I have nothing but respect for many in the Disaffiliation group-people like Peroutka, Lofton, Jore, etc.

Most are good and decent people. I myself did not make my decision lightly and was close to riding that fence. If you see the Oregon video noted, people like Paul DePraire were part of my decision. You will see him largely cast aside any rules and regulations-calling the Constitution of the CP Phariseeism (kind of hard then for the CP nationally to stand on the US Constitution, no?) and attacking National Chairman Clymer-who came out and spend money and time to dissuade the Oregon Party from leaving and acted as a true gentleman-telling him that he (apparently in Paul's opinion) was a sinner going to hell and that Clymer needed to repent the blood on his hands.

Now comes this site:

http://www.christianlibertyparty.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1

If these folks are really committed to reforming the CP, why are they calling themselves a "Party"? Sounds to me like they may be in process of forming anew Party and launching parting shots, in hope of taking out-or at least seriously injuring-the CP. Many on TAV forum have stated that it is their goal. Read enough of the disaffiliation group (the minority in this group) and you will see the under tone of religious bigotry and a radical view of leadership. One has but to read between the lines and listen to the words used and the way in which they are used. This was one of my main reasons of opposition to kicking out Nevada, it was the first step to something larger.

I talked recently via email to Jim Clymer and he has expressed the heart break of this division. He noted in the Oregon video that he does not agree with Hansen, was close to the fence on the Tampa vote as I was and hopes that Nevada will force Hansen out of office. Hansen himself has attacked by letter Clymer for not supporting his campaign and wanting him out.

Some in the disaffiliation side have expressed the view that they can no longer work with people in the Party that are not of their religious views. So, do they leave the Party and form their own Party based on their particular religious view? No, they stay is and agitate or resign from leadership, but stay. Some have left and will only come back if the leadership changes. Read between the lines-we will come back only when we rid the Party of those that are not of our particular religious persuasion.

To make any headway in this nation and state, the Party has to be strong and work together-Mormons, Catholics, Orthodox Jews and Protestants-plus anyone that supports our Platform.

As your Chairman, I offer my hand in support to anyone that will help us fight for our future and the success of our Party as the vehicle to change this nation. I cannot support-in a leadership position or as a candidate-anyone that supports abortion, homosexuality or socialism. I affirm the platform as is and will oppose anyone that will alter it or the preamble.

I wish to move forward to build this state Party, an affiliate of National CP but an independent state Party in the model of the 10th Amendment. We need to forge ahead, avoiding

I enjoy and look forward to listening to TAV programs. A someone that was in Tampa for the disaffiliation vote, and had read comments from both sides, I was prepared to cast my vote.

I did want to hear both sides’ views and make sure that, prior to my vote, I made the right decision.

I could not bring myself to cast out a state Party for the views of 1 or two people. Please see my past blogs about this matter.

Now comes TAV show #63. While Michael Peroutka was stating that he hopes the Party will come back to the Pro-life position, as if the Party has left it to begin with by failing to kick out 1 state Party over the views of a few-Lofton continued to state that Christians should not be involved tightly with a political Party. As if candidates get elected w/o a Party infrastructure. Example: running as a independent, Michael Frisbee had to collect over 5,000 signatures just to run for and have chance to get elected to the State Legislature!

Lofton continued to call himself a recovering Republican and now, recovering Constitution Party member!!!.

Peroutka intimated that the Nevada issue raised its head only AFTER the 2004 campaign. According to posts and emails I have read, this issue with Mr. Hansen's views has been brewing since late 2003, early 2004. Hence, when Peroutka toured Nevada, Utah and other western states in his 2004 campaign, he should have known about this issue!! If not, his lawyer, Scott Whiteman ( a man that has repeatedly stated he can no longer work with people not of his religious faith) should have, should he not??? How about his media advisor, John Lofton?? Was he completely then unaware? No, Nevada provided both votes and money to run. The Hansen issue was largely quite.

The first email I received, from an early proponent of disaffiliation of Nevada, was sent to me within 2 weeks after election day!! This had at that point been old and festering.

Please stay tuned to further information when yours truly is not on a short work break.

