The Duma-Congress Study Group, the formal coordinating body between the Russian Parliament and the US Congress, in cooperation with the American Foreign Policy Council (AFPC) organized the GPP convention visit of Unity Party parliamentary head Boris Gryzlov. Unity is Russian President Vladimir Putin’s party.
As part of its ongoing program in support of the Duma-Congress program, AFPC President Herman Pirchner, Jr. and Program Director Sandy Bostian escorted the delegation, which included:
From informal chats on the convention hall floor to protests, the group experienced the full range of convention politics, activities, and pageantry.
Convention Milestones
The Unity representatives attended the opening ceremonies and a special foreign policy discussion with several former Secretaries of State. During their evening on the floor, they were able to speak with several notable delegates, including a discussion of missile defense with former Secretary of State George Schultz.
Mr. Reznik, the primary proponent of Russia’s recently enacted flat tax, to a lot of interest from several convention attendees when the discussion turned to tax policy.
The delegation also had a short sidewalk meeting with Philadelphia Police Commissioner John Timoney – who was bicycling to the next point of contention – on police efforts during the protests.
After speaking with long-time GOP benefactors, several delegation members noted that a strong base of well-educated and active party supporters was missing from their party. They noted the need to develop such an institutional foundation within their system.
“A presidential nominating convention is a unique chance for these Russian politicians to see the different constituencies within the party and the various roles their counterparts play,” said Pirchner.
Unconventional Housing
The delegation was lodge in a dormitory style townhouse at the Mustin Congressional Village in the former Philadelphia Naval Yard. The Congressional Village provided housing for over 100 Members of Congress during the convention.
The living conditions were Spartan but the Unity lawmakers were able to meet their Congressional peers in a more relaxed atmosphere. Whether it was getting their picture taken with an elephant or having an impromptu breakfast with a Congressman, the Duma Members got a behind-the-scenes look at convention activities.