GOP is fitting planks into platform

Tuesday, April 27, 2004 | 9:11 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Nevada Republicans will hammer out their platform and resolutions behind closed doors this week, as the state GOP convention convenes Friday in Reno.

In advance of the convention, the committees dealing with the platform, resolutions, bylaws, rules and nomination will meet Thursday, with those sessions closed to the media.

During the convention a new state party chairman will be elected, 30 delegates will be selected to attend the national convention and the group will hear speeches from Gov. Kenny Guinn and Rep. Jim Gibbons and watch a live broadcast of a speech by Vice President Dick Cheney, according to the tentative agenda.

Brent Chamberlain, chairman of the platform committee, said Monday the decision to keep the committees closed to the press was made by the state party, but he supports it.

"It allows for better debate," said Chamberlain, of Elko.

He said some people are fearful of being quoted.

Republican Vice Chairwoman Trudy Hushbeck said there has been some "unruly" behavior in the past in the committees. Chris Carr, executive director of the Nevada GOP, said the party platform and resolutions will be available soon after the committees adopt them.

The GOP State Central Committee will meet Thursday to elect a new chairman to succeed Lia Roberts of Las Vegas, who resigned March 3 to run for president of Romania. The contest is between Heidi Smith and Earlene Forsythe, both of Reno.

The winner will serve out the remainder of term, which expires next spring.

There will be 33 delegates to the National Republican Convention in New York City. Automatic delegates will be the chairwoman and Joe Brown and Beverly Willard of the national committee. There will be 21 delegates elected at large and three each from the three congressional districts.

Cheney's speech will be delivered to 72 parties across the nation. Nevada Republican members will tune in at the convention at the Peppermill hotel Thursday evening.

Guinn will be the luncheon speaker Friday and is scheduled to speak Saturday.

Carr said the platform will probably have about 15 planks.

The platform is expected to endorse the policies of President Bush.

"We want a platform that can be used by the candidates," Chamberlain said.

The committees are scheduled to complete their work by 9 p.m. Thursday so the convention delegates will have ample time to review the platform and resolutions.