2/3 rule passes GOP state convention hurdle (UPDATE: back to majority)

According to State Republican Executive Committee member Mark Ramsey, the effort to slim-down and narrow the Texas Republican platform cleared its first mile marker this afternoon. 

Supporters of this provision argue that the platform, as it stands, is somewhat of a laughing-stock to critics, and that a more succinct statement of beliefs would draw in a larger coalition of voters and be more respected by members of the Texas Legislature and Congress. 

Opponents say that many important decisions that have come to define the heart and soul of the GOP -- calls for abortion restriction and even slavery abolition -- were decided by narrow majorities. As Ramsey pointed out, a one-third minority can stymie any particular plank to the platform.

State party officials have indicated that they intend to allow delegates to vote on the platform plank-by-plank -- thereby subjecting the entire platform committee report (e.g. "the draft platform") to the entire body of delegates.

We will keep tracking this as it develops. You can read the current Texas GOP platform here.

One delegate (an opponent to the 2/3 rule) is tracking the platform planks removed by the platform subcommittee here. He reports the subcommittee wishes to keep the platform to less than 100 items, but we have no confirmation of that decision at this time.

If you see any other Facebook pages or Twitter feeds keeping tabs on the platform process, please leave the links in the comments. Also, we intend on sharing emailed reports from Travis County's own TJ Scott once he begins sending them.


UPDATE (6:29 p.m.)  The 2/3 rule was reportedly reconsidered and then replaced by a simple majority. Convention is a roller coaster ride, so keep an eye to these updates at the bottom of convention-related articles!