CONSTITUTION
BENTON COUNTY REPUBLICANS
Revised – April 2002
PREAMBLE
The Republicans of Benton County welcome the participation of all county residents who are concerned with the implementation of honest, efficient, and responsive government. The Party believes in the equality of all, as stated in the Declaration of Independence. The Party is committed to equal representation and opportunity for all and the preservation of the rights of each individual. It is the purpose of this constitution to ensure that the party provides for full participation with equal opportunity for all county residents regardless of race, sex, religion, social or economic status. All business is conducted under Robert’s Rules of Order, revised.
ARTICLE I
Name and Purpose
Section 1; The name of this organization shall be the Benton County Republican Party of the State of Minnesota, the basic political organizational unit, hereinafter referred to as the BPOU.
Section 2; The purpose of the BPOU shall be the maintenance and advancement of good government in accordance with the Constitution and laws of the United States and the State of Minnesota and the furtherance of such principles as may, from time to time, be adopted by conventions of the Republican Party.
Section 3; The duties of the BPOU shall include those imposed by law and custom upon official party committees. In addition the BPOU shall:
Article II
Membership
The membership of this BPOU shall be composed of all voters in Benton County who desire to support the objectives and purposes of the Republican Party.
Article III
Management & Structure
Section 1; The management of the BPOU shall rest with the BPOU Executive Committee, subject to the direction of the State Central Committee, the State Executive Committee, the Congressional District Committees in District 6, the BPOU Convention, the State Party Constitution, and applicable state statutes of law.
Section 2; The BPOU full committee shall consist of the BPOU Executive Committee, the precinct Chairman and Associate Chairman, the Chairman and Associate Chairman of each auxiliary group organized in this BPOU, and any special subcommittee Chairman and Associate Chairman at the BPOU Executive Committee’s discretion.
Section 3; The BPOU Executive Committee shall be composed of nine members;
BPOU Chairman, Associate Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and 5 other board members. The State Central Committee delegates will automatically be members of the BPOU Executive Committee.
Section 4; The delegates to the BPOU Convention may elect other officers to the Executive Committee, if said convention deems it necessary. Also, the Executive Committee, at its discretion, may appoint additional voting members.
Section 5; Vacancies in precinct offices may be filled by appointment of the Chairman with approval of the Full Committee or, if so directed, by a caucus of Republicans in the affected precinct. Should a vacancy occur in either the Full or Executive Committees, a replacement may be appointed by the Executive Committee, except if the Executive Committee Chairman becomes vacant, the Associate Chairman shall rise to the Chairman’s position, and the Executive Committee shall appoint a new Associate Chairman. The individual should be nominated at one meeting and voted on at the next stated meeting, and should be present at both meetings. All appointments or removals will be subject to approval by the Full Committee.
Section 6; An officer of either the BPOU Full or Executive Committee may be removed from office by a two-thirds [2/3] vote at any meeting of the affected committee, provided that the officer in question be furnished with a ten [10] day notice, in writing, of the charges involved that warrant removal. The officer in question shall be entitled to respond to these charges before the committee involved, prior to the vote for removal. Absence from two or more consecutive meetings without cause shall make an officer subject to removal.
Section 7; Upon change of residence, resignations, or death of any officer of the Full or Executive Committee, the vacancy shall be filled according to the procedure outlined in Article IV, Section 5.
Article IV
Elections and Duties
Section 1; Precinct officers shall consist of a Chairman and Secretary and any other officers deemed necessary by that precinct. Officers shall be elected to a two-year term at the even-number year general caucus, in compliance with State Statute. In the event a precinct fails to elect any officer at this caucus, the BPOU Executive Committee may appoint individuals to fill any vacancy in the precinct. The precinct officers are responsible for organizing and maintaining the Republican Party within their precinct. Other responsibilities may be delegated as deemed necessary by the Executive or Full Committee. The Chairman is responsible for attending Full Committee meetings on a quarterly basis.
