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As CRA Prepares to Celebrate, Candidates Battle for CRA’s Coveted Endorsement

Voters were ready for a change.   A landslide election brought to fruition all the dire predictions of the Republican Party. The bureaucracy grew as America became socialized as never before.

Sound familiar? That was the scene in 1932, and it set the stage for two men who were destined to meet and change the political history of the state of California.

The result of there efforts was the incorporation of the California Republican Assembly on July 12, 1935.

Seventy-five years later, delegates from throughout California will converge on the Knott’s Berry Farm Resort Hotel March 5-7 for the 75th Anniversary Gala Celebration and Endorsing Convention.

“This is a very exciting and unique situation,” said Ken Mettler, President of the CRA. “Not only will we be celebrating CRA’s anniversary, but we will also be conducting an endorsing convention and election of CRA officers. It’s quite an agenda.”

The action packed weekend will feature both major candidates for Governor – Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner and Meg Whitman – and the major candidates for U.S. Senate – Assemblyman Chuck DeVore, Carly Fiorina and Tom Campbell. In addition, delegates will hear from candidates for other statewide offices and the Board of Equalization.

“The fact that all the major candidates are actively campaigning for the CRA endorsement is further
testimony to the important role CRA plays in the state,” Mettler added.

Candidates must receive the votes of two-thirds of CRA delegates in order to be endorsed. CRA’s endorsement vote is scheduled for the Sunday afternoon session with candidate speeches slated for Saturday.

Also on tap for CRA delegates is the election of CRA officers. Five Vice President positions are up for election.

Convention organizers have been busy putting together an informative and fun-packed weekend. Friday night’s dinner banquet will feature an “all star” conservative panel discussing prospects for conservative victories in 2010.

Saturday’s “Congressional Luncheon” will feature Congressmen Dana Rohrbacher and Ed Royce, and entertainment by comedian Eric Golub.

The highlight of the convention will be the Saturday night 75th Anniversary Gala Celebration. This black-tie optional event will feature music, entertainment and surprise celebrity guests. You don’t want to miss this event.

The celebration will be followed by a first-ever Conservative Youth Celebration with DJ and Dancing ‘til midnight.

Finally on Sunday, prior to delegates getting down to convention business, the Prayer Breakfast will feature Pastor Jim Garlow.

Early bird registration packages are available for CRA members until February 8th. In addition, discounted admission to Knott’s Berry Farm is available through February 22nd.

A registration form can be found here or you can register online at www.californiarepublicanassembly.com.