Keystone Today

An organization called “Convention of States Action” is preparing to flex its political muscle as Pennsylvania’s primary election filing deadline approaches. 

Boasting a national grassroots network of over 5 million supporters and volunteers, Convention of States’ mission is to restore a culture of self-governance in America and to curtail federal overreach. Its primary focus is using a process in the U.S. Constitution’s Article V to trigger a “convention for proposing amendments.” 

So far, COS has passed its resolution in 17 states, applying for a limited Article V Convention to propose constitutional amendments that impose fiscal restraints, limitations on the size and scope of the federal government, and set term limits for federal officials. It takes 34 state legislatures to trigger the convention.

Convention of States Action has built robust teams in all 50 states, some of which are tens of thousands of patriots strong. And now, they’re taking the next step in this important year for state legislative elections.

Across the nation, including here in Pennsylvania, volunteers will be sending a candidate survey to candidates competing for state legislative office. The COS resolution has been around for a while now, and this grassroots army has a pretty good idea of who’s for it, who’s against, and who is unwilling to take a stand.

Steve Davies, the Pennsylvania State Director (a volunteer position), said, “We’ve been working very for the past seven years to get the COS resolution passed by the Pennsylvania General Assembly.  We’ve been very patient and respectful.  But the national situation is dire and the republic is in deep trouble.  Action by the General Assembly is urgently needed to use the constitutional oversight powers the states have to re-establish the proper role of the federal government.  If we need to put different people in legislative seats to get this done, we’re prepared to do just that.”

This Convention of States Action group is well-organized. “We provide our volunteers with a system for keeping track of, and sharing with one another, the outcome of their meetings and conversations with state legislators,” said Jason Girard, the organization’s Director of Grassroots. “We have an app, developed by a volunteer, that enables our activists to easily make phone calls into our target districts to help get out the vote.”

“Our volunteers are excited to get behind candidates who share their values–and that includes a commitment to using their constitutional power as state legislatures to put the brakes on our out-of-control federal government.” said Mark Meckler, President of Convention of States Action. “Where they run into obstacles, they’ll do what needs to be done to move them out of the way. We’re looking for people of courage.”

In districts where there appear to be no COS champions, the organization looks to supply them. They’ve proven they can do it.

In Virginia’s hotly contested election last year, COS District Captain Karen Greenhalgh beat out an incumbent candidate to win a critical seat in Virginia's House of Delegates. Thanks to the advocacy of other Convention of States volunteers, Greenhalgh won her race by 147 votes! 

In Texas, State Director Shelby Williams won a seat on the Plano City Council in 2019. Initially faced with two opponents, Shelby gained enough grassroots support to prevent the well-known incumbent from garnering the 50% off a 53-47% victory.

Last month COS Action polled its entire grassroots network to find volunteers who are interested in running for state legislative office. These folks were asked to fill out a survey describing their background and qualifications. Hundreds responded. 

“In the beginning we focused exclusively on convincing legislators to support our efforts,” said Meckler. “Now we have a lot more tools in the toolbox, and we plan to use all of them.”