The Constitution of the Republican Party of St. Croix County

Approved by We The People of St. Croix County, Wisconsin

“ We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness – That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed – That whenever any form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute a new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.” (Declaration of Independence)

“ The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government.” (Article IV – United States Constitution)

“ The blessings of a free government can only be maintained by a firm adherence to justice, moderation, temperance, frugality and virtue, and by frequent recurrence of fundamental principles.” (Article I – Wisconsin Constitution)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Constitution Committee Report – Pg 1
Cover Page – Pg 2
Table of Contents – Pg 3

Preamble – We the People of St. Croix County – Constitution – Pg 4, Bylaws – Pg 12

Article I – Name – Constitution – Pg 4, Bylaws – Pg 12

Article II – Purpose – Constitution – Pg 4, Bylaws – Pg 12

Article III – Membership – Constitution – Pg 4, Bylaws – Pg 12

Article IV – Officers And Executive Board – Constitution -Pg 5, Bylaws – Pg 13

Article V – Committees – Constitution – Pg 8, Bylaws – Pg 14

Article VI – Caucuses And Meetings – Constitution – Pg 9, Bylaws – Pg 17

Article VII – Quorum – Constitution – Pg 10, Bylaws – Pg 18

Article VIII – Parliamentary Authority – Constitution – Pg 10, Bylaws – Pg 18

Article IX – Bylaws – Constitution -Pg 11, Bylaws – Pg 18

Article X – Interpretation – Constitution -Pg 11, Bylaws – Pg 18

Article XI – Amendments – Constitution – Pg 11, Bylaws – Pg 19

Article XII – Superseding Governance – Constitution – Pg 11, Bylaws – Pg 19

The Constitution of The Republican Party of St. Croix County Wisconsin

PREAMBLE

We the People of the Republican Party of St. Croix County pledge to uphold the timeless truths and Godly principles enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, and the Wisconsin Constitution, on which our Nation, State, and Party were founded and have flourished. Therefore, “We, the people of Wisconsin, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings, form a more perfect government, ensure domestic tranquility, and promote the general welfare, do establish this Constitution” *for the Republican Party of St. Croix County.
*Preamble to the Wisconsin Constitution

ARTICLE I – NAME

The name of this organization shall be “REPUBLICAN PARTY OF ST. CROIX COUNTY,” hereafter referred to as RPSCC.

ARTICLE II – PURPOSE

The purpose of this organization shall be:

1) To correlate and unify the activities of the RPSCC under one central organization

2) To honorably advance godly values and fundamental Republican Party principles and policies.

3) To cooperate and assist in all local, county, state, and national elections as a voluntary grassroots organization.

4) To preserve a Republican Form of Government as guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States and State of Wisconsin.

5) To direct, manage, supervise and control the business, property and funds of the RPSCC in a fiscally responsible way.

ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP

Section 1: General Membership

Membership in this organization is open to all citizens of voting age who attest to the above
objectives, purposes, values and principles of the RPSCC.

1) Qualified voting members are Members in Good Standing who reside in St. Croix County.

2) Members in Good Standing are individuals whose applications have been approved by the Executive Board.

3) New member dues must be paid or postmarked at least fifteen (15) days prior to any meeting or caucus in order to vote.

4) Members in Good Standing of the previous calendar year may renew membership at caucus prior to the meeting being called to order.

5) No one may become a Member in Good Standing if they hold a membership in another political party or committee registered with any Federal, State, or other governing body for elections.

6) The Executive Board shall determine categories of membership in coordination with the Membership Committee.

7) The term of membership is one calendar year.

8) Non-refundable dues shall be assessed to each member annually.

Section 2: Removal and Reinstatement

The Executive Board may, by a two-thirds vote, remove an individual Member for good cause. Written Calls for Removal from two Executive Board members must be presented to the Executive Board, and the Member shall have the opportunity to be heard at a meeting, open to the membership, at which removal is to be considered. Removal is for a time period of not less than one (1) year from the date of removal, after which the removed individual may be reinstated by a two-thirds vote of the Executive Board.