Section 2; The BPOU Executive Committee shall be elected to a two year term by the delegates to the odd-number year BPOU Convention. A majority of the votes cast shall be required for election. The position of Finance Chairman shall be appointed by the Executive Committee. A nomination committee shall be appointed by the BPOU Executive Committee. A nominating committee shall be appointed by the BPOU Executive Committee in advance of the odd-number year BPOU Convention for the purpose of nominating candidates for the various Executive Committee positions. This does not prohibit nominations from the floor. The nominating committee shall consist of a minimum of three members from the Full Committee.
Section 3; Duties of the executive Committee officers shall be as follows:
a. Chairman/Associate Chairman: shall conduct Executive Committee meetings, attend
Congressional District meetings and appoint committees. They are also ex-officio members of
all BPOU committees.
b. Secretary: Shall keep minutes of meetings, be responsible for written correspondence with the
members of the Full Committee, Executive Committee, and delegates and alternates to
Conventions and other correspondence that may be necessary.
c. Treasurer: Shall be responsible for all Party monies, keep financial records, disburse monies as
authorized by the Committee, prepare and submit an annual budget and any other duties
delegated by the Committee.
Article V
Meetings
Section 1; Either operating committee [Full or Executive] shall meet at the call of the Chairman, or at the request of any three members of the committee. However, Executive Committee meetings shall be held at least bimonthly and Full Committee meetings at least quarterly. Five [5] days written notice shall be provided members of either committee. A minimum of five [5] Executive Committee members shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of transacting BPOU business.
Section 2; “Robert’s Rules of Order, Revised” shall govern the proceedings of all meetings of the Full and Executive Committees, subject to such rules as are adopted by the respective caucuses, committees and conventions, and consistent with this document.
Article VI
Conventions
Section 1; BPOU Conventions shall be held each year for the purpose designated by Official Call issued by the BPOU Chairman and Associate Chairman upon approval of a two-third [2/3] majority vote of the Executive Committee.
a. The Call shall be sent by the Secretary to the delegates and alternates at least ten [10] days prior
to the convention.
b. The Chairman and Associate Chairman shall appoint the Rules, Resolutions, Credentials,
and other such committees as may be deemed necessary.
c. A Convention shall be comprised of delegates and alternates elected at precinct caucuses. The
Credentials Committee shall seat all duly elected delegates of each precinct who are in
attendance and present their credentials. In the event no delegates are present from a precinct,
the Credentials Committee shall seat all accredited alternates from that precinct. In the event
there are both delegates and alternates present, the Credentials Committee shall seat only the
delegates. Vacancies shall be filled as follows:
1. Seating of Alternates: Precincts shall caucus after acceptance of the temporary report
of the Credentials Committee. If the Chairman of the precinct is not present, the seated
delegates shall first elect a temporary Chairman and then proceed to fill the vacancies
with the alternates in the order ranked during the election of alternates at the precinct
caucuses.
2. Late arrival of delegates: If a delegate shall arrive late, that delegate shall be seated and
replace the lowest ranking alternate who was seated.
3. Cross seating: No Cross-seating shall be allowed. If there are no elected delegates or
Alternates present from a precinct or a vacancy exists which cannot be filled with a
Delegate or alternate, the vacancy will remain.
d. Biennial Business: Even number year Conventions shall be called for the purpose of electing
delegates and alternates to district and state conventions. The odd-number year Conventions
shall be called for the purpose of electing officers for the Executive Committee and making
any changes necessary in the BPOU Constitution.
Section 2; Special Conventions: Special Conventions may be held at the call of the State Executive or State Central Committee upon the request of the BPOU Chairman, Associate Chairman, or a two-thirds [2/3] vote of the Executive Committee. Three days written notice must be given to all committee members before such a request is made.
Section 3; Endorsing Conventions: Endorsing Conventions may be held at the call of the State Executive or State Central Committee upon the request of the BPOU Chairman or Associate Chairman or a two-thirds [2/3] vote of the Executive Committee. Three days written notice must be given to all committee members before such a request is made.
a. Any endorsement of candidates for public office must receive at least sixty percent [60%]
of the voting strength of the convention as established by the final report of the
Credentials Committee preceding such vote. Voting shall be by secret ballot in
Contested elections.
b. Delegates to Endorsing Conventions shall be the delegates and seated alternates elected
at the precinct caucuses held within the area of which the convention is called.
c. An Endorsing convention may provide a non-binding advisory endorsement to candidates
for district, state or federal office. A sixty percent [60] vote shall be necessary to be
considered an advisory endorsement.
