Franklin County Republicans rally behind Ted Cruz
An all-star cast of Franklin County Republicans will represent local voters when the state convention pulls into Pasco in May.
Former U.S. Rep. Doc Hastings, Franklin County Auditor Matt Beaton, Franklin County Prosecutor Shawn Sant and Franklin County Commissioner Brad Peck will be part of the delegate contingent to the state convention, which will be held May 19-21 at Pasco’s TRAC.
Almost 100 of the party faithful spent Saturday morning at Columbia Basin College taking care of the grassroots business — choosing 15 delegates and 15 alternates to voice Franklin County’s views at the state convention. The Washington GOP will bring 1,500 delegates and 1,500 alternatives to Pasco to discuss party priorities.
Most prospective delegates for Franklin County said they support Ted Cruz for the Republican nomination, but vowed to unite behind whomever emerges as the GOP nominee for president.
David Purdy, an electrical engineer and Washington State University Tri-Cities graduate, was an exception. Purdy was selected to represent Franklin County after indicating he’s leaning toward Donald Trump, though he hopes Trump will moderate his rhetoric before the general election.
“I like how his kids turned out,” Purdy said.
Delegate Steve Christensen, a 15-year Pasco resident, echoed the majority when he said he wants to preserve what he loves about America.
“We live in a great country. Ted Cruz will help us preserve that,” he said.
Benton County Republicans will conduct similar business when they conduct their county convention March 26 at the Red Lion at Columbia Center.
Washington’s May 16 presidential primary will be conducted by mail. Results are binding on the Republican party, meaning the state’s 44 delegates to the 2016 Republican National Convention will be apportioned to the surviving candidates according to the election results. The convention will be held July 18 to 21 in Cleveland.
Washington’s Democratic Party is treating primary results as advisory. It will choose its national candidate at its state convention.
This story was originally published March 19, 2016 at 8:12 PM with the headline "Franklin County Republicans rally behind Ted Cruz."