Suffice to say, the pro-disaffiliation party, while most are honest and good folks, have many there in their group that are provable religious separatists. Steve Lefamine and others (he did leave the Party 1 1/2 rs ago) have expressed views that Mormons are Satanists and hence, should not be allowed into the Party. Catholics too should be banned as they are not "real" Christians and hence, have no roll in the Constitution Party. Others have expressed views that they should only federate with and work with members of their particular faith belief and only that belief.

Well, if you want to do that, fine and great-I am happy for you. Good luck getting elected to anything!!. But, gain, go for it if you wish too. The Founders had to put aside their differences in religion, philosophy and backgrounds-realizing that the cause was worthless if they were going to fight amongst themselves.

I did not support Chris Hansen's views on unborn "invaders" and such-as a former law enforcement officer and holder of a BS in Criminal Justice, I know what an invader and criminal is!!!!. It is certainly not an unborn child.

I was hopeful that Hansen would either step down prior to Tampa or get voted out of office by his state's members. He was and did not.

Lofton/Peroutka state that we kick Nevada out and then offer them an olive branch if they come back if full compliance with the National platform. Most Mormons view this fight as an attack on their church's views. Yes, let’s kick out Nevada and then say "hey come on back now that you have deposed Hansen"-right, that will lead them to flock to the Party again. I bet they will be in lines waiting to get back!!! No, they view the disaffiliation movement as an attack. Period.

Lofton and Co. then state that the Nevada Party has already left the National party and has already disaffiliated themselves!!!. The state Party is not 1 or 2 people!!! We are going to kick Nevada out for Chris Hansen only???

During his race for state legislature, Mike Frisbee took the position of raising the minimum wage. I told Mike that if he was going to make this statement, please note the CP opposes the minimum wage at all and to make sure he notes this in speeches, posts, etc. Should we then kick out the CP affiliate over this stance-non life threatening I realize? Where does disaffiliation stop??

No, too many on the disaffiliation side-again the minority in this group-tipped their hands in not too subtle ways. They proved it was more about Mormons, Catholics and others that did not share their particular views. Next, who would it have been? Lutherns?? Reformed??

Nevada as a whole has NOT proved to me or the majority of voting National Committee members that they were outside the Party. Only Hansen and possibly, his sister Janine. National Party Chairman Jim Clymer has already publicly announced that the National Party will NOT support Chris Hansen's bid for Governor-due to his stance. This sends a message, to the state Party, Hansen and to any/all that are following this debate.

Lofton needs to be clear about HIS standing in the Party. Is he still in it or out?? IF he is in, he really needs to stop smearing his own Party on the air, as it is an internal-family matter. If he is not in the Party, let him say so plainly. Peroutka sounds to be on the fence, hoping that things will resolve itself from within and corrective actions made without further dissension. As Lofton is a paid employee of Peroutka, it sounds to me that TAV needs to re-evaluate itself and its house. Where do they stand?? Lofton states in the beginning of the show (4:22 minutes) that the CP has been largely unsuccessful as a vehicle for Pro-life and Christian issues.

Lofton says this after being a self-proclaimed Republican Party propagandist for many years, even after Howard Phillips (lambasted on TAV forum w/o correction by its hosts) departure from the Party. In 2000, Lofton helped Pat Buchanan run on the Reform Party ticket, a party not nearly as “conservative” or pro-life as the CP. It sounds to me that Lofton still ahs much GOP baggage to rid himself of, as he sounds much like the GOP in that the CP has no chance to achieve, less so without him and Peroutka apparently.

Stay tune for more information, apparently Idaho has voted to stay in the National party.

Scott T. Whiteman Says:
June 8th, 2006 at 1:42 pm

To clarify, I referred to Chris Hansen as a “devil worshiping Mormon,” not a “cultist.”

(from http://thirdpartywatch.com/2006/06/07/our-interview-with-christopher-hansen/#comments).

No matter what anyone feels about Mormonism, is this the olive branch offered to Nevada that Peroutka/Lofton spoke of?? Whitman-also a paid staffer at TAV-is but one example. Again, I have read many of his and other s posts on TAV forum. Also, I have read emails from and to him in which he expresses his view clearly, albeit in lawyers semantics.