Section 3: Code of Conduct

Members of the RPSCC are expected to:

1) Conduct themselves in an impartial and professional manner, particularly when representing the RPSCC

2) Demonstrate respectful language and demeanor at all times

3) Demonstrate professional and business-like conduct during public, formal, and social gatherings.

4) Practice the “Golden Rule,” doing to others as you would have them do to you.

ARTICLE IV – OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE BOARD

Section 1: Elected Officers

The elected officers of this organization shall be the following:
● Chairman
● First Vice-Chairman
● Second Vice-Chairman
● Secretary
● Treasurer

Section 2: Executive Board

The Executive Board shall maintain nine (9) members, consisting of the elected Officers and members at large.

Section 3: Compensation

All Executive Board members shall serve without compensation, with the exception of approved compensation for mileage, lodging, and meals according to current state employee rates. If an Executive Board member ever elects to run for office, reimbursement for campaign expenses will not be allowed. The Chairman with the Executive Board shall determine compensation for full, part-time, or temporary employees, or contracted services.

Section 4: Duties of Officers

A. Chairman

The Chairman shall:

1) Serve as Chief Executive Officer of the Executive Board, and as such, preside at all meetings of the Membership, Executive Board, and Caucuses.

2) Prepare and present an agenda to the Executive Board at least seven (7) days prior to an executive meeting or caucus.

3) Supervise activities of the RPSCC under the direction of the Executive Board and shall report such activities to the members.

4) Be an ex-officio non-voting member of all standing and appointed committees, but shall not be a member of the Executive Board Nominating Committee.

5) Make any authorized purchases in the absence of the Treasurer.

B. First Vice-Chairman

The First Vice-Chairman shall:

1) In the absence of the Chairman, temporarily perform the duties of the Chairman as described.

2) Serve as Executive Board representative on the Finance Standing Committee.

3) Serve on the nominating committee for County Caucus and delegates.

C. Second Vice-Chairman

The Second Vice-Chairman shall:

1) In the absence of the Chairman and First Vice-Chair, temporarily perform the duties of both until one or both are able to resume their respective duties or until replacements are appointed or elected.

2) Serve as the Executive Board representative on the Elections Standing Committee.

D. Secretary

The Secretary shall:
1) Maintain a current roster of the Executive Board and all membership lists from the Treasurer.

2) Record, publish, and present the minutes of all meetings and caucuses to the Executive Board.

3) Be the custodian of all records of the party

4) Serve as the Executive Board representative on the Public Relations Committee.

E. Treasurer:

The Treasurer shall:
1) Keep an accurate account of all money received and deposit such funds into the appropriate account prior to each monthly meeting.

2) Pay all invoices within the specified amount of time.

3) Maintain a list of all current paid members and provide a copy to the Secretary and Membership Committee.

4) Keep an accurate and current record of all expenditures by expense category.

5) Present a detailed and transparent financial statement at each Executive Board meeting and County Caucus.

6) File all proper reports with Campaign Finance as required by law and confirm completion with the First Vice Chair.

Section 5: Duties of the Executive Board

All members of the Executive Board shall adhere to the Code of conduct in Article III, Section 3.

All members of the Executive Board shall be expected to:

1) Attend all meetings of the Membership, Executive Board, and assigned Committees as scheduled, with absences only on rare and unavoidable occasions.

2) Perform duties as defined in this Constitution and Bylaws.

3) Honorably represent and support the expressed will and direction of the Executive Board.

The Executive Board shall:

1) Have authority to transact business between caucuses or meetings.

2) Make recommendations as to the policies of the party.

3) Advise the Chairman.

4) Approve vacancies that occur between elections pursuant to Article IV, Section 8.

5) Oversee the delegate selection process to ensure that a full slate of delegates and alternates attend District Caucuses and State Conventions.

6) Formulate policies governing its actions in matters not provided for in this Constitution or By-Laws.

7) Provide means and resources to maintain, preserve and store all RPSCC related materials and records in the appropriate physical or electronic formats

8) Perform other duties as needed.