1. The procedures for mailing the Call shall be the same as for other conventions.
Article VII
General Provisions
Section 1; The Benton County BPOU organization is affiliated with the Republican Party of Minnesota, and its activities shall be consistent with their objectives, platforms and principles. The Constitution of the Republican Party of Minnesota shall govern, if any part of this Constitution is not consistent therewith.
Section 2; No member of the BPOU organization shall be authorized to express the views or otherwise speak on behalf of any group within the BPOU on any matters of policy, unless the group has previously considered and taken action on such matters. This shall not be construed to prevent any BPOU official from freely expressing opinions, provided that these opinions are solely personal, and construed as such to the receiving party.
Section 3; The provisions of this Constitution shall be presumed to be incorporated as part of the rules of each BPOU Convention.
Section 4; Nothing in this Constitution shall prohibit any qualified voter to participate in any Republican Party caucus, primary or convention in which otherwise entitled by law to participate.
Article VIII
Amendments
Section 1; A standing Constitutional Committee shall be appointed for the purpose of working on amendments and by-laws to the Constitution. All proposed changes or additions to the constitution must be submitted to this committee, in writing, at least sixty [60] days prior to a regular convention so that proposed changes may be properly written and mailed to the delegates and alternates before that convention.
Section 2; This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds [2/3] majority vote of the delegates and seated alternates present at any regular BPOU Conventions, provided the proposed amendments have been first referred to the duly appointed Constitution Committee and that the proposed amendments have been issued in the official Call as per Article IX, Section 1.
BENTON COUNTY REPUBLICANS
Revised – April 2002
PREAMBLE
The Republicans of Benton County welcome the participation of all county residents who are concerned with the implementation of honest, efficient, and responsive government. The Party believes in the equality of all, as stated in the Declaration of Independence. The Party is committed to equal representation and opportunity for all and the preservation of the rights of each individual. It is the purpose of this constitution to ensure that the party provides for full participation with equal opportunity for all county residents regardless of race, sex, religion, social or economic status. All business is conducted under Robert’s Rules of Order, revised.
ARTICLE I
Name and Purpose
Section 1; The name of this organization shall be the Benton County Republican Party of the State of Minnesota, the basic political organizational unit, hereinafter referred to as the BPOU.
Section 2; The purpose of the BPOU shall be the maintenance and advancement of good government in accordance with the Constitution and laws of the United States and the State of Minnesota and the furtherance of such principles as may, from time to time, be adopted by conventions of the Republican Party.
Section 3; The duties of the BPOU shall include those imposed by law and custom upon official party committees. In addition the BPOU shall:
- Organize an effective and permanent Republican Party committee in each precinct;
- Encourage the formation of auxiliary Republican groups, and cooperate with and coordinate their activities;
- Assist in conducting campaigns for the adoption of laws and for the election of such Republican candidates for public office as have been endorsed by BPOU conventions, or selected at primary elections; and
- Assume the responsibility of receiving and disbursing funds for BPOU activities within Benton County.
Article II
Membership
The membership of this BPOU shall be composed of all voters in Benton County who desire to support the objectives and purposes of the Republican Party.
- Payment of dues shall not be required as a condition of membership.
- Nothing in this constitution shall be construed to deny or abridge the rights of any voter to participate in any party caucus, primary or convention, where he/she is entitled by law to participate.
Article III
Management & Structure
Section 1; The management of the BPOU shall rest with the BPOU Executive Committee, subject to the direction of the State Central Committee, the State Executive Committee, the Congressional District Committees in District 6, the BPOU Convention, the State Party Constitution, and applicable state statutes of law.
Section 2; The BPOU full committee shall consist of the BPOU Executive Committee, the precinct Chairman and Associate Chairman, the Chairman and Associate Chairman of each auxiliary group organized in this BPOU, and any special subcommittee Chairman and Associate Chairman at the BPOU Executive Committee’s discretion.