RESOLUTION OPPOSING AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL ALIENS
by Constitution Party National Committee
Tampa, Florida
Whereas, there is a powerful movement afoot in Washington, D.C. and across the country to legislate amnesty for millions of illegal aliens residing and working in the United States, and
Whereas little effort has been made to interdict, apprehend, deport, and otherwise prevent the flood of illegal immigrants into the United States, and
Whereas the ongoing wave of illegal immigration constitutes nothing less than a hostile invasion of the United States, encouraged and abetted by foreign political leaders, in Mexico and elsewhere, some of whom have made clear their agenda to reclaim on behalf of the Mexican government territory annexed by the United States after the Mexican War, and
Whereas the invasion of illegal immigrants presents a clear and present danger to the security of the United States, by facilitating traffic in human beings, drugs, and other contraband, and by opening conduits for terrorist infiltration, and
Whereas illegal immigration and residence within the United States constitutes lawlessness of the most flagrant variety;
Be it therefore resolved that the Constitution Party opposes any and all legislation that extends amnesty in any degree or in any form to illegal immigrants, or in any way rewards the millions of illegal aliens in the United States with legal work status, health or other benefits, or any other rights or privileges accorded to American citizens or to foreign nationals traveling or residing legally within the United States.

Chris Campbell, Chairman of the Constitution Party of North Carolina states “while it is our duty to treat all people humanly and within Christian principles, we need to first protect our own citizens- their lives from potential terrorists and hardened criminals-and property, including their financial well being. We need to support those in office, like Ron Paul and Tom Tancredo who are in the minority of Congressman that do understand the meaning of ‘illegal’. We call on Congress and the President to do their duty, per the oath they took to defend the Constitution. If not, we will look for them on election day 2006 and 2008. Defend our borders, our lives and property now”

Well, Tampa in a word was great!!

This was my first National meeting, having to pay for it myself it took some time to get the money to go. I flew down to Tampa early Thursday and spent the day running around and sight seeing.

Friday:

I got to the hotel early and say down. The hotel was beautiful, with a running waterfall and creek through the lobby and buffet area. Within a few moments, I got a chance to meet Rick Jore, who is running again for the seat he was stripped of in 2004. He is in a 2 way race against the Democrat that was awarded his seat.

Rick is a true gentleman, not contesting the ballots that gave him an edge in 2004, unlike his opponent. I advised him this time to contest anything and everything. Later in the day, we passed the hat to fund raise for Rick and other Montana candidates. Rick is still under court order, whereas the courts can still come and take his property for losing a court case he did not even want to be involved in, but under state law, was named regardless.

I got a chance to meet several delegates from the several states and received literature from both the Pro and Anti disaffiliation sides. Though Michael Peroutka, Dr. Chuck Baldwin were in the room later, I never did get a chance to meet them, nor have my picture taken with them.

After a Christian prayer, we began to deliberate on old business. It was suggested that prior to voting on the disaffiliation matter, that both sides would alternate giving talks on the matter, the Pro side led by Mike Chastain (I think he may be a pastor) from Maryland. The Anti side led by AIP Founder Wm. Shearer.

A short summation of the issue at hand. In the last few years, the Mormon church has allowed in rare circumstances abortion, usually in case of rape or life of the mother. Chris Hansen, my counterpart in Nevada, supports the pro-life plank of the Party, but also supports his churches teaching. I have a heated number of exchanges between he and a former leader in the move to disaffiliate Nevada. He is hot headed and states that a child conceived in rape is an “intruder” that can be killed. Suffice to say, I feel he is flat our wrong.

There have been some in the disaffiliation group that have gone beyond the issue and have made statements to the effect that the Party need not include Mormons and Catholics at all. Who next they wish to omit, who knows.

Most on the Pro side, though, are good and decent folks-afraid that this may lead to watering down the platform. They do see the views of the Nevada Chairman as a possible fissure to this end. This issue has been festering for 1 ½ yrs or more now. It was my hope that either Mr. Hansen would step down or that Nevada would elect a replacement less controversial. The Hansen family has been founding members and leaders of the IAP (the Nevada affiliate of the CP) since the early 1970’s. Janine is not only regional Chair, but also founder of Mothers against the Draft.

