SC House “Whip” Russell Fry Praises COS Grassroots Advocacy

At a recent event held in Columbia, Convention of States South Carolina grassroots leaders and volunteers were addressed by five legislators. The House “Whip” Russell Fry shared some insight when volunteers swarmed over the Statehouse.  

Fry was complementary of the COS volunteers who were stationed all around the capital grounds including at all entrance points, the parking garage, outside of the windowed corridor where the legislators walked to lunch, and as he jokingly quipped, in the trees. Advocacy style matters. The civility and persistence of the COS team is incomparably superior to other volunteer groups. 

Fry shared some interesting backstage moments concerning “whipping the vote” as is his specialty. He stated one can never be sure of a vote until it is cast. He doubled his whipping effort to ensure that the COS resolution succeeded. Convention of States volunteers are truly grateful for those doubled efforts. 

Additionally, Fry explained that George Mason put forth a last-minute proposal that expanded Article V, providing amendment authority to state legislatures rather than only to Congress. 

Support of leaders like Representative Russell Fry was invaluable during the process of passing the resolution in the House. Volunteers fully understand they cannot let up now, as Fry mentioned. 

The Senate session is only months away (January 2022). In his words “the score is up, but it is half-time” and a lot of work lies ahead. That is nothing new for COS volunteers. They have proven that “advocacy matters”.