Richard Miller, Republican Party of Grant County President, reads results, as Secretary Rhonda Billings tabulates them.Member Carolyn Miller poses by image of Donald J. Trump and in front of signs.Article and Photos by Frost McGahey

The Republican Party of Grant County (RPGC) on January 11, held their Pre-Primary County Convention for the purpose of electing delegates to the Republican State Primary Convention.

It was open to all registered Republicans of Grant County who have been registered for at least 6 months. This 6 month requirement was added to prevent someone from changing party affiliation right before the convention. No ID was required.

Seven delegates were selected out of a slate of nine to attend the state-wide convention along with the five members of the executive committee. Grant County is allowed 12 delegates. This is based on how many Republicans voted in the 2018 gubernatorial election. That was 4070 and is divided by 400 and rounded up to twelve.

One Republican said, "I'm delighted that I can purchase here a Trump 2024 hat and a Let's Go Brandon flag for my husband. I didn't know where I could buy them locally."

A representative for Congresswoman Yvette Herrell attended the event who is running for re-election. She unseated Xochiti Torres-Small who is now serving as undersecretary of agriculture for rural development at the U. S. Dept. of Agriculture. (Author's Note: No one seems to know who will run against Herrell even though a Democratic organizer director has been hired to flip congressional district 2.)

Brigadier Gen. Greg Zanetti (ret.) was the only candidate for Governor who attended in person. Richard Miller, Chair of the GCRP said, "Mr. Zanetti was very personable and delivered his message effectively."

Rebecca Dow (gov.), Mark Ronchetti (gov.), Patrick Lyons (Lt gov.), Anthony Thornton (Lt gov.), and Harry Montoya (treasurer), all had letters read by representatives.

Zeke Rodriguez and Anastacia Morper were present as lieutenant governor candidates while Isabella Solis was represented by Marie Perez. Jeff Byrd, State Land Commission, personally attended.

Every two years, prior to the primary election, political parties hold a pre-primary convention. At this state-wide convention, candidates push to receive delegate support before the primary convention. If a candidate receives at least 20% of the delegates' vote, they are placed on the primary election ballot. Candidates are then ranked on the primary ballot by how many votes they received at the convention with the most popular being placed first.

The Republican Party of Grant County Headquarters is on Hwy. 180, next to the Valero gas station and across from Pinnacle Propane. It is open on Wednesdays from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Hats and posters can be purchased, costing between $15 and $30.