Both sides were fairly civil and made many good points, especially John Lofton on the Pro side. Peroutka and Baldwin also voted on the Pro side-Peroutka talking briefly. One moment came when a delegate from Idaho threatened to take down all the Anti names and publish those folks as being Pro-Abortion. Largely, his statement went unacknowledged.

This was not an easy decision to make, nor one that I undertook lightly. I feel that Mr. Hansen is wrong on this issue, yet like it or not-that is what he and his church believe in. Further, I could not vote “yes” to disaffiliate a whole state Party on the feelings of a few. Some of the Mormons in attendance felt different from Hansen and pointed out the extensive adoption network of the LDS.

In the end, I voted “No” to kick Nevada out of the Party, voting along with National Chairman Jim Clymer, Past National Chairman and AIP Founder Wm. Shearer and Howard Phillips. Though I need to amend this blog later with the numbers, the Pro side was short around 30+ votes to gain a 2/3 majority. Peroutka, Baldwin and Lofton remained for the rest of the day, not to be seen again at the dinner Friday night or Saturday.

In the Constitution of the Constitution Party, the language is clear-that the National Party can vote to disaffiliate any state party found in opposition to the National platform- by a 2/3 National Committee member vote- or other rules/regulations, but that national can NOT interfere in the state parties operations. I will try to get a copy to webmaster Frisbee for future posting on our site.

It was noted that the emails were fast and furious after the vote. The National Committee decided also to lower the assessment from $2,000 to $1,000. The assessment is what the Party charges the state to help support National. As of the vote, only 3 state parties paid the entire $2,000 (Nevada being one of them), 3 more paying ½ the amount. I voted with the majority in the affirmative on this issue. I was defeated on an amendment, that basically stated that only states that have paid the assessment can propose new legislation and motions. This does NOT affect the voting by states’ National Committee representatives.

Friday Night Dinner:

I sat with Regional Chairman Jack McClain, his wife Lois and the Florida delegation for a dinner buffet and speech by Jim Gilchrist. OF note, Jack and Lois are wonderful folks, there at the beginning of the Party and tireless workers, getting the NJ Party up and going, then Florida after their retirement there. Jack has run for office since. The McClain’s are the folks that send out the info packets for us!

After talking with several members of the National Committee, I had a chance to get some pictures in with Bill Shearer, Howard Phillips and Jim Gilchrist. Jim came with his staff of dedicated Minuteman and women.

If I can, I will try to get a taping of the speech, as video was employed during the convention on a whole. All I can say, is WOW. Gilchrist has certainly polished his public speaking and gave a 1-2 punch to do nothing Congressman and GW Bush. He pulled no punches against politicians, the public and churches that support law breaking “immigrants’. His command of facts was as breathtaking as that of Phillips’. Gilchrist laid out exactly the terrible cost of illegal occupation and I was glad he hit on what VDare.com always harps on, that many in Mexico’ elite want to reconquer the SW USA by forcing the economy down and watering down the American culture. Gilchrist has attracted many Hispanics that are here legally, some here longer than most of us ‘Gringos”.

Many later asked Jim to run on the AIP/CP ticket for President in 2008. Jim may be running for Congress again prior to that. I got chance to talk to Jim for awhile that night and the next day after his brief report. Nice guy, a true gentleman that really takes the time to talk to you, get to know you and is interested. I have a few follow up questions for him that hopefully I can broach w/him in the future.

Saturday:

Most of Sat was tying up loose ends, more meet and greet. We then were treated to a training seminar from Morton Black’s institute. Former Congressman (Tx, district 2- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_House_of_Representatives,_Texas_District_2) Steve Stockman (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Stockman0 was a great speaker, full of good information and humorous. He ran against an incumbent of 42 yrs!!! He was out spent 12-1 and had 1200 volunteers come out to help him. Many were shocked when Steve revealed Brooks’ voting records. Steve ran as a Independent, listed as a Republican. Steve was another Ron Paul, hence the GOP either ignored him or actively worked w/liberal GOP members and Democrats against Steve!! So much for principle!!!.

