Having been in this position, I see that there is value in working within the system to alter/defeat the system. It’s what Ron Paul has consistently been doing, to the point that while he is a Republican congressman, he is quite often referred to as a libertarian. But everybody knows his voting record, and knows that he is far from a “foregone conclusion”.

At the recent Utah County Republican Party convention, many of our elected “representatives” (I say that loosely) made an appearance and gave some brief remarks (well, Bennett’s were not so brief). I was the only person I could hear booing Hatch and Bennett — all others were either loudly applauding, respectfully clapping, or remaining silent.

I think that I can work within the system and make it known that my vote is anything but guaranteed. And I think that at times I can be more effective trying to subvert the system from within (where I have access) than from without. I was a member of the Constitution Party during my leave of absence from the Republican Party, and I admire their principles and consistent message. If I wasn’t a delegate, I mostly likely would be in your situation still. But while I’m here, and perhaps in the future, I will be looking for ways to reform the party from within (albeit at a local level where I might have influence) and take others with me.