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Weekend convention run-down
By punch bowl | April 10, 2008
As far as I know, there are eight conventions this weekend: Colorado, Connecticut, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.
I have not yet received much information on Colorado’s convention. Although, I do know that CRNC Chairman Charlie Smith will be in attendance and that Erica Castelo from DU and her slate is running uncontested.
In Connecticut, Jason Gould is running unopposed to replace David Brewster as chairman. Running with Mr. Gould is Karla Carpenter (vice-chair) and Chris Kito (secretary). Mr. Gould and his slate are running on a platform of communication, creativity, and community.
Connecticut will also be voting on several constitutional amendments proposed by out-going chairman, David Brewster. Contacting Mr. Brewster directly, he told me the purpose of the amendments is to make the deadlines imposed by constitution more common sensical and pragmatic. If anyone would like to review the amendment being voting on in Connecticut, please send me an e-mail at crnation@gmail.com
In Louisiana, so far no one has been officially nominated, but a CR Nation mole reports that one name is being floated as a potential candidate: Rudy Perciful. Mr. Perciful is a student at LSU and the current 1st vice-chairman of the Louisiana College Republicans.
The key note speaker is Chad Rogers of thedeadpelican.com, which is a “drudge-like” site that is famous in Louisiana for conservative stories and commentary.
Zach Howell from the CRNC will be speaking about national issues, and providing a training session on STORM. The focus of the convention will to encourage College Republican involvement in the campaign of John Kennedy, who is trying to oust Sen. Mary Landrieu. This senate race is our best chance to gain a seat in the U.S. Senate.
In Maryland, Jeff Bailey is seeking to replace the wonderful Ashly Barbera as the leader of the Maryland CRs. Mr. Bailey and his slate are currently running unopposed. That slate includes:
Evan Lazerowitz for Executive Vice-Chairman (current JHU Chairman and Central Vice-Chairman), Chris Banerjee for Central Vice-Chairman (current UMD Chairman), Paul Schuman for Secretary (current UMBC Chairman), and Mike Kilbane for Treasurer (current UMD Recruitment Coordinator).
Explaining why he is seeking the chairmanship, Mr. Bailey states his reasons are:
#1 To elect Republican candidates.
#2 To grow the MFCR, its member clubs, and the leadership of our members.
#3 To spread the conservative truth to Maryland’s campuses and youth.
Maryland’s convention is being held at John Hopkins University. Speakers at the event will include MDGOP Chairman Jim Pelura, National Committeeman Louis Pope, and CRNC Northeast Vice-Chair Michael Keough. In addition to electing new leadership, the Maryland CRs will consider the adoption of a new constitution that will, in the opinion of out-going Chairwoman Ashley Barbera, allow the organization to operate more effectively in the future.
In Massachusetts, the current chairman (Brian Gwozdz) and executive director (Jacob Ventura) both expressed an interest in seeking the chairmanship for the 2008-2009 term, but both subsequently dropped out of the race for personal reasons.
After the exit of Mr. Gwozdz and Mr. Ventura from the race, two candidates announced their desire to lead MACR during the 2008 election cycle: Trevor Lair and Alee Lockman.
Reports on the state of the race are mixed indicating that the race may be tight. For more information on this race, please see our previous posts below.
In Massachusetts this weekend keeping tabs on things is CRNC treasurer Esther Clark.
In regards to North Carolina, I am awaiting a response from their current chairman, Tyson Grinstead.
In Tennessee, I have not yet received information on announced or rumored candidates. What I do know is that the Tennessee CRs will be voting on changes to their consitution. Aside from elections and the consitution, invited speakers include Sen. Lamar Alexander, Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, Rep. Zach Wamp, Rep. Marsha Blackburn and Rep. John Duncan.
In Texas, there will be a grassroots campaign training seminar, put together by Texas Victory 2008. The training will include addresses from U.S. Senator John Cornyn, Chairman Michael Williams, and Victory ‘08 Chairman Roger Williams. It will also feature lectures and workshops, directed by Victory ‘08 staff members.
I am told that Blake Harris, CRNC Co-Chairman, will be addressing the Texas CRs.
In a departure from the typical nominations and elections process, the Texas CRs have decided to accept nominations from the floor for every position on the Executive Board. Thus, there are no official candidates at this time. Unofficially, Ryan Murphy is running for the chairman spot.
Also, recognizing the need for reform and desire for a new direction, the Texas CRs will hold a Constitutional Session, in which there will be open discussion and deliberation over a new TFCR Constitution.
Topics: CR gossip, CR federation elections, CR events, CR elections |
April 11th, 2008 at 12:07 am
NC also has its convention this weekend (sorry for not sending in an update sooner). We have several great speakers including Rep. Virginia Foxx, Rep. Howard Coble, 4 candidates for Governor, and Alabama’s Hunter Hill to breif us on STORM. Duke’s Sam Tasher is running an unopposed campaign with UNC’s Charissa Lloyd to take over as Chairman and Co-Chairwoman.
April 11th, 2008 at 12:54 am
Jacob Ventura never expressed interest in running for Chair of MACR.
April 11th, 2008 at 5:57 am
The great state of NC also has their State Convention this week.
April 11th, 2008 at 10:30 am
thanks Esther, your comment was really helpful and added significantly to Tyson’s comment…hahaha, I hope you were just asleep…kind of like your superly, amazingly, wonderfully fantastic ’storm’ program is (or are we just in the eye of the storm right now?)
BTW, I LOVE NC!!!
April 11th, 2008 at 11:27 am
Thanks for clarifying that you’re definitely NOT me by your name anonymous choice. Maybe you’re too asleep to realize that comments must be approved, which means, 5 people could all comment about the same thing without realizing someone else already said something very similar. Just thought I’d point that out to you.
Being in the midst of a STORM is a very cool experience.
I love NC too — its in the south!
April 12th, 2008 at 11:57 pm
John Kennedy is running in Louisianer?