Section 3; The BPOU Executive Committee shall be composed of nine members;
BPOU Chairman, Associate Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and 5 other board members. The State Central Committee delegates will automatically be members of the BPOU Executive Committee.
Section 4; The delegates to the BPOU Convention may elect other officers to the Executive Committee, if said convention deems it necessary. Also, the Executive Committee, at its discretion, may appoint additional voting members.
Section 5; Vacancies in precinct offices may be filled by appointment of the Chairman with approval of the Full Committee or, if so directed, by a caucus of Republicans in the affected precinct. Should a vacancy occur in either the Full or Executive Committees, a replacement may be appointed by the Executive Committee, except if the Executive Committee Chairman becomes vacant, the Associate Chairman shall rise to the Chairman’s position, and the Executive Committee shall appoint a new Associate Chairman. The individual should be nominated at one meeting and voted on at the next stated meeting, and should be present at both meetings. All appointments or removals will be subject to approval by the Full Committee.
Section 6; An officer of either the BPOU Full or Executive Committee may be removed from office by a two-thirds [2/3] vote at any meeting of the affected committee, provided that the officer in question be furnished with a ten [10] day notice, in writing, of the charges involved that warrant removal. The officer in question shall be entitled to respond to these charges before the committee involved, prior to the vote for removal. Absence from two or more consecutive meetings without cause shall make an officer subject to removal.
Section 7; Upon change of residence, resignations, or death of any officer of the Full or Executive Committee, the vacancy shall be filled according to the procedure outlined in Article IV, Section 5.
Article IV
Elections and Duties
Section 1; Precinct officers shall consist of a Chairman and Secretary and any other officers deemed necessary by that precinct. Officers shall be elected to a two-year term at the even-number year general caucus, in compliance with State Statute. In the event a precinct fails to elect any officer at this caucus, the BPOU Executive Committee may appoint individuals to fill any vacancy in the precinct. The precinct officers are responsible for organizing and maintaining the Republican Party within their precinct. Other responsibilities may be delegated as deemed necessary by the Executive or Full Committee. The Chairman is responsible for attending Full Committee meetings on a quarterly basis.
Section 2; The BPOU Executive Committee shall be elected to a two year term by the delegates to the odd-number year BPOU Convention. A majority of the votes cast shall be required for election. The position of Finance Chairman shall be appointed by the Executive Committee. A nomination committee shall be appointed by the BPOU Executive Committee. A nominating committee shall be appointed by the BPOU Executive Committee in advance of the odd-number year BPOU Convention for the purpose of nominating candidates for the various Executive Committee positions. This does not prohibit nominations from the floor. The nominating committee shall consist of a minimum of three members from the Full Committee.
Section 3; Duties of the executive Committee officers shall be as follows:
a. Chairman/Associate Chairman: shall conduct Executive Committee meetings, attend
Congressional District meetings and appoint committees. They are also ex-officio members of
all BPOU committees.
b. Secretary: Shall keep minutes of meetings, be responsible for written correspondence with the
members of the Full Committee, Executive Committee, and delegates and alternates to
Conventions and other correspondence that may be necessary.
c. Treasurer: Shall be responsible for all Party monies, keep financial records, disburse monies as
authorized by the Committee, prepare and submit an annual budget and any other duties
delegated by the Committee.
Article V
Meetings
Section 1; Either operating committee [Full or Executive] shall meet at the call of the Chairman, or at the request of any three members of the committee. However, Executive Committee meetings shall be held at least bimonthly and Full Committee meetings at least quarterly. Five [5] days written notice shall be provided members of either committee. A minimum of five [5] Executive Committee members shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of transacting BPOU business.
Section 2; “Robert’s Rules of Order, Revised” shall govern the proceedings of all meetings of the Full and Executive Committees, subject to such rules as are adopted by the respective caucuses, committees and conventions, and consistent with this document.
