The Republican Party: Where We're At

Sometimes it takes a failure of massive proportions to force renewed vigor and imagination. This is the state we are in right now nationally.

Mineral County Republicans can pat themselves on the back. Charles Minimah, Beth Walker, Dan Greear, Mike Teets, Gary Howell, John McCain, and others carried the county soundly while Republicans kept many of the county offices. Bob Schadler and Jay Courrier ran unopposed. Republicans in this region remained vigorous and confident. They marched in parades, maintained blogs that kept people talking, organized fundraisers and events for local and statewide candidates, and made phone calls. They also never forgot that, as Doug McKinney has put it, we are Republicans for a reason.

If it was just about hard working people, Republicans would have won in a landslide. Look at Doug and Sue McKinney putting about half a million miles on their car going from town to town. Look at Gary Howell who fought every single day against overwhelming odds and came within a hair of upsetting a candidate beloved by the special interests. His friends and neighbors supported him overwhelmingly and he even almost won heavily Democratic Tucker County. Look at our statewide candidates who were everywhere pounding the pavement. Hopefully our campaigns at the very least kept the conversation going about corruption and cronyism. Look at Christy Barnett, a one woman campaign machine trying to rally the Potomac Highlands. This is not failure; it's a foundation. But we must build upon it.

Here are some suggestions.

We must stop clinging to the shadow of Ronald Reagan. He was one of our greatest Americans, but many new voters have no memory of him except in history books. Reagan's revolution has lessons that will always be relevant, but they need updating. By clinging too much to Reagan and not moving decisively towards a future blueprint, we risk looking like the stodgy old FDR Democrats of our parents' and grandparents' generation. Time for us to find the next great thing. Luckily we have a pitbull in waiting.

Start emphasizing science, technology, and research. The Republican Party may have fewer friends in the research fields, but it has many in engineering. We must emphasize that American technology constantly needs investment. Blue collar jobs will continue to grow less prevalent while science, technology, and small business entrepreneurship will keep growing. Leading the world was a constant goal in the twentieth century. Why not recapture that spirit for the twenty-first century?

On the state level, we have a dedicated state party chair who volunteers countless hours to be wherever he is needed to promote the cause. We had outstanding candidates with the vision and spirit to lead West Virginia forward. The problem was that our state party does not have the resources to function as it should. Dan Greear, Mike Teets, Gary Howell, and others ran very tight races despite being outspent sometimes 5 to 1. Additional organizational and financial support could have put these people over the top to help bring about a better West Virginia. The state party needs more resources and more support if we are to ever make this state great again.

In 1888 Democrats had dominated West Virginia for sixteen years, but the elections kept getting closer. By 1896, a strong Republican organization with a real vision captured the state and did not let it go for decades. Remember that example.

Over the next two years we need to emphasize our vision, rally behind our successful candidates, and build an organization with the resources to help our candidates get over the top. We should be very proud of the personal efforts of our candidates and volunteers. They are something to build upon for the next go round.

Nationally we have faced challenges on this scale before. In 1976 and 1992 we bounced back aggressively. We found bold leaders, updated our message, and changed America for the better. We cannot continue to cling to the shadow of Reagan, but we must adapt his ideas to create a blueprint for the future. It is not a question of if we do it. We must.

And we will.

The People Behind the Scenes Often Make the Difference

Politics, like almost anything else, usually reveals only a small percentage of its actual workings. Television, print, and electronic media show the candidates as they go from here to there, meeting and greeting. Most people do not understand how it takes a physical and financial toll on most candidates to interact with the people and find out what they want and need from their officials.

No one ever sees the hard working and dedicated souls that work behind the scenes to make all this possible. Few politicians have the time or the skill to organize large scale campaigns. They often have to travel to several events in the same day and remember which people are at what place. If a candidate is lucky, they have someone carefully scanning the media, finding out when events are, and making schedules for them. Also most candidates need money. Most in our state live on the same middle class salaries as many of the rest of us and need help from the people. Many would be amazed at how important each candidate considers every donation even and sometimes especially the $10 and $20 ones. Once, Governor Arch Moore received a small donation from an elderly woman that he knew lived on a low fixed income. He tried to return it to her but was met with refusal. She wanted everyone to know that she supported him. Candidates strongly appreciate every bit of support they get.

If candidates are fortunate, they have dedicated volunteers arranging fundraisers for them. One of the best in our region at mastering the fine art of scheduling and fund raising is Christy Barnett of New Creek. In her third year of political work, she has made a tremendous impact in local and state races and has become indispensable to many Republican office seekers. She is also one of the district delegates to the State Republican Executive Committee.

