GOP rallies behind McInnis for Colorado governor
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CRNC GROUP FLOATS AMENDMENTS
Two amendments to the CRNC constitution will be up for consideration at the CRNC national board meeting in December.
The amendments, hitting mailboxes this week (postmarked “Denver, CO”), involve election procedures and membership.
Similar amendments were considered last year, but were defeated after heavy opposition from the CRNC establishment. All of that could change as several establishment and opposition leaders have joined forces in sponsoring the amendments. (Harris, Carlson, Beeson, Smith, Strain, Luna, Miltenberger, Howell, and Siler.)
DRAFT DODGE
FACEBOOK GROUP VANISHES
A Facebook group (created by grassroots Ohio CRs) drafting Ohio CR State Chairman Brian Siler to run for CRNC national chairman in 2007 hit the internets this afternoon (and linked on TRUTH), but within hours was removed from public viewing.
A reader stated: “The group is not anything official, and I can assure you that no one is neglecting one of the most important elections ever in Ohio this year. I would note, too, that the group is simply a “Draft” group. As far as I know, no one has officially entered the race, and it should stay that way until after the elections. No one is actively campaigning or making phone calls that I know of, and joining a Facebook group is pretty harmless and requires no real commitment to actually doing anything, just voicing support via Facebook. And by the way, nice work on scooping the story so quickly, even though it isn’t that big of a deal. I do have to give you kudos for that.”
Some thought the move was inappropriate as the 2006 midterm elections are just weeks away.
The group’s creator, Jonathon Snyder of Ohio State, addressed the concern: “And, it is not an official group by any means, either. Personally, I would like to see it happen, and I doubt (or at least hope) anyone will be making a decision on running or not until after November 7. We are working hard in Ohio, and everyone else should be, too. I can pretty much guarantee, that since you put it up on Truth Caucus, it will start a bigger stir than it should. Finally, I appreciate your joining just to post, and would like to commend you for finding this just 30 minutes after creation.”
And just like that…the group was gone.
TELL ME SOMETHING I DON’T KNOW…
The CRNC is set to send out certified letters to the national board calling its fall board meeting.
Unconfirmed reports say CRNC Chairman Paul Gourley and CRNC Treasurer Tom Robins are supporting—for the moment—Denver as the site for the meeting.
There is a strategy behind this. Gourley and Robins hope to use the selection as a way to coax Colorado CR Chairman Charlie Smith out of announcing a candidacy for national chairman. (Let’s make a deal!) Both Gourley and Robins have shown lukewarm support for Smith’s rumored candidacy. In fact, Robins himself is considering a run for national chairman—that is if Gourley doesn’t run for re-election. (They can’t choose between themselves.)
Meanwhile, Colorado is the only state that has actively campaigned for the national board meeting, and the selection of a locale any other place would be considered a slap in the face.
A FOURTH CANDIDATE
Sources say a new candidate is mulling a potential run for national chairman—a mystery candidate that will shock outside observers.
CRNC insiders say National Treasurer Tom Robins is quietly considering a bid for national chairman—an option that would satisfy current CRNC Chairman Paul Gourley.
Gourley has said he will only run for re-election if he is totally satisfied with a candidate for his replacement. The national chairman hasn’t yet fully embraced the candidacy of Colorado CR State Chairman Charlie Smith, a candidate with existing establishment loyalties.
Robins has been Gourley’s chief lieutenant within the CRNC.
Over the summer, Robins quietly made telephone calls floating a possible Pennsylvania CR State Chairman Nick Miccarelli consensus candidacy, but Miccarelli wouldn’t hear of it.
Smith, who is serious about running for national chairman, has garnered early support from Utah CR State Chairman Zach Howell. Since Robins is from Utah, Howell would be expected to switch loyalties, or force Smith out of the race.
BEST CR STATE CHAIRMEN
...OR SO YOU SAY
My first foray into user-interactivity…
Don’t kill the messenger! Below are the most suggested names for “Best CR State Chairman.” A few of them wouldn’t be my choices (but not EVERYTHING is about me). Keep in mind, some people might have been nominated more than others based on my readership, which, although is nationwide, is higher in some regions. (I like to refer to California as, “my base.”)
Also, let me say that this isn’t scientific. (I didn’t do a standard poll because I wanted you to actually comment on your selections.)
In alpha order (Brian Siler, Mason Harrison, and Nick Miccarelli were the most nominated, in that order):
Dan Carlson (Michigan) – It’ll be interesting to see how this “Morgan Wilkins thing” will affect Carlson’s popularity. Regardless, people nominating Carlson often refer to his hard-core conservatism and steady principles. Some even ask, “Will Carlson run for national chairman?”
Mason Harrison (California) – The leader of the most high-profile state federation in the country, Harrison has proven to be the right mix of former popular state leaders Michael Davidson and Stephen Puetz. Often cited for his commitment to grassroots (he went door-to-door walking with a cane after suffering a foot injury), Harrison continues to impress his fellow Californians.
Brent Ludeman (Washington) – Opposed Eric Hoplin and Paul Gourley from the very beginning (he was the first club chairman to call on Hoplin to resign when a national fund-raising scandal broke), supporters like to point out. Ludeman, using his opposition street cred, is considering a national chair run, nominators say.
Frank Luna (New Jersey) – Supporters refer to Luna’s
”everyman” appeal. “He is not above doing anything,” a nominator wrote. (In fact, everyone says that.) With Tom Kean’s high-profile Senate race in Jersey, Luna is making his state proud.