Section 6: Term of Office

The term of office for the elected Officers and Executive Board members shall be two (2) years commencing in the odd-numbered years.

Officers may serve two (2) consecutive two (2)-year terms, after which they must take a leave of office for one (1) two (2)-year term before being eligible to serve again as an officer.

The term shall begin following the adjournment of the RPSCC County Caucus at which they were elected, and shall continue until their successors are elected.

In the event of an unfillable vacancy, an officer having just completed two consecutive terms may be eligible to serve an additional term.

Section 7: Removal

The Executive Board may, by a two-thirds vote, remove an Executive Board Member for failure to adhere to the Code of Conduct, failure to fulfill the duties and expectations of their office, or other actions detrimental to the RPSCC. Written Calls for Removal from two Executive Board members must be presented to the Executive Board, and the Member shall have the opportunity to be heard at a meeting, open to the membership, at which removal is to be considered. A removed individual may not be reinstated to the Executive Board and is not eligible for reelection but may maintain member status in the RPSCC.

Section 8: Vacancies

In the event of a vacancy on the Executive Board, the Chairman shall, subject to the approval of the Executive Board, appoint a successor to serve the balance of the term of the vacant position.

Section 9: Election of Officers

Officers and elected members of the Executive Board shall be elected in a duly constituted RPSCC County Caucus or meeting prior to April 1st.

ARTICLE V – COMMITTEES

Section 1: Standing Committees

The Standing Committees shall be the following:
● Campaigns & Elections
● Events
● Finance
● Membership
● Public Relations

The Executive Board and its officers shall be responsible to ensure that all Committee functions and activities are carried out and will be responsible for all party functions and activities not assigned to
any committee.

A. The Campaign & Elections Committee
The Campaign and Elections Committee shall work to educate voters and promote conservative Republican candidates for elected office, and recruit, train and support local conservative candidates who attest to the platform of the RPW and RPSCC.

B. The Events Committee
The Events Committee shall work to plan, coordinate, and execute all RPSCC hosted events as directed by the Executive Board.

C. The Finance Committee
The Finance Committee shall work to oversee and assist with all financial matters of the RPSCC to ensure that all financial transactions are performed and records are kept in an accurate and ethical manner.

D. The Membership Committee
The Membership Committee shall coordinate volunteer activities and work to develop and execute programs that will promote, increase, and retain membership of the RPSCC.

E. The Public Relations Committee
The Public Relations Committee shall work to oversee and facilitate the creation and distribution of all forms of media communications and promotional means of the RPSCC as may be requested by the Executive Board.

Section 2: Special Committees

A. The Executive Board Nominating Committee
The Executive Board Nominating Committee shall solicit and nominate qualified Members in Good Standing with appropriate skills and abilities to serve in leadership positions on the Executive Board.

Efforts shall be made to nominate members representing various geographic areas of the county.

B. The Delegate Nominating Committee
The Delegate Nominating Committee shall solicit and nominate qualified Members in Good Standing to be eligible delegates and alternates to attend each District Caucus and State Convention.

C. Special Committees
The Chairman, with the consent of the Executive Board, may establish such other special or temporary committees as deemed necessary.

ARTICLE VI – CAUCUSES AND MEETINGS

Section 1: Call to Caucus

At the call of the Chairman or at the direction of the Executive Board or upon petition of twenty-five (25) Members in Good Standing, Caucuses and Meetings shall be held upon proper notice pursuant to Article VI, Section 2. Such a petition shall state the exact purpose of the Caucus or meeting.

Section 2: Caucuses

A. A regular annual County Caucus shall be held prior to April 1st of each year, at which time delegates and alternates shall be elected to attend the District Caucus and State Convention. In odd-numbered years, election of officers and the Executive Board shall be held.

B. A County Caucus or Special Membership Meeting shall be called and advertised in at least two (2) editions of a local paper in the county with final publication prior to the caucus. The Chairman shall notify members via regular mail and electronic / internet communication systems, at least twenty (20) days prior to the Caucus.