Some of the members had left, some were protesting the local abortion clinic, most of us were soaking up any tidbit of info to fight the good fight. We had a good speech by a Senatorial candidate for Utah, running on the CP ticket against Orrin Hatch. Several candidates for the CP were there and hopefully, learned much.

Well, I could go on for several more pages, suffice to say I had a great time (can’t I get my credit card bill-not) and met many good people. Many people were unaware that Michael Harrison had moved back to PA and it was good to represent the NC Party and to make sure they know we are here and working to the best of our abilities.

Addendum:
We have yet to see the full fall out from the Nevada vote, I was able to confirm yesterday(5/2) with National Secretary Allison Potter that NY CP voted, prior to the Tampa Convention to leave the CP if Nevada was not booted out of the Party. They have been true to their word and have left 1 day after the end of the Convention.

Some states may follow afterward, some may stay. This is NOT the end to the CP, reorganization of the NY Party is underway and we will continue to move onward and upwards. We have yet to see what Maryland and Idaho do in response to the overwhelming “No” vote.

Supporters and members of the CP of NC, I call and plead with you to get involved. We need leaders in all 100 counties, all regional posts and we desperately need any contributions you can send. July is rolling around again, please send your dues to me or Treasurer Eric Wilson in the amount of $30/yr per person, $45 a couple, I will send you a receipt.

Please note no matter what state does what, the CP is not in decline and were are not going away. We will grow and recapture the Republic. We will press on, we will build. Dear reader, what will YOU do??

(Pictures from the Nov 2005 State convention have been submitted to our webmaster and posting is pending. My pictures from Tampa will be sent to Mike Soon).

By WILLIAM KEESLER
The Dispatch

The only member of the Davidson County state legislative delegation with election opposition this year has escaped it.

Michael Frisbee, the Constitution Party member who announced plans in January to run against state Sen. Stan Bingham, R-Davidson, said he must skip the race because of an out-of-state job transfer.

"I do regret this," said Frisbee, who will move from Thomasville to Kentucky at the end of the month. "I do not believe that any person should run unopposed."

Bingham and he would have had a good debate, he added.

Frisbee, 40, had faced tall odds anyway to qualify for the race. Because the Constitution Party has not qualified for recognition as a political party under N.C. law, Frisbee had to collect signatures of 4,380 voters, 4 percent of the Senate district's 109,500 voters, to get on the ballot as an independent candidate. He said he collected just a few signatures before learning of his transfer to Radcliff, Ky., where he will continue his duties as information systems director with Guardian International Travel.

In announcing his candidacy, he had called for, among other things, legislation to make it easier for third-party candidates to get on ballots.

Frisbee said he will have to give up his positions as western Triad regional director, state public information officer and newly appointed state secretary for the Constitution Party in North Carolina. But he said he plans to remain involved in the party in Kentucky and may run for state Senate there after establishing residency.

Founded in 1992 as the U.S. Taxpayers Party, the Constitution Party contends that the main body of the Republican Party has abandoned conservative principles contained in the U.S. Constitution as well as the Bible.

No party member is waiting in the wings to take his place in the N.C. Senate race, Frisbee said.

Bingham, a four-term senator from south Davidson who also ran unopposed two years ago and has never had Democratic opposition, acknowledged he is not disappointed by Frisbee's withdrawal. Technically, another unaffiliated or third-party candidate could still emerge and run against him, but the signature requirement makes that "a difficult task," he said.

Bingham said he regretted not having a chance to discuss issues with Frisbee. "He indicated he had a lot of ideas about changing things," Bingham said. "I'd like to hear them. Some of them I might agree with."

In the 12-day candidacy filing period that concluded this week, no one from the state's two recognized parties - the Democrats and the Republicans - filed to run against Bingham or the other three members of the county's legislative delegation - state Reps. Hugh Holliman of Lexington, Jerry Dockham of Denton and Larry Brown of Kernersville.

Holliman is a Democrat, and Dockham and Brown are Republicans.