AUSTIN (WBAP/KLIF) – The Republican Party of Texas is standing behind its decision to move forward with an in-person convention next week in Houston despite a rising number of coronavirus cases in the city and across the state.
“The Republican Party of Texas has been in extensive conversations with Houston First- the managers of the George R. Brown Convention Center,” said Texas GOP Chairman, James Dickey. “We have been proactive in implementing safety measures such as thermal scans upon entry each day for each attendee, limited entryways, expanded floor plans to accommodate social distancing, hand sanitizer stations throughout, and available masks for all attendees.”
The party contends that in addition to nominating the individuals who will represent the state GOP in the electoral college, a state convention of a political party is a “fundamental exercise of the freedom to peaceably assemble and petition the government for redress.”
The party is assuring Texans that it is taking every precaution to ensure the convention is held safely. New protocols include temperature checks and limiting meeting room capacity to 50% or less.
The party is questioning the motive behind Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner’s public call this week for the convention to be held virtually. Dickey called the public plea “confusing” because he said plans had already been discussed and voluntarily put in place.
“Mayor Turner must not have had the information about the measures being voluntarily implemented,” said Dickey. “The Republican Party, delegates, and guests are looking forward to a safe and productive Convention next week.”
The convention runs July 16-18 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Downtown Houston. As many as 6,000 people are expected to attend.
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