C. Where there is only one candidate for an office, an election may be held by voice vote. Only members as defined in Article III are allowed to vote. The candidate with the majority of votes shall be elected.

D. Where more than one candidate is nominated for an office, election will be by written ballot. Only members as defined in Article III are allowed to vote. The candidate with the majority of votes shall be elected.

Section 3:  Meetings of the Executive Board.

A. The Executive Board shall hold open monthly meetings at times and varying locations around the county when possible as determined by the Executive Board. Meeting times and locations shall be made available to the membership in advance on the party website in order to facilitate and encourage member attendance.

B. Special meetings of the Executive Board may be called by the Chairman or by written notice by five (5) members of the Executive Board. A notice stating the purpose for the meeting shall be sent to all members of the Executive Board and general membership and posted on the website.

C. Meeting in closed session shall be prohibited, except in rare cases to protect the identity or reputation of individuals, and is subject to the provisions stated above.

D. A quorum, consisting of a majority of members, shall be required to meet in person to conduct business for all Regular and Special Meetings of the Executive Board. Individual members may attend by electronic means such as telephone or video conference, subject to the following requirements:

1) Once electronic communication has been established, the remote member(s) shall be assumed present until the meeting is adjourned.

2) The technology used for electronic meetings by remote member(s) shall allow for full participation in all meeting transactions.

3) A majority of the quorum shall be the minimum vote requirement for the passage of any motion, with a roll call being required upon request of any member participating in the meeting.

Section 4: Meetings of the General membership

Meetings of the general membership shall be held quarterly. The purpose of general membership meetings shall be to inform the general membership of the actions of the Executive Board, provide a forum for appropriate speakers and presentations, provide feedback from the general membership to the Executive Board, and to generate publicity.

Section 5: Proxy vote

Voting by proxy shall be prohibited at any regular or special party Caucus or Executive Board meeting.

Section 6: Resolutions

Resolutions, outside of a regular Caucus or Meeting of the Membership, may be brought before any regular or special meeting of the Executive Board by any Member in Good Standing, and its full text must be submitted at least seven (7) days before the meeting. The person(s) submitting the resolution shall present it to the Executive Board and may request an immediate vote on passage. The full text of the Resolution shall be recorded in the Minutes and distributed as directed by the Executive Board.

ARTICLE VII – QUORUM

Section 1: Caucus Quorum

A quorum for a Caucus or Special Meeting of the Membership of the RPSCC shall be a number equal to twenty-five (25) percent of the number of authorized delegates of St. Croix County to the previous State Convention, and in no instance less than ten (10) members.

Section 2: Executive Board Quorum

A quorum for a meeting of the Executive Board shall be a majority of the Executive Board.

ARTICLE VIII – PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

Section 1: Rules of Order

“Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised” or a more current edition, if available, shall govern all proceedings except where inconsistent with the Constitution of the RPSCC.

ARTICLE IX – BYLAWS

Section 1: Bylaws

Bylaws, as part of the official Constitution, may be adopted in accordance with this Constitution by a two-thirds majority vote of the members present at any duly called County Caucus, or Regular or Special Meeting of the Membership, according to Article VI, section 2B.

ARTICLE X – INTERPRETATION

Section 1: Interpretation

In the event of ambiguity, or if a question of interpretation arises under this Constitution or By-laws, the Constitution of the Republican Party of Wisconsin shall prevail.

ARTICLE XI – AMENDMENTS

Section 1: Amendments

Amendments to this Constitution and Bylaws may be adopted in accordance with this Constitution by a two-thirds majority vote of the members present at any duly called County Caucus or Special Meeting of the Membership where the call and notice states such purpose, according to Article VI, Section 2B.

ARTICLE XII – SUPERSEDING GOVERNANCE

Upon adoption and approval of this revised Constitution and Bylaws, any and all previous Constitutions and Bylaws of RPSCC are null and void.

 

Bylaws of The Republican Party of St. Croix County Wisconsin

Note: The Articles and Sections of the Bylaws were written to correspond directly with the Articles and Sections of the Constitution for referencing purposes. For this reason, not all Articles or Sections have associated Bylaws as noted.

