by Howard Phillips, CP Founder & Chairman, CP of Virginia

The Constitution Party does not condone abortion. That was not the issue. As I pointed out in my remarks in Tampa, fidelity to the Constitution and Bylaws of the Constitution Party was the real issue.

Article III of the Party's Constitution says “Nothing in this Constitution or the bylaws of the Constitution Party shall confer upon the national party any authority to direct the internal affairs of any state affiliate.”

Moreover, Article II, Section 2.2 of the bylaws says: “State Affiliation with the Constitution Party is limited to one political party or organization from each state and the District of Columbia, hereinafter referred to as the ‘state affiliate.' The National Committee shall have the power to grant state affiliate status by majority vote and to revoke state affiliate status by no less than two-thirds (2/3) vote of the entire committee registered at the meeting.

“Application for state affiliate status shall be submitted to the Credentials Committee chairman. The chairman shall review the application and within sixty (60) days of receipt make a determination of preliminary qualification upon finding that the state party or organization has:

"a. Pledged adherence to the Constitution Party platform.

"b. Adopted official organization documents, which provide democratic procedures.

"c. Selected its officers, including National Committee members, in accord with the state election laws and articles and by-laws.

"d. Demonstrated evidence of a depository bank account.”

Nevada became an affiliate because it was in full compliance with Article II, Section 2.2. It remains in full compliance with those provisions.

Accordingly, if we are to be faithful to our Constitution and Bylaws, even as we insist that President Bush and members of Congress remain faithful to the Constitution of the United States, a vote to disaffiliate Nevada is inappropriate. Howard Phillips Chairman Constitution Party of Virginia.