Another important person worth mentioning is Tommy Phillips, President of the Harrison County Republican Club. He tirelessly labors at making the state GOP website one of the most effective and efficient political site in the country while constantly keeping it up to date. Under his control, it has grown into one of the top sources for news and events in the state party. Phillips also manages events for his club and assists the party directly in a variety of capacities. Phillips is definitely part of the glue that holds the West Virginia GOP organization together.

These behind the scenes warriors get little credit, but deserve many accolades. Thanks to all of them who sacrifice their time and energy to bring the Republican Party success in West Virginia.

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Home sales rose 5.3% nationally in the last report issued. With the nation still in a growth phase, home sales showing signs of life, and gasoline prices starting to drop, it will be interesting to see what the main issues will be in two months should these trends continue.

Gary Howell Fundraiser Last Friday

Last Friday night, Gary Howell held his first fundraiser of the campaign season. This event was organized by Christy Barnett with help from Gloria Howell and the good folks of the Old School Cafe. Campaign consultant Gary Abernathy hosted the event.

Gary was supported by a roomful of people who came to show their support and donate money. Included among Gary's local friends were State Senator Dave Sypolt and Republican nominee for governor Russ Weeks. Gary gave a tremendous speech that explained his priorities, namely economic reform in West Virginia to ensure a prosperous future.

Many items were donated for the silent auction. Included was some truly "fabulous fudge" as it was called. Let me tell you, that was truth in advertising! Others baked some delicious looking pies. West Virginia University professor Russ Sobel, Abernathy, and Weeks also donated autographed copies of their books. Barnett donated Washington Senators tickets and Cheri Gannon donated a gift basket from the Keyser sandwich and coffee shop On Common Grounds. Many other donations (I wish I could remember from whom) helped Gary raise a substantial amount to help his senate bid.

The Republican Party has a vision for the state's future that involves a drastically different course than we are following now. We need to put the development of state business first and create a solid foundation for growth. Only through a GOP Legislature will this ever be achieved. Gary Howell can be a big part of the solution that West Virginia needs. A whole lot of his friends that showed last Friday agree with that idea.

The Event of the Year

You’re invited to

The Event of the Year

The 30^th Annual Birthday

Of

Christy Barnett

Saturday November 17^th, 2007, 6:00 PM

At

HC 72 Box 230, New Creek, WV 26743

No Cover Charge

RSVP by Calling (304) 813-5746 or (304) 788-5095

Kicking It Off Right

Last Saturday the Potomac Highlands Republican Club kicked off its existence with an exciting dinner in Romney. The event featured Secretary of State Betty Ireland. Our Secretary of State is easily the most charismatic and energetic member of West Virginia's executive branch and last Saturday she definitely did not disappoint.

Her speech emphasized Republican unity and focus going into the 2008 election year and she presented it in her usual "take no prisoners" style. Ireland always challenges state Republicans to do more to support candidates as well as the party organization. Additionally she endorsed the idea of regional clubs such as the PHRC as models for the future. Ireland had strong praise for club president Christy Barnett's organizational skills and energy.

Senator Dave Sypolt handled the master of ceremonies duties with his usual grace and good humor. Apart from Ireland, he also was able to introduce GOP strategist Gary Abernathy who gave the assembled guests an update on the state presidential nominating convention. Following Abernathy's explanation of the convention process, Sypolt presented three presidential candidate representatives. Tom O' Neil described the ideas of Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney while Senator Vic Sprouse endorsed former New York City mayor Rudolph Giuliani. Finally Abernathy explained the virtues of former United States Senator Fred Thompson.

Senator Clark Barnes gave the final talk of the night. The feisty Barnes opened fire on critics of the administration of George W. Bush, reminding the guests of the president's many successes over the past seven years.

This dinner served as a key event to introduce the public to the PHRC. The club's most important goal lies in strengthening Republican involvement even in off years. Supporting candidates also remains an important function. Secretary Ireland emphasized the benefits of an organization that crosses county boundaries. Such a group can better assist those candidates who seek to represent multiple counties.

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The club wished to thank those who helped to sponsor the event: Bob Adams, candidate for governor; Gary Howell, candidate for state senate, Chris Wakim, the Grant County Republican Executive Committee, and two unnamed Democrats who decided to support the conservative values many of us share regardless of party. Of course one of the main themes of the night could be expressed in two words.

BEAT HILLARY!

Christy Barnett Shines at Grant County Meeting

The Grant County Republican Executive Committee held a meeting to discuss the upcoming state Presidential Convention. Also in attendance were members of the Pendleton County Executive Committee.