PREAMBLE

The preamble to the RPSCC Constitution was added in order to recall and remember the vision of the founders of our nation and our state as they thanked Almighty God for the blessings of freedom we now strive to preserve.

ARTICLE I – NAME

None

ARTICLE II – PURPOSE

Any and all future revisions or amendments to this Constitution and Bylaws shall be made in an effort to ensure integrity, accountability, and transparency, in service to, and for the benefit of, the Citizen Members of the RPSCC.

ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP

Section 1: General Membership

An application form created by the Membership Committee and approved by the Executive Board, in electronic or physical format, must be fully completed by all new members, and reviewed by the Membership Committee and approved by the Executive Board.

1) The membership application form shall require applicants to attest to the Purpose of the RPSCC as written in Article II and to abide by its Constitution and Bylaws.

2) A list of all new members shall be presented to the Executive Board each month for approval. In addition to any established categories of membership, Associate membership shall be available for those who do not meet all of the qualifications in Article III, section 1. An Associate member may not serve on the Executive Board, may not serve as a Delegate, may not vote at meetings of the Membership or Caucuses, may not serve as the Chair of any Committee, but may serve as a voting member of a Committee. Associate members are not required to reside in St. Croix County.

Section 2: Removal and Reinstatement

None

Section 3: Code of Conduct

In cases of conflict, members of the RPSCC shall make efforts to reconcile differences privately if possible before bringing matters to a public forum. In the event of irreconcilable differences, an impartial mediator(s) will be appointed to assist with reconciliation.

ARTICLE IV – OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE BOARD

Section 1: Elected Officers

1) Must be a Qualified Voting Member in Good Standing, according to Article III.

2) No person who holds elected partisan public office or an elected position with a political party may serve as an officer of the RPSCC.

3) Eligibility of nominees shall be verified by the Nominating Committee and the Executive Board.

Section 2: Executive Board

None

Section 3: Compensation

None

Section 4: Duties of Officers

A. Chairman
Campbell Award: The Chairman shall, in coordination with the Membership Committee, identify Members in Good Standing, who have volunteered a minimum of 50 hours in the previous calendar year, for publication and recognition at the annual County Caucus and State Convention.
B. First Vice-Chairman
None
C. Second Vice-Chairman
None
D. Secretary
None
E. Treasurer:
None

Section 5: Duties of the Executive Board

The Executive Board shall oversee and manage the operation of any temporary, permanent, and/or self-funded Headquarters and appoint Members in Good Standing to facilitate daily operations as necessary. All RPSCC related materials and records generated or collected by any Officers and Members of the Executive Board, Standing and/or Special Committees, are the property of the RPSCC and therefore must be preserved in an appropriate physical and or electronic format. Each Officer or Committee must provide originals and/or copies of all previous year's materials and records to the Executive Board at its first meeting of the year, to be maintained and preserved by the Secretary for future reference as needed. Any elected or appointed member of the Executive Board or any Committee, whose term in office has ended for any reason, must promptly collect all RPSCC related materials and records under their authority and/or in their possession, and return them to the Secretary or the Chairman prior to the next regular meeting of the Executive Board.

Section 6: Term of Office

None

Section 7: Removal

None

Section 8: Vacancies

In the event of any resignation of a member of the Executive Board, the individual will have the opportunity for an exit interview with one (1) RPSCC member and one (1) Executive Board member. The Executive Board member who resigned will also have the opportunity to speak publicly, or have their reasons read, at the next scheduled meeting or request a special closed session. The record of the exit interview will be provided to the officers of the RPSCC and maintained in the permanent records of the party.

Section 9: Election of Officers

None

ARTICLE V – COMMITTEES

Committees shall meet monthly to plan and conduct general business as directed in the Constitution and Bylaws, and conduct special business as determined by the Executive Board. Each committee is encouraged to create operational procedures as necessary to help facilitate good order and to coordinate with other Committees as necessary. No general member or Executive Board member may serve on more than 2 committees, including standing or special committees, at any one time.

Section 1: Standing Committees

Each Standing Committee shall:

1) Have at least three (3) members, but not more than five (5).

