Party Integrity & the Battle for Bona Fide Candidates with Your SEC Representative
Today, our Grassroots Spotlight features Cyndi Miller, running for reelection as State Executive Committee Woman
“I have worked to prevent anyone who has supported or voted Democrat from running as a Republican.”
After watching the highlights above, learn more about how the SEC works and why it matters to the Williamson County voter in our exclusive Q&A below.
Q: What is the SEC?
The State Executive Committee is a body of 66 elected board members across the state that oversee the affairs of the Tennessee Republican Party.
We write policies and guidelines that govern and give direction to the state and local Republican organizations that serve under the Republican National Committee umbrella.
We also help to guide, encourage, and support our County Republican Parties to assist them in their efforts to grow, fundraise, and identify quality “bona fide” candidates to run for office.
Q: How is the SEC organized?
The SEC is made up of 66 members, 33 male and 33 female, from across the state. One male and one female represent a State Senate District of which there are 33 districts.
We are elected by Republican Primary voters in our districts every four years. The state body then votes for our officers that serve to administer the business of the State Party.
There are subcommittees that all members of the SEC are expected to participate in that run the Republican Party effectively and efficiently. For example, I serve on the Bylaws Committee, and I work to write the policies and rules in our bylaws from which the state and county parties operate.
Q: Why is the SEC on the ballot and treated like a real election and the CEC is not?
The simple answer is that state law requires it.
But why?
SEC members represent and serve the State Senate Districts. The State Senate Districts can cover many counties and the counties can be divided with more than one State Senator representing within it.
Williamson County is a good example in that Senator Jack Johnson and Senator Joey Hensley each represent different portions of our county. Tennessee state law requires that SEC members run on the August Primary Ballot which is the same ballot as the Senators whose districts they would represent.
Essentially, this process makes sure that the Republicans within the district are choosing the individuals that represent them best to lead and guide the State and County Parties.
The County Executive Committee members represent their county members exclusively, and the members of the CEC are chosen through a Reorganization process, elected by bona fide members of the Republican Party, as indicated in the Rules in the TNGOP Bylaws.
Q: What is your role as an SEC member?
Broadly, I am an active and “bona fide” Republican in the community sharing and upholding the Republican Platform and Policies to attract engagement and support in the Republican Party, and also to try to attract and identify Republicans to run for office.
Personally, I also serve on the Bylaws Committee and work to firm up the affairs and operations locally and in the state to engage and unify under the Republican Platform.
Q: What is the most misunderstood role as an SEC member?
My role as an SEC member is sometimes interpreted as being able to personally control and prevent candidates from running for office that don’t fully embrace the Republican Platform and Policies, or if they aren’t fully bona fide. I am part of a larger body with only one vote.
Individually, we can voice our opinions and concerns, but the members of a Senate District or the full body votes to implement the policies that are in place, not any one individual member.
Q: If the SEC is the referee of the Republican Party, what is the most important rule you're currently enforcing?
Many voters in the state think that we have closed primaries that would prevent Democrats from voting in our Primary elections. This is not the case.
As a result, I have been working to enforce the rules of the Party to ensure that the candidates are in fact Republicans by vetting their voting records and political activity within the Party when they file to run on the Republican Ballot.
I must ensure that the candidate isn’t misrepresenting themselves, and that the voter can vote in confidence that the candidate is in fact a Republican.
Q: What does the voter need to understand re SEC and why does it matter?
Members of the SEC are serving to represent the Republicans in the district in which they serve, and it is important, because we exist to maintain the integrity of the Party and to help inform voters of policies, candidates and elections.
We also help to guide and grow the local county party and assist them in their needs and concerns.
Q: What defines a bona fide Republican?
Per our bylaws, a bonafide republican can be identified through their participation in Republican Party events and by voting in the Statewide Republican Primaries.
A bonafide republican is active, has voted in at least 3 of the 4 most recent statewide republican primaries and cannot have voted for or supported a Democrat in that period of time.
Q: What is the single greatest opportunity for the GOP heading into the upcoming elections?
The greatest opportunity for the GOP in Tennessee is to keep the state Deep Red to ensure our Christian, Conservative family and economic values are maintained across the state.
Q: What is the single greatest challenge for the GOP heading into the elections?
It is a challenge getting citizens to understand the need for a bold, conservative Republican Party. Something that stands as a clear and better choice, not just a variation of policies offered by the left.
Obviously there are differing opinions within members of the Republican Party regarding how to address the economy, debt, growth, traffic and infrastructure, education, etc., however, the core principles must be maintained for future generations.
Q: How do you balance maintaining Party tradition with the need to attract new voters to get involved?
I believe that the Republican Party Platform is what we all agree on and should all unify under. As Reagan stated, "The person that agrees with you 80% of the time is a friend and an ally-not a 20% traitor."
Republicans rally around the policies of the Republican Platform which attracts members of the community to support and engage in which stand in stark contrast to the agenda of the Democrat Party.
Q: In one sentence, what is the North Star for the TNGOP?
I would say that the North Star is our Christian Constitutional underpinnings.
Q: Describe the political landscape for D-27 and how does that impact the rest of the state?
Williamson County is a community that has a reputation for low taxes, excellent schools, a strong sense of community, strong economy with job opportunities, and traditional conservative values.
We are a draw for new citizens and impact other counties and districts that admire our way of life. However, with so many wanting to come and enjoy our lifestyle, we must work to ensure that failed policies aren't imported.
Q: What is the #1 concern you’re hearing from Williamson County GOP Primary Voters right now?
At about 14% voter turnout, there is great concern regarding low voter participation in the elections.
Q: How can a regular citizen best support the GOP mission without running for office themselves?
I love this question!!! Citizens can support the GOP mission by attending events and educating themselves on the issues, meeting and supporting our GOP candidates, informing their friends and family on the issues and candidates, and then vote!
Educate, engage, and vote!
Q: What have your campaigns looked like in the past and how is it different now?
I have previously filed to run for the SEC unchallenged, and I have served the district for almost 8 years. This August I have an opponent on the ballot.
I have served on the SEC to help ensure that we had quality Republican candidates that believe in our platform on the ballot. I have worked to prevent anyone who has supported or voted Democrat from running as a Republican.
I would like to continue this work and to serve the district in maintaining true Republican values and policies, and thus our wonderful quality of life for us and for future generations.
To learn more about Cyndi’s campaign and her role in maintaining the standards of the SEC and Williamson County values, view her campaign website here: VoteCyndiMiller.com
You can also view all the information on the upcoming Elections here.
If you’re not sure if which district you reside in, Locate Your District here.
