ACRP Standing Rules
Permanent Standing Rules
Atascosa County Republican Party
Rule No. 1
Standing Rules relate to the details of the administration of meetings of the Atascosa County Republican Party Executive Committee, herein known as CEC. Additional supplemental rules may be adopted by majority vote and at any meeting of the CEC without previous notice, provided new rules do not conflict with or amend any existing rules. The Standing Rules may be suspended or amended by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present and voting at any meeting of the CEC without previous notice.
Rule No. 2
The Constitution and Statutes of the United States and the State of Texas, the General Rules of the Republican Party of Texas, the Bylaws of the Atascosa County Republican Party (ACRP), and these Standing Rules shall govern the proceedings of the Executive Committee and its subcommittees. The current edition of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised shall be the parliamentary authority insofar as it is applicable and not inconsistent with the Constitutions and Statutes, Party Rules, ACRP Bylaws, or the Rules herein set forth.
Rule No. 3
A resolution or a motion no longer than a fifty word sentence should be prepared in advance of the meeting and should be put in writing before it is offered. It is recommended that the text of the motion be delivered to the Secretary prior to the meeting. The text of the motion shall be presented to the body in a manner clearly visible to all members.
Rule No. 4
To address the assembly, to make a motion, and when specking in debate, a member must obtain the floor. After being recognized by the Chair and before otherwise addressing the body, the member shall state the members name, precinct, and the purpose for which he/she sought recognition.
Rule No. 5
Debate on any motion or resolution shall be limited to three (3) speakers in favor, and alternate with three (3) speakers against, with each speaker limited to two (2) minutes each. Additionally, no speaker shall speak more than once on the same motion. Debate may be extended by majority vote of the body.
For the presiding chair to participate in debate, the presiding officer shall relinquish the chair to the highest-ranking officer present. The presiding officer who relinquished the chair then should not return to it until the pending main question has been disposed of.
Rule No. 6
The method of taking the vote shall be determined by the Chairman unless there is an objection.
Rule No. 7
When a member has the floor, that member shall address all questions, comments, and motions to the Chair.
Rule No. 8
All materials printed or otherwise, officially distributed to the public by the ACRP or by the CEC shall be approved by the Chairman and the CEC prior to distribution except for material distributed at a meeting by a committee appointed by the Chairman.
Rule No. 9
CEC members and guests may photograph, record, and/or stream the proceedings of any Executive Meeting of the ACRP or its committees not held in executive session.
Rule No. 10
The officers, members, and guests shall maintain decorum during the proceedings of all meetings.
Rule No. 11
To avoid lengthy delays in the voting process, votes may be taken in person, by text or email. Vote tally will be annotated on the appropriate accountant tracking sheet. All expenditures from the ACRP Political Action Account or Operating Account in the amount of $500 or more require CEC approval, except for contracts currently in place that do not require any additional approval. All expenditures less than $500 may be approved by a simple majority vote of the ACRP Finance Committee.
Rule No. 12
Standing Rule: Endorsement of a Republican Candidate in a Contested Primary
Objective
The purpose of this standing rule is to establish clear guidelines and procedures for the endorsement of a Republican candidate in a contested primary, ensuring that such endorsements are conducted in a fair, transparent, and democratic manner.
Eligibility and Criteria
Candidate Eligibility
· Candidates must have formally declared their candidacy for the primary election.
Endorsement Criteria
· Alignment with the core values and principles of the Republican Party.
· Proven track record of public service and leadership
· Viability as a candidate based on polling data, fundraising, and grassroots support.
· Commitment to upholding the party platform and working towards its goals, including participation in party functions.
Endorsement Process
Nomination
· Any member of the County Executive Committee of the Atascosa County Republican Party (CEC) may nominate a candidate for endorsement.
· Nominations must be submitted in writing to the appropriate party committee by a specified deadline.
Review and Evaluation
· The party committee will review all nominated candidates and evaluate them based on the established criteria.
· Interviews and debates may be conducted to assess the candidates' positions and qualifications.
Voting
· Recommended endorsements will be presented to the body upon a majority vote of the party committee or a designated endorsement subcommittee.
· A supermajority, 60%, of the CEC is required for an endorsement to be granted.
· Voting may be conducted through a secret ballot to ensure confidentiality and impartiality.
Announcement and Communication
· Endorsements will be officially announced through a press release and communicated to party members and the public.
· The endorsed candidate will receive support from the party in terms of resources, campaign assistance, and promotional efforts.
Re-Evaluation and Revocation
Re-Evaluation
· The party committee reserves the right to re-evaluate endorsements if new information or circumstances arise that may impact the candidate's suitability.
Revocation
· Endorsements may be revoked by a supermajority vote, 60%, of the CEC if the candidate no longer meets the endorsement criteria or violates party principles.
Conclusion
This standing rule is designed to promote unity and strength within the Republican Party by ensuring that endorsed candidates are well-aligned with party values and have a strong chance of success in the primary election. By adhering to these guidelines, the party aims to support candidates who will effectively represent Republican interests and work towards the betterment of the community, state, and nation.