2) Consist of no more than two (2) Executive Board members and at least one (1) general Member in Good Standing.

3) Meet monthly prior to each Executive Board meeting.

4) Prepare and present a status and activity report to the Executive Board each month.

5) Prepare and submit an annual budget to the Finance Committee for approval by the Executive Board before the end of each year.

6) Prepare and submit a list of important dates and events for the upcoming year, specific to that committee, for approval by the Executive Board before the end of each year.

7) Prepare and submit a list of goals for the upcoming year, specific to that committee, for approval by the Executive Board before the end of each year.

8) Coordinate with other committees as necessary.

9) Prepare and submit an annual report of the Committee activities and achievements.

A. The Campaign & Elections Committee

The Campaign and Elections Committee shall:

1) Work with county and municipal clerks to promote election integrity, clean voter rolls, and adherence to election laws.

2) Recruit and train election inspectors, poll workers, poll observers, and special voting deputies.

3) Be involved in party events.

4) Communicate with elected representatives and inform members of their activities.

5) Relay news to membership regarding activities of state and federal representatives.

B. The Events Committee

The Events Committee shall:

1) Create and present a yearly events calendar to the Executive Board for approval including, but not limited to:

● Lincoln Day
● Reagan Reunion
● County Caucus
● District Caucus
● State Convention
● Election Days
● Community Parades
● County Fair
● Campaign Events
● Flag Waves

2) Be responsible for selecting and booking speakers, seeking and securing donors, booking event locations, and recruiting volunteers.

3) Participate in area community events to promote good will.

4) Coordinate with the Public Relations Committee to properly advertise and promote events.

C. The Finance Committee

The Finance Committee shall:

1) Include the First Vice-Chair, the Treasurer and at least one (1) general member familiar with general accounting and budgeting procedures.

2) Prepare and present an annual budget for the RPSCC with input from the Executive Board and each Standing Committee.

3) Assist the Treasurer with monthly financial reports.

4) Perform a semi-annual financial review of the RPSCC.

5) Advise and support committees with their fundraising activities.

6) Coordinate with the Finance Committee of the Republican Party of Wisconsin.

7) Coordinate with the Treasurer to maintain an updated and documented account of receipts and expenditures.

8) Ensure the Treasurer presents detailed and transparent financial statements in an acceptable accounting format at each Executive Board meeting and annual County Caucus.

9) Work with the Treasurer and appropriate Standing Committees to develop budgets for all planned events.

D. The Membership Committee

The Membership Committee shall:

1) Create, update, and manage all membership forms and materials.

2) Promote membership at all party events.

3) Conduct quarterly membership drives.

4) Coordinate with the Treasurer and Secretary to keep an updated list of all Members in Good Standing.

5) Present a list of all new members to the Executive Board each month for confirmation

6) With Executive Board approval, may propose special incentives and/or membership discounts.

7) Produce and issue membership cards to all members.

8) Any changes to membership categories and associated costs or discounts for the remainder of a calendar year must be approved by the Executive Board by June 30th.

E. The Public Relations Committee

The Public Relations Committee shall:

1) Promote all Party events.

2) Publish news and happenings.

3) Manage official messaging from the RPSCC.

4) Manage and maintain the party website, ensuring it functions properly, updating its content in a timely manner as directed by the Executive Board and Standing Committees.

Section 2: Special Committees

A. The Executive Board Nominating Committee

The Executive Board Nominating Committee shall consist of three (3) or five (5) members and will be elected by the sitting Executive Board at least sixty (60) days prior to the date of the St. Croix County Caucus.

1) The Committee shall report at least one (1) but strive to report at least two (2) nominees for each open position.

2) The report shall be published with the notice of the meeting at which the election is to be held.

3) After the report is presented at the Caucus, nominations from the floor shall be allowed.

4) All nominees shall be current Members in Good Standing at the time of nomination and election.

B. The Delegate Nominating Committee

The Delegate Nominating Committee shall consist of not less than three (3) members and shall be appointed by the Chairman and approved by the Executive Board.

