The Convention of States Project, a national effort to call a convention to propose amendments under Article V of the United States Constitution, will launch a bi-annual awards program honoring courageous state legislators and journalists.
The Convention of States Legislative Leader Awards will name the 2018 award winners at the 45th American Legislative Exchange Council Annual Meeting (ALEC) Plenary Breakfast on August 10th in New Orleans. ALEC is America’s largest nonpartisan, voluntary membership organization of state legislators dedicated to the principles of limited government, free markets and federalism.
Individual volunteers who make up the Convention of States’ massive 3.5 million-plus grassroots army nominated state legislators for five different awards, each paying homage to distinct characteristics of one of our nation’s Founding Fathers. This years’ nominees include 45 state legislators from 18 different states.
Mark Meckler, President of Citizens for Self-Governance and the Convention of States says, “I often hear people say, ‘there are no Americans today with the strong character traits that our Founding Fathers had.’ But that has not been my experience. I am really excited to be able to provide some well-earned national recognition to some of the state legislators around the country who uphold the high standard of statesmanship set by America’s Framers.”
The COS Legislator Awards recognize leadership, diplomacy and courage by state legislators who have exemplified statesmanship. Awards categories include: the Pre-emption of Federal Tyranny, Exceptional Diplomacy in Service of the National Good, Promotion of Liberty, Unwavering Courage, and Leadership.
The Benjamin Franklin Award for Journalistic Excellence will be given to a journalist in the areas of Television, Radio and Print.
Winners will be selected by a panel of judges which includes former U.S. Senator Tom Coburn and Mark Meckler, the Founder of Citizens for Self-Governance and President of the Convention of States Project.