The meeting opened with Christy Barnett explaining what was required of the county to send its members to the state convention. Members must be present in Charleston to vote as no proxies will be allowed. If the delegate cannot attend, then they may appoint an alternate.

Those wishing to be an at large delegate must register for that position prior to November 30th, with the state party in Charleston. If more people than the alloted number allows, then a county convention will need to be held between Jan. 1st and Jan. 14th. It was decided that Grant County would hold another meeting to finalize plans.

Christy went onto explain about the Potomac Highlands Republican Club and the upcoming dinner to be held on Nov. 3rd. Christy explained that the clubs primary function would be to provide support to Republican candidates and support functions. Many attending felt that an organization like this had been needed for along time and welcomed the support it would bring, and thanked Christy for all the hard work she has done for the party and the state.

The Value of People Behind the Scenes

As we approach another important election cycle, we will hear more than we ever wanted to about the candidates. Their faces will dominate the news shows and their spin will consume endless advertising dollars. Candidates whether for president or county commission will travel all over, meeting people, discussing the issues. It's easy to forget that behind each candidate, organizing each campaign, are the men and women behind the scenes.

How does that candidate know the local history of some tiny little town? Why does it seem like another candidate has an amazing ability to discuss every conceivable issue? Of course the candidates themselves are usually pretty sharp. However even the best candidates need help.

Some operate firms that help advise candidates and organize their approach. They specialize in efficiency, publicity, and actually saving campaigns money. One such firm is Abernathy Strategies run by Gary Abernathy. Others volunteer to work for the party itself. Perhaps a lot of voters have not yet heard of New Creek resident Christy Barnett, but the West Virginia State Republican Party valued her tireless energy and organizational skill enough to name her to its State Executive Committee in the past year. Barnett has shown a strong ability to get politicians on the west side of the mountains (especially in Charleston) interested in this region. Without the unpaid labor of people such as Barnett, candidates will not enjoy success.

Just as important are the thousands of conservatives that care enough to play whatever part they can. Some trudge valiantly into areas such as the notoriously left wing Morgantown neighborhood of South Park to get belittled for hours. Others drive out country roads to pass out literature, spending a lot of dollars and hours because they care about their community, state, and country. This is why some get extremely disappointed when elected officials do not measure up; they didn't just get a vote, they got a huge measure of a person's time for a few months.

West Virginia's Republican Party is gearing up yet again for an exciting political season. This will be a tremendous year in terms of candidates for office at all levels. Mineral County, for example, is very lucky to have extremely experienced men and women running for Delegate and State Senate. Even as we give these hard working candidates their just due, we must also remember the people that work behind the scenes that make victory possible.

Mineral County Republican Executive Committee holds meeting

The Mineral County Republican Executive Committee held a meeting Thursday night at the courthouse to be briefed on the upcoming state Presidential Convention to be held on February 5^th, 2008 in Charleston. Tom O’Neil of the state Executive Committee was on hand to explain West Virginia is moving from selecting a Republican presidential candidate by primary to selecting the candidate by state convention.

Tom O’Neil went on to say by moving to a state presidential convention the West Virginia would become more relevant in selecting a Republican presidential candidate. West Virginia will be the 5^th state to select its Republican presidential candidate behind Iowa, South Carolina, New Hampshire, and Florida respectively.

Mineral County will be allowed to send 27 delegates to the state convention. The 12 county executive committee members are automatically selected. All county chairs, and Republican House of Delegate members are automatically are selected as well. Since both county chair Bob Harman and delegate Bob Schadler are also county executive committee members they are allowed to appoint two additional people. A vote was taken and Sara Geis of Short Gap and Harry Boggs of Keyser were selected to fill those two positions.

One additional convention delegate for every 1,000 registered Republican voters will be granted, which is 8 for Mineral. All counties that the majority voted for George W. Bush in the 2004 Presidential election will be given an additional 5 delegates. This gives Mineral County 13 additional convention delegates.

The 13 additional delegates are open positions. People wishing to serve must be a registered Republican in Mineral County as of July 1, 2007, and file a request to be a delegate with the state Republican Executive Committee in Charleston. If more than 13 apply, a county caucus will be held to narrow the field to 13.

The 27 delegates from Mineral County will help select the Republican presidential nominee at the state Convention. Christy Barnett of New Creek will also serve as a delegate as she is a member of the state executive committee.

In other business Candy Gordon was appointed to take over the position of Treasurer for the County Executive Committee and Sara Geis will take on the roll of Secretary.