1) Nominees and alternates will be selected from the Members in Good Standing and the list published and distributed prior to the Call to Order of the County Caucus.

2) Nominations may also be made from the floor of the County Caucus and all nominees must be present to be nominated.

C. Special Committees

None

ARTICLE VI – CAUCUSES AND MEETINGS

Section 1: Call to Caucus

None

Section 2: Caucuses

The order of business for the annual County Caucus shall be:

● Call to Order
● Invocation / Prayer
● Pledge of Allegiance
● Roll Call
● Member Comment
● Approval of Agenda
● Approval of Minutes
● Reports of Officers
● Reports of Committees
● Recommendations of the Executive Board
● Unfinished Business
● New Business
● Elections
● Announcements
● Adjournment

Section 3: Meetings of the Executive Board

The order of business for meetings of the Executive Board shall be:

● Call to Order
● Invocation / Prayer
● Pledge of Allegiance
● Roll Call
● Member Comment
● Approval of Agenda
● Approval of Minutes
● Reports of Officers
● Reports of Committees
● Unfinished Business
● New Business
● Announcements
● Adjournment

Section 4: Meetings of the General Membership

The order of business for meetings of the General Membership shall be:

● Call to Order
● Invocation / Prayer
● Pledge of Allegiance
● Roll Call
● Member Comment
● Approval of Agenda
● Approval of Minutes
● Reports of Officers
● Reports of Committees
● Unfinished Business
● New Business
● Announcements
● Adjournment

Section 5: Proxy vote

None

Section 6: Resolutions

None

ARTICLE VII – QUORUM

Section 1: Caucus Quorum

None

Section 2: Executive Board Quorum

None

ARTICLE VIII – PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

Section 1: Rules of Order

None

ARTICLE IX – BYLAWS

Section 1: Bylaws

None

ARTICLE X – INTERPRETATION

Section 1: Interpretation

None

ARTICLE XI – AMENDMENTS

Section 1: Amendments

Amendments or additions may be brought before any Regular or Special meeting of the Membership, and its full text must be submitted to the Membership at least thirty (30) days prior to the meeting. The person(s) submitting the Amendment or Addition shall present it to the Membership and may request an immediate vote on passage. The effective date of any amendment shall be the day following approval by the membership.

ARTICLE XII – SUPERSEDING GOVERNANCE

None

_____________________________________________

Submitted by the Constitution Committee of the Republican Party of St. Croix County, January 26, 2023.

Constitution Committee Members: Therese Falde, Kristie Farnham, Dianne Joachim, Matthew Rust, and Michael Stoddard.

Approved by the Executive Committee of the Republican Party of St. Croix County, January 31, 2023.

Constitution Review Committee: Sara Bocklund, Darla Meyers, Lynn Betzold, and Joel Breazeale.

Reviewed December 30th, 2022 and January 11th, 2023.

Click here to download and print this document. 

The principles of the Republican Party of Wisconsin are the underlying reason we are all Republicans. These commonsense conservative beliefs are the glue that bonds Republicans nationwide.

I Believe…The proper function of government is to do for the people those things that have to be done but cannot be done, or cannot be done as well, by individuals, and that the most effective government is government closest to the people.

I Believe…Good government is based upon the individual and that each person’s ability, dignity, freedom, and responsibility must be honored and recognized.

I Believe…The free enterprise and the encouragement of individual initiative and incentive have given this nation an economic system second to none.

I Believe…Sound money management should be our goal.

I Believe…In equal rights, equal justice, and equal opportunity for all.

I Believe…We must retain those principles of the past worth retaining, yet always be receptive to new ideas with an outlook broad enough to accommodate thoughtful change and varying points of view.

I Believe…That Americans value and should preserve their feeling of national strength and pride, and at the same time share with people everywhere a desire for peace and freedom and the extension of human rights throughout the world.

I Believe…The Republican Party is the best vehicle for translating these ideals into positive and successful principles of government.

