Friends of Dr. Rice Pitch Their Candidate at NFRA Convention

NEWS & ANALYSIS

DR. RICE SUPPORTER: Glorious Johnson, of Jacksonville, Fla., makes a pitch for Condoleeza Rice for president, Friday night at the NFRA convention in Scottsdale./Dennis Durband photo

Americans for Dr. Rice Pitch Their Candidate at NFRA National Convention

By Dennis Durband
September 2, 2005

Through her surrogates, Secretary of State Condoleeze Rice jumped the gun tonight on the National Federation of Republican Assemblies’ (NFRA) national convention cattle call for 2008 presidential candidates.

Glorious Johnson, first-term Republican councilwoman in Jacksonville, Fla., and a member of the organization Americans for Dr. Rice, made a pitch to convention-goers for a Rice presidential ticket. The NFRA is conducting a “cattle call” Saturday for 2008 presidential hopefuls, and only one actual candidate – Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee -- answered the call. Dr. Rice’s supporters beat him to the punch with tonight’s presentation on their favorite candidate.

“I’m here to see that Dr. Rice becomes president,” Johnson said. “Some people say that now is not the right time. Well, when will be the right time? Don’t dismiss her unless you want the other lady on the other side (Senator Hillary Clinton).”

The Clinton reference drew boos from the conservative audience.

Johnson recited a history of achievement by the other notable Republican African-American women who made their mark on history. The list included Ida Wells, who fought for the advancement of African-Americas; Harriet Tubman, a soldier who fought with distinction; Mary Terrell, who fought for the advancement of her people; and Dr. Alveida King, the niece of Dr. Martin Luther King and a woman who was jailed for crusading for civil rights. Dr. Alveida King, the keynote speaker at next weekend’s Arizona Right to Life annual state conference in Scottsdale, is a post-abortive woman and spokesman for the Silent No Longer Awareness Campaign.

Johnson also informed the audience that the late Dr. Martin Luther King was also a registered Republican. She said it was the Republicans who led the way for civil rights for African-Americans.

Organized within the past year, the Americans for Dr. Rice organization is 3,000 members strong and growing. Co-chairman Crystal Dueker from North Dakota and Dr. Richard Mason of Florida are also here for the weekend convention. The group sponsored a taco dinner at the convention tonight and offered numerous items for sale in support of the secretary of state.

Pam Larson, a field representative for the Pacific Justice Institute, located in California, later engaged Johnson in a dialogue about Dr. Rice’s suspect stand on abortion.

“Condi is not strong on the sanctity of life,” Larson said. “She’s gotta have it in her gut. Her position isn’t clear.”

Johnson responded that she has personally saved thousands of babies from abortion, that she runs on a right to life platform and that she would not support someone who is not pro-life. “Let’s see what she has to say about it,” Johnson concluded.

The staunchly pro-life audience listened politely to Johnson’s message and gave her a warm reception. However, NFRA members adamantly support political candidates who make no bones about being pro-life.

NFRA Convention Highlights What’s Really Happening in U.S.

Tony Mackelprang, president of the convention host Arizona Republican Assembly, said, "We are both honored and delighted to host the NFRA convention in Scottsdale during this Labor Day weekend. It presents a rare opportunity for our members, friends and neighbors to meet candidates for both state and national offices and to hear individuals such as Congressman Tom Tancredo who are on the leading edge of critical issues like security on the border. Don't rely on the local or national media for an unbiased report, come to the NFRA conference for an accurate and up to date insight on what is really happening in our nation."

Chaplain to the Stars

Doc Burch, of Lancaster, Calif., gave the opening invocation at the evening session. A longtime member of the California Republican Assembly, he will lead Sunday’s worship service at the convention. Burch is also known as the NFRA chaplain and the man who brings the movie stars to Assembly conventions. His friend, actress Jane Russell, is expected to attend Saturday’s convention activities.

Notes

The convention drew 225 registered members from 30 states and the District of Columbia. … Saturday’s activities begin at 8 a.m., with Arizona’s Bill Blewster performing the national anthem. … Major speakers include Grover Norquist of Americans for Tax Reform; Arizona Secretary of State Jan Brewer; presidential hopeful and Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee; Dr. Judith Reisman, expert on the fraudulent sex research of Alfred Kinsey; Arizona congressional candidate Randy Graf; former Georgia Cong. Bob Barr; Minuteman co-founder and congressional candidate Jim Gilchrist; Colorado Cong. Tom Tancredo and others. … The NFRA will present the President Ronald Reagan Principled Leadership Award during the evening session. … Another lengthy procession of speakers is lined up for Sunday’s portion of the convention. … Conventioneers are going up to Sedona for sightseeing on Monday.