pride, not does it protect our ideals.