(Recommended by the Platform Committee – 5/4/2022)

Preamble—A Platform For a Time Such as This

The Republican Party of Wisconsin needs a platform that clearly states the principles that make America exceptional. The Republican Party must reaffirm the timeless truths that have made this country exceptional in the past and will do so in the future.

We are One Nation,

We are one family. We care for one another, are loyal to one another, and defend one another. Those who join our family become a part of our family history, sharing our privileges and shouldering our responsibilities. We are a geographically, ethnically, and culturally diverse family, yet we are unified by a common commitment to the principles for which we stand—a nation of, by, and for the people. We welcome free speech and encourage diverse opinions, but we reject identity politics that divides us against each other. We speak many languages, but we advocate for a single, unifying common language. We welcome those who share our love of freedom and respect our laws and our borders which are our first line of defense against lawlessness from within and without. We stand for a strong national defense. We are one nation.

Under God,

We believe that God endows every person with the right to life, to liberty, and to the pursuit of happiness and that He requires us all to respect the rights of all of our fellow citizens, from the moment that they are conceived to their deaths. We are under God who has instituted the family as the basic building block of society and establishes universal laws of justice. We establish no church or religion but recognize the sanctity of every person’s conscience and defend the free exercise of all religions. We are one nation but recognize that we are under God who cares for other people and nations as well as our own. The love for our family does not mean hatred for neighboring families.

Indivisible,

Generations of Americans of all races have sacrificed their lives to defend our nation. Valley Forge, Gettysburg, Midway, Iwo Jima, Normandy, the Chosin Reservoir, Ia Drang, Fallujah, and many more places that are burned into our memories, testify to our endurance as a nation. We hold this nation in trust. We honor this trust by keeping liberty alive in the face of those who tempt us to trade our freedom for the worn-out promise of a global, collectivist utopia. We honor the sanctity of the individual, not the state. We promise less central planning and less centralized control—more freedom, not less. Despite attacks from without and within, we remain indivisible, bound, not by narrow promises of government handouts, but by a broad belief in freedom, in principles that bring liberty and stability through law clearly defined by our federal and state constitutions–foundational laws that mediate between the individual and group and small states and large states. We support the Electoral College that balances the rights of densely populated regions with those less populated.

With Liberty,

We stand for liberty, not the tyranny of the mob or the orders of the administrative state. We believe that it is not too late to return to a republic where the law is written by Congress which itself is limited by Constitutional law, where judges are limited by the written language of the law, where the president is limited to enforcing the law as written, and where the power of our federal government is limited to areas clearly defined by the Constitution. We dedicate ourselves to the defense of all those rights clearly articulated in the Bill of Rights—to free speech, to a free press, to the free exercise of religion, to bear arms, to private property— rights that are under constant attack by those from within who neither understand nor share our vision of freedom through the law. We stand for property rights and economic freedom. We envision an economy vitalized by clear, consistent rules, one where citizens can live and can start businesses free from excessive bureaucracy and can operate them without fear of private or public extortion, without frivolous lawsuits or pay-to-play bribes, fees, fines, and excessive taxes. We stand for a level playing field, free from the cronyism of subsidies, mandates, and monopolies. We stand for decentralization and free-market solutions to the serious problems in areas such as health care and education that have become so distorted by political manipulation.

And Justice for All,

We seek justice that is found in the intersection between liberty and law. We strongly advocate for limited government, federalism, and the decentralization of authority to the state and local community, but we also strongly support the strict and equal enforcement of law within each jurisdiction. Neither liberty nor justice is possible without public order. We believe that justice must be blind to race, gender, status, political affiliation, and sexual orientation, and that law enforcement must treat everyone equally. We stand for the same due process and the same presumption of innocence for all. We also oppose the injustice of federal borrowing that irresponsibly transfers one generation’s debts to generations not yet born. We call for the federal government to balance its budget and insist that each state continues to do likewise. We oppose “bailouts” that enable State irresponsibility. We stand for equal treatment through the law and for equal opportunity that equal treatment brings. Outcomes will vary, but one law in defense of life, liberty, and property protects us all. Our mission, both simple and profound, really can be summarized by three words, “liberty through law.”