THE SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE REPUBLICAN CAUCUS

The Republican party is known to be the “conservative” party. However, the platform will surprise some as to just how conservative it is. Here are just a few of the amendments passed today.
1. The Mexico City Policy - This policy prohibits federal monies from being given to Non-Government Organizations that promote abortion as a method of family planning in other countries.
2. We support a commitment to continued clean-coal production and utilization.
3. We support strengthening our connections with both Canada and Mexico through increased trade and a continued development of our shared values and common purpose.
4. We support sanctions being expanded to all sectors in Iran, not just the energy sector.
5. We support Jerusalem being an undivided city and the capitol of Israel.
These are just a few examples that illustrate the committee’s commitment to conservative principles.

The convention begins next week and I expect it will demonstrate to the American people the level of enthusiasm that Republicans are experiencing nationwide about the conservative platform. The energy and excitement of the convention will also show the delight with which the McCain campaign is embracing these conservative principles.

The platform developed for 2008 is truly a grassroots-driven platform. The Republican Party conducted an extensive online effort to reach out to the American people and get their input on platform issues. This year’s platform has been significantly reduced from previous years. The working draft of the platform is 48 pages, whereas in years past it has grown to more than 100.

The platform is an easy to understand and readable document that outlines the core values of the Republican Party. You can find a link to the 2008 working draft of the platform draft by clicking here.

I’ll have more updates soon as we head into the convention.
Senator Mike Fair

If a proposal by the S.C. Budget and Control Board that’s endorsed by Gov. Mark Sanford and state Sen. Hugh Leatherman of Florence is approved, state employees who smoke may have to pay more for health insurance.

Starting in 2010, workers covered by state health plans and HMOs who use tobacco products — or have family members on their policies who do — would be charged an additional $25 a month. The surcharge could affect tens of thousands of employees and save the state millions, according to the S.C. Budget and Control Board.

Sanford said those who choose to smoke should shoulder more of the burden of caring for ailing tobacco users. (more…)

The RNC released the official list of those serving on the PLATFORM COMMITTEE today. As I mentioned yesterday, I am the Co-Chair for the “Protecting Our Families, Preserving Our Values Subcommittee.” The subcommittee is being Chaired by Pennsylvania State Senator Jane Orie. She serves the 40th Senatorial District in Pennsylvania.

Just to give you an idea of how the process works. The PLATFORM COMMITTEE will produce the overall PLATFORM for 2008. Each subcommittee has the responsibility of producing resolutions that will be adopted to make up the PLATFORM. C-SPAN2 carried some of the committee hearings live.

U.S. Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) is the PLATFORM Committee Co-Chairman. I had a chance to speak with him earlier today, and he was kind enough to pose for the photo above.

One thing I have noticed is a growing enthusiasm among those working on the PLATFORM committee and it is spreading through everyone here. It seems that we are building momentum at a good time, as we head into the convention.

Here are a couple of highlights from the subcommittee’s work. I think most socially conservative Republicans will be pleased with the direction the PLATFORM is heading. A few topics discussed during the subcommittee included: law enforcement, rights of religious people in the market place, sanctity of human life and traditional marriage. We also had a couple of notable conservative Constitutional lawyers on our subcommittee: Jim Bopp from Indiana and Kelly Shackleford from Texas. We were very fortunate to have such a strong subcommittee.

I will say I personally feel the statements concerning the sanctity of human life are stronger than they have been in the past.

Overall, I think the work from our subcommittee will be well received by Republicans everywhere.

Look for more updates later.

Senator Mike Fair

Welcome to a behind the scenes blog about the Republican National Convention. For most of the world the convention will start on September 1st, when the major networks begin their broadcast coverage, but in reality committee work begins this week (Monday, August 25), and I will be serving on the Platform Committee. In fact, I am a Co-Chair on the Protecting Families and Values sub-committee. I also served on the Platform Committee in 2004.

I am just now arriving in Minneapolis - St. Paul. My wife, Judy, and I are attending our 5th Republican National Convention.

In the days ahead I will try to keep you informed about the work being done by the committee and next week I will continue my convention blog with personal stories and views from the convention.

Unitl next time -
Senator Mike Fair