Although the tactic was technically allowed, it prompted debate over election procedure.
“Nothing went wrong last year, but there was a perception of wrongdoing,” Porter said.
While there were no procedural changes this year, Porter said the election committee “bent over backwards to eliminate even the appearance of wrongdoing.”
Barkley said there had been no recent surge in membership.
The evening was also an opportunity for the outgoing board to reflect on its work and look forward. Porter, who began the evening by thanking the members of his board, cited the success of the club’s “Conservative Awareness Month” He was also greeted with cheers of “Porter in 2020” from the audience. He said he thought the future of the club was in good hands.
“I could not be more pleased with the candidates’ experience and energy. I know the coming board will ascend to even greater heights,” he said.