Osmer Explains Vote In Favor Of 2016 Primary, Favors Study Of Other Options

First District Chairman Jesse Osmer, left, with Herm Cain

By Brandon Hall
(Email him at WestMiPolitics@Gmail.com

1st District GOP Chairman Jesse Osmer issued a statement Sunday evening explaining some of his votes at this weekend's MIGOP State Committee meeting. Osmer voted in favor of the March 8th 2016 primary, while also pushing to study other more closed options for future implementation.

"I voted for a study committee to look at the process, because frankly, there is a big difference between the options offered," Osmer wrote. "This is not a simple amendment change, this is a complete rewrite of the rules. (Had an amendment been offered, it would have been easier to investigate, and vote on, but a scorched earth approach to our process is off the table as far as I'm concerned."

Osmer also explains a little bit about how the process played out...

Osmer's full statement:

First District Republicans:

I've had two emails asking about the events that happened, and my votes this past Saturday morning in Charlevoix. During State Committee, I voted against the motion to rescind the rules currently placed for our Presidential Primary, here in Michigan. A few quick notes, for those interested in my reasoning:

1. As a member of the Policy Committee, I voted against the motion to rescind the rules, (it was later offered again during the general session), however at that same meeting I seconded the motion to create a subcommittee to investigate other options to replace our current process. This would allow us time to seriously study the many different options that have been offered, such as Caucus, Convention, Closed Primary, Modified Closed Primary, and Open Primary, to name a few. (The vote in favor to table the motion to rescind was 10-4)

2. Later that morning, during the general session, I voted a second time against rescinding the rules. This is due to the fact that I just voted to create a subcommittee to investigate the many different options and recommendations. (The vote to accept McMillan's proposal was 23 in favor, out of 110 possible votes, with 2/3 needed to pass)

I will be happy to further defend my votes with anyone, simply give me a call or email me. I am traveling tomorrow morning, but will be available during the week after normal business hours.

Additionally, did you know that rescinding the rules would not only change our process, but may also affect our conventions? Some very influential individuals who are pushing to rescind the rules, have also suggested removing the modified until rule system? I would hope that you would agree, that with our weather, and the slim chances of a winter convention taking place in Copper Country, it would destroy our standing in the State at future conventions.

Furthermore, I voted for a study committee to look at the process, because frankly, there is a big difference between the options offered. This is not a simple amendment change, this is a complete rewrite of the rules. (Had an amendment been offered, it would have been easier to investigate, and vote on, but a scorched earth approach to our process is off the table as far as I'm concerned.

I hope this clears up any confusion. I look forward to speaking with you should you have additional questions.

__________________________________________________________
Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.

>>>Email him at WestMiPolitics@Gmail.com 

Facebook

Twitter

Photo By Darlene Dowling Thompson