Republicans Try To Reverse Downward Trend At Burlingame Convention
BURLINGAME (KCBS) – California Republicans are holding their spring convention this weekend in Burlingame, with the party looking to turn things around in 2012.
GOP leaders said they remain optimistic despite a dwindling membership and no success in winning statewide elections.
Tom Del Beccaro, chairman of the California Republican Party, is convinced his party-building efforts will bear fruit.
"Over the next decade, the Republican Party is going to grow in this state. The Democrats have fallen flat on their face," said Del Beccaro. "They're in charge of everything and they're running out of money."
Delegate Marleia Sire from Napa said she hopes things have hit bottom for the California GOP.
"How could they get any worse? There's nowhere to go but up," she said.
Del Beccaro's trying to move away from social issues but delegates are considering a red meat conservative party platform, with a surge of support for Rick Santorum for president.
KCBS' Doug Sovern Reports:
Del Beccaro said that when it's time to campaign for California's June primary, the economy will be the number one issue for the remaining presidential contenders.
"These candidates need to connect their policies to everyday people and how they're going to help them," he said. "And the guy who does that and jumps ahead is the guy who is going to wind up being the nominee."
On tap for Saturday is a luncheon address by presidential candidate Newt Gingrich and the likely appearance of another former GOP presidential candidate Herman Cain.
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