Greeting,
The NCGOP convention ended today on a high note with a very motivated and energized executive committee sent forth by our Chairman to “GO OUT AND WIN”.
The convention got off to a very slow start on Friday but soon found its legs and took off running Friday night with a rousing speech from Congressman Allen West. Saturday’s attendance swelled to 1161 delegates with 90 counties in attendance. Counties from the east, Brunswick, New Hanover and Onslow had high attendance numbers along with several larger counties, Wake, Mecklenburg and Forsyth. Carteret County had 24 delegates in attendance and I wish to thank all of them for attending.
On Saturday House Speaker Thom Tillis and President Pro Tempore Phil Berger reported on the budget and other legislative goals of the session. Congressmen Mick Mulvaney and Andrew Breitbart were the guest speakers at lunch.
Supreme Court Justice Paul Newby led off the afternoon session. Justice Newby is the only Supreme Court Justice on the ballot in 2012. Prior the Democratic Legislatures change from partisan to non-partisan races the Republicans held a 5-2 majority on the Supreme Court. Republicans currently hold a 4 to 3 majority on the Court with Justice Newby seat being the swing seat this year. The matching funds period will commence on September 1, 2011 for judicial races. So mark your calendars for September and plan to make a contribution to Justice Newby’s campaign. On a related note Senator Phil Berger earlier informed the convention that a bill to reverse the non-partisan judicial races to partisan races will be debated in committee this week.
Pat McCrory addressed the convention to a standing ovation and listed 10 reasons why Bev Perdue should not be reelected Governor. He also explained that the Democrats need to win at least one southern state in 2012 to retain the Presidency. President Obama and the Democratic Party have put North Carolina in play by selecting Charlotte as the site of their national Convention. They will pour people and money into the state to win. He reminded the convention that it will take three M’s to win, Money, Manpower and Motivation.
The Convention then took a serious turn when it came to elections of party officers. Current Party Chairman Robin Hayes was challenged by Marcus Kindley for the post of State Party Chairman. After nominations, seconding and finally campaign speeches from the candidates Chair Hayes was reelected by unanimous consent.
In one of the most contentious events of the convention Wayne King challenged current State Party Vice-Chairman Tim Johnson. Votes were awarded on a portion method of total delegates granted to each county. The winner was in doubt until the end when Wake County cast its votes. Vice-Chairman Tim Johnson led with the most votes’ cast by delegates present throughout the election; but lost to Wayne King on the total votes awarded.
Saturday ended with two final highlights. The first was a standing ovation to a resolution honoring former State Party Chairman Frank Rouse. The second was the evening banquet honoring former chairman Tom Fetzer. US Congressman Tim Scott was also a guest speaker at the banquet.
Sunday the convention ended on a VERY high note as the Executive Committees meeting was held. Chairman Hayes and Billy Miller, the convention chairman, worked through the agenda effortless while energizing and sometimes amusing the committee with their wit. Chairman Hayes informed the committee that the plan for the upcoming election was simple, WIN, retain the State House and Senate, and defeat Governor Perdue and President Obama. To accomplish this task we need to do the following:
1. Raise Money
2. Hire the right people
3. Formulate a grass roots effort
Following former chairman Tom Fetzer’s winning effort in the last election we need to develop a statewide plan. In the past counties focused on local races, in order to hold our current gains and win the governorship and presidency he asks us to assist the state party in raising funds and forming a grass roots organization.
The following officers were submitted by Chairman Hayes and approved by the Executive Committee:
Secretary – Martha Jenkins
Treasurer – Ken Dickson
General Counsel – John Branch
Asst. Secretary – Tommy Adams
Asst. Treasure – Steve Long
Asst. Council – Paul Farley
David Williams submitted his name for General Counsel but withdrew before the vote was taken. The final order of business was the appointment of Terry Hutchens as Finance Chairman. The Executive Committee then adjourned.
As the convention has come to an end the campaign has just begun. I know each of you will do your part in the upcoming election.
Greg Lewis
Carteret County Party Chairman