Why a State Convention is Necessary

When Ohio became a state, its political parties had State Conventions. It was just the way things were done. However, by the end of the 1920s, elitists had thoroughly taken over the parties, and Ohio's Parties had very few State Conventions. By the 1950s, Ohioans had enough of the political parties not representing them and engineering elections during the primary - to push out popular candidates in favor of candidates that would do the bidding of special interest groups. It was then codified into law that State Central Committees would be managed by a State Convention. However, by the 1980s, elitists once again gained the upper hand and changed the law to make the State Convention optional. Once the State Convention was made optional - both the Democrat and Republican Parties have never had State Conventions since.

Party politics on a State Convention tends to swing like a pendulum. When the State Central Committee is responsive and effective - few people see the need to have a Convention. When the State Central Committee becomes unresponsive, is ineffective in passing policies near and dear to Republicans, and starts making backroom deals to disenfranchise legitimate candidates - then Republicans clamor for a State Convention. The history of State Conventions has ping-ponged back and forth in other States as well as in Ohio.

At a State Convention, the State Platform is decided upon, the bylaws that govern the State Central Committee can be changed or amended, and endorsements for candidates can be made. The Convention is also a time to take polls and surveys of attendees and to watch great Republican speakers. Finally, if done correctly, the State Central Committee is a massive gathering and a tremendous fundraiser for the Party.