Article VI
Conventions
Section 1; BPOU Conventions shall be held each year for the purpose designated by Official Call issued by the BPOU Chairman and Associate Chairman upon approval of a two-third [2/3] majority vote of the Executive Committee.
a. The Call shall be sent by the Secretary to the delegates and alternates at least ten [10] days prior
to the convention.
b. The Chairman and Associate Chairman shall appoint the Rules, Resolutions, Credentials,
and other such committees as may be deemed necessary.
c. A Convention shall be comprised of delegates and alternates elected at precinct caucuses. The
Credentials Committee shall seat all duly elected delegates of each precinct who are in
attendance and present their credentials. In the event no delegates are present from a precinct,
the Credentials Committee shall seat all accredited alternates from that precinct. In the event
there are both delegates and alternates present, the Credentials Committee shall seat only the
delegates. Vacancies shall be filled as follows:
1. Seating of Alternates: Precincts shall caucus after acceptance of the temporary report
of the Credentials Committee. If the Chairman of the precinct is not present, the seated
delegates shall first elect a temporary Chairman and then proceed to fill the vacancies
with the alternates in the order ranked during the election of alternates at the precinct
caucuses.
2. Late arrival of delegates: If a delegate shall arrive late, that delegate shall be seated and
replace the lowest ranking alternate who was seated.
3. Cross seating: No Cross-seating shall be allowed. If there are no elected delegates or
Alternates present from a precinct or a vacancy exists which cannot be filled with a
Delegate or alternate, the vacancy will remain.
d. Biennial Business: Even number year Conventions shall be called for the purpose of electing
delegates and alternates to district and state conventions. The odd-number year Conventions
shall be called for the purpose of electing officers for the Executive Committee and making
any changes necessary in the BPOU Constitution.
Section 2; Special Conventions: Special Conventions may be held at the call of the State Executive or State Central Committee upon the request of the BPOU Chairman, Associate Chairman, or a two-thirds [2/3] vote of the Executive Committee. Three days written notice must be given to all committee members before such a request is made.
Section 3; Endorsing Conventions: Endorsing Conventions may be held at the call of the State Executive or State Central Committee upon the request of the BPOU Chairman or Associate Chairman or a two-thirds [2/3] vote of the Executive Committee. Three days written notice must be given to all committee members before such a request is made.
a. Any endorsement of candidates for public office must receive at least sixty percent [60%]
of the voting strength of the convention as established by the final report of the
Credentials Committee preceding such vote. Voting shall be by secret ballot in
Contested elections.
b. Delegates to Endorsing Conventions shall be the delegates and seated alternates elected
at the precinct caucuses held within the area of which the convention is called.
c. An Endorsing convention may provide a non-binding advisory endorsement to candidates
for district, state or federal office. A sixty percent [60] vote shall be necessary to be
considered an advisory endorsement.
1. The procedures for mailing the Call shall be the same as for other conventions.
Article VII
General Provisions
Section 1; The Benton County BPOU organization is affiliated with the Republican Party of Minnesota, and its activities shall be consistent with their objectives, platforms and principles. The Constitution of the Republican Party of Minnesota shall govern, if any part of this Constitution is not consistent therewith.
Section 2; No member of the BPOU organization shall be authorized to express the views or otherwise speak on behalf of any group within the BPOU on any matters of policy, unless the group has previously considered and taken action on such matters. This shall not be construed to prevent any BPOU official from freely expressing opinions, provided that these opinions are solely personal, and construed as such to the receiving party.
Section 3; The provisions of this Constitution shall be presumed to be incorporated as part of the rules of each BPOU Convention.
Section 4; Nothing in this Constitution shall prohibit any qualified voter to participate in any Republican Party caucus, primary or convention in which otherwise entitled by law to participate.
Article VIII
Amendments
Section 1; A standing Constitutional Committee shall be appointed for the purpose of working on amendments and by-laws to the Constitution. All proposed changes or additions to the constitution must be submitted to this committee, in writing, at least sixty [60] days prior to a regular convention so that proposed changes may be properly written and mailed to the delegates and alternates before that convention.
Section 2; This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds [2/3] majority vote of the delegates and seated alternates present at any regular BPOU Conventions, provided the proposed amendments have been first referred to the duly appointed Constitution Committee and that the proposed amendments have been issued in the official Call as per Article IX, Section 1.
