Question about state alternates

Well, I've been elected as a state alternate, but money is tight, so would it be worth it to go? I don't want to spend money I hardly have if most likely I won't get any voting power. We alternates are pretty much like benchwarmers in the dugout, right?

First, congratulations to you and ALL of our delegates and alternates!

It's important that all delegates AND all alternates go to the state convention. There were around 1,100 delegates elected from the WillCo precinct conventions, and only 521 bothered to show up in Taylor. There will be delegates who get sick, can't get off work, or otherwise choose not to attend. There will also be delegates who do not go for the entire convention. Any time a delegate gets up to go get food or go to the restroom, an alternate will fill their spot on the floor. Our County Chair has told us that it is traditional in our county to let alternates take the place of delegates at least once during the convention. Moreover, they've said to let them know if there is a particular speaker we want to hear, etc., and every effort will be made to ask a delegate to give up their seat for an alternate who is particularly interested in a particular portion of the convention. From what I hear, many regulars leave early and stuff that happens on Saturday morning will be handled by the many alternates taking their places. As an alternate, the chances are very good that you will get to vote at least once on something.

We need to get together and pool our resources (the entire MUG) so that no one who was lucky enough to have been elected as a delegate or alternate has to forego the state convention because of lack of funds. Perhaps we can organize a 'chip-in' so that we can contribute to sponsor some delegates / alternates? Thoughts anyone?

Danielle, I think a "chip in" is a great idea! Let's face it; in this unstable economy we're all concerned about having enough money to take care of ourselves, our families and to keep our businesses running. Having said that, it is vitally important that we pool our resources to make sure that any of us that were honored with a delegate/alternate spot are not left out due to lack of funding.

Thank you for the advice. At the very least, I will "chip in" to my own expenses to the convention. I don't want to give the impression that I'm a freeloader or anything. You all will be happy to know, though, that I travel EXTREMELY CHEAP. That means Studio 6 and an ice chest full of sandwiches and sodas. Shoot, by June the gas may be more expensive than the rest of it!

By the way, when should we know the schedule (as far as times?) That will impact how many nights I have to stay in the hotel. If on the 12th the convention starts in the afternoon, that means I can start out early on the 12th rather than start out on the 11th and have to stay an extra night. Likewise, if it ends early on the 14th I can drive back home that same day.