Erin McTiernan (New York) – “She’s a force of nature,” one nominator said. McTiernan has made waves since she came to power after obliterating her opponent, Rob Weitzman. Since then, judging by this survey, she has garnered the respect of her state federation as a no-nonsense, dedicated chairman.
Nick Miccarelli (Pennsylvania) – The most famous College Republican state chairman in the nation, Miccarelli was often cited for his dedication to the many tough races in Pennsylvania (and his service to our country). Although he firmly says he refuses to run for CRNC national chairman in 07, one must wonder if a draft Miccarelli movement will surface.
Mike Miltenberger (Massachusetts) – One person nominated Miltenberger saying that he makes her “want to be a better person.” The flashy Bay state chairman, elected Northeast Caucus chairman in June, was nominated several times with the phrase, “I like Mike.”
Brian Siler (Ohio) – The most nominated chairman, often cited for raising money and his willingness to stand up against the CRNC national office. First elected last spring, Siler is also whispered as a possible 07 candidate.
Charlie Smith (Colorado) – Colorado had two votes at the last CRNC national convention, expect them to have more this time around, Smith supporters say (especially if their candidate runs for national chair).
Nate Walton (Maine) – Maine College Republicans gush with pride over their federation, and their leader, Nate Walton. Their rally cry? Mainefest! Mainers cite Walton as an efficient, intelligent grassroots leader.
Coming in “Top Ten” striking distance: Andrew Lamar (Virginia), Justin Smith (Missouri), and Jon Thompson (North Carolina).
You can submit your thoughts, observations, and other ephemera: [TRUTH be Told]
CRNC FIELD REP FURY
NATIONAL GOP REBUKES CRNC REP.
GOURLEY CUTS AND RUNS
RNC officials distanced themselves Tuesday from events planned by CRNC Field Representative Morgan Wilkins “that encourage college students to “Catch an Illegal Immigrant” and shoot cardboard cutouts of leading Democrats with a BB gun or paintball gun.” (As opposed to hollywood making documentaries portraying the murder of President Bush!)
CRNC Chairman Paul Gourley, in full crisis mode, referred to the field representative in question as “just an independent contractor.” (That’s cutting and running, if you didn’t know.)
Wilkins, who attended Jefferson County Community College in Kentucky, remains on CRNC payroll.
Developing…
From Associated Press: Republicans on Tuesday distanced themselves from campaign activities that encourage college students to “Catch an Illegal Immigrant” and shoot cardboard cutouts of leading Democrats with a BB gun or paintball gun. [Associated Press]
WHO IS THE BEST CR STATE CHAIRMAN?
Click on the link and anonymously tell me who you think is the best current CR state chairman, and why (it doesn’t count unless you at least give me one word as to why). This is YOUR opinion, so don’t tell me who you think other people think is the best. You can make your determination based on grassroots, experience, charisma, looks, leadership, or whatever you want. I’ll post the top ten. (Or, what seems to be the consensus of the top ten.)
TELL ME SOMETHING I DON’T KNOW…
The University of Tennessee College Republicans (Good ole rocky top!) has over 1,200 members. (Send Harold Ford back to the VD-Clinic we like to call “the streets of Memphis, Tennessee.”)
Yes, I’m gonna say it…2007 implications abound.
I don’t know who the club chairman is (so don’t expect a shout out), but good job.
TELL ME SOMETHING I DON’T KNOW…
A source says CRNC field representatives begin training today at the Leadership Institute.
UPDATE: CRNC FUNDRAISING
From the Political Money Line:
The College Republican National Committee reported raising $359,708 and spending $1,248,855. The committee paid Infocision Management Corp (OH) $821,634 for fundraising.
A READER WRITES…
A reader writes:
RE: The WaPo article you linked to reminded me that the Davidson campaign pioneered that technique with their text messaging on delegates at the 2005 convention… Maybe something that would warrant a mention on your blog.
(Consider it mentioned.)
A READER WRITES…
A Washington DC College Republican writes:
I saw Mike Keough and Annie Kelly meeting yesterday at GW, she was pointing her finger, looked like she was pissed at him. I thought she was in Minnesota but I guess not.
(Perhaps she can tear a hole in the space-time continuum and be in two places at one time?)
WE REPORT, YOU DECIDE
Just letting y’all know:
——-Original Message——-
From: “pgourley”
Date: Fri, 30 Jun 2006 23:08:25
To:pgourley@crnc.org
Subject: State Chair Memo
I’m writing to inform you of a transition within the CRNC. Our Finance Director, Brandon Moody, will be moving on to manage the congressional campaign for Congressman Jim Gerlach in Pennsylvania’s 6th District.
One of the College Republican National Committee’s goals is to recruit and develop the next generation of political leaders and we’re excited to see Brandon take the next step.
As College Republicans, we all owe Brandon a debt of gratitude for his service to the Committee. Through Brandon’s leadership, we have re-focused our fundraising into a sophisticated political operation. The expertise he brought to the Committee has put us in a position to fund the largest and most successful youth mobilization and recruitment effort in CRNC history.
I’ve attached a letter from Brandon to the National Board. Please direct any questions to me at the national office,
Paul
Paul Gourley
Chairman
TELL ME SOMETHING I DON’T KNOW…
The 2005 CRNC election was one year ago today. You can read about the campaign season here: [TRUTH CAUCUS]
CARLSON ELECTED MW CAUCUS CHAIR
SMITH (MO), BURKE (WI) ELECTED TO CREDENTIALS
JOHN DONNELLY (IL) ELECTED SECRETARY
*All candidates were unopposed