If variety is truly the spice of life, then the 1999 Georgia Republican Convention at the Augusta-Richmond County Civic Center certainly was spicy.

Among speakers on the agenda were former speaker of the U. S. House Newt Gingrich, Tennessee Gov. Lamar Alexander, U.S. Rep. Johnny Isaakson, presidential candidate Gary Bauer, presidential candidate Alan Keyes, state school superintendent Linda Schrenko, U.S. Rep. Mac Collins, U.S. Sen. Paul Coverdell, U.S. Rep. Bob Barr and presidential candidate Steve Forbes. Elizabeth Dole was scheduled to speak but had to cancel due to a laryngitis.

Turnout for the convention was lighter than expected. More than 2,000 delegates, alternates and guests were on hand including 40 from Fayette County for the "Vision 2000" State Convention in Augusta. A lighter turnout is normal during non-election years.

In the exhibition hall, groups as diverse as the Coverdell Leadership Institute, the Log Cabin Republicans, promoting gay involvement in the party, the Georgia Association of College Republicans and Outreach American, "America's Link to Conservative Philosophies," were represented. Presidential candidates, including George W. Bush, Steve Forbes and Alan Keyes, had booths.

Vendors selling a wide variety of Republican paraphernalia sold out of key items long before the two-day convention ended. The National Rifle Association hosted a large suite Friday night for attendees and Wayne LaPierre, president of the NRA, spoke to the convention Saturday.

A minor disruption occurred Saturday, after Steve Forbes addressed the convention. Angel Joy Rocker of Navarre Beach, Fla., walked onto the stage and took over the microphone, stating she was the first black Republican woman to run for president. She was allowed to talk for a few moments before the microphone was cut off. Immediately a well-prepared supporter brought her a bull horn so she could continue speaking. Ultimately, she was peacefully escorted off the stage by the convention sergeant-at-arms.

Another glitch occurred when some delegates objected to a secret ballot to elect the party chairman. A short but heated debate occurred in spite of the fact that all three candidates had agreed prior to the convention to a secret ballot. It was determined that the secret ballot would stand and the convention continued on track.

In addition to bringing Republicans together, giving them an opportunity to hear candidates for various offices and to receive updates from current officeholders, the purpose of the convention was to elect new state party officers.

Chuck Clay, Linda Herren and Ron Jackson were vying to replace Rusty Paul as state chairman. Clay surprised most by avoiding a runoff to win the seat by a majority of 52 percent in the first vote. Clay was the first Republican commissioner in West Cobb, was the state minority leader/state senator for ten years and has been an activist in GOP politics for over 20 years.

Local members of the Fayette County delegation were instrumental in helping Clay win. State Sen. Rick Price, County Commission vice chairman Greg Dunn, 3rd congressional District Chairman Peter Pfeifer, county Republican Chairman Eric Dial and former county Republican Chairman Ronnie Chance "worked the floor" of the convention garnering votes for Clay. The majority of the Fayette County delegates voted for Clay.

Each of the three candidates spoke to the crowd of voting delegates and guests prior to the vote. Clay was nominated by former state Sen. David Ralston, and seconded by Clint Day, former gubernatorial candidate.

Clay's acceptance speech began with an enthusiastic "Thank you, thank you, thank you." Referring to the stiff competition he received from Herren and Jackson, he continued, "We do run campaigns that are tough, but I have never been in one more gracious and friendly."

Immediately after the vote, Jackson took the microphone and made a motion to accept Clay as the chairman by unanimous vote of acclamation. Herren then took the microphone to second the motion. Clay stated in his acceptance speech that he would have an active place for both in his organization.

Fayette County is allowed a total of 43 delegates to the convention. Forty delegates participated including a number of local elected officials. Commissioners Harold Bost, Herb Frady and Greg Dunn, state Sen. Rick Price and state Rep. Kathy Cox were part of the voting delegation.

Other state party election results: