MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN

January 2009

Another year has come to a close. The 2008 Presidential campaign is finally over. What a roller coaster ride we’ve been on the past 12 – 18 months. Unfortunately, Maryland Republican candidates and Republican candidates nationally did not do so well. But that is the past. Now is the time to look forward and begin the planning process for the 2010 elections.

There were a few bright spots. Congratulations to Congressman Roscoe Bartlett for his successful campaign. He is Maryland’s only Republican Congressional Representative. Carroll County Republicans continued to show their support for our conservative congressman by giving him a 64%/32% victory over Democrat Jennifer Dougherty. While a Bartlett victory is a positive, the fact that Dougherty received 32% of the vote in this county causes me some concern. Was this vote caused by dissatisfaction with President Bush and the Iraq war and/or by the number of registered Democrats moving to this county from elsewhere?

A very important positive from the 08’ campaign was the number of volunteers who stepped forward to help Diana in our headquarters and call center. Approximately 150 grassroots activists volunteered your time to keep these facilities open, make phone calls and perform other duties as needed. I want to take this opportunity to personally thank each of you for your commitment to the candidates of our Party. Former Delegate Joe Getty, District 5A, was instrumental in working with Diana to open the call center and keep it operational. Larry Helminiak, Committee Chairman the past two years, worked to ensure that a steady stream of campaign materials were available for distribution. Joe Burns and Mike Guerin handled the large sign installation. Thank you one and all for your help.

Looking forward, our National Party may soon have a new chairman. One of our own, former Lt. Governor Michael Steele is among several candidates running for this position. Our State Party leadership will vote this month on the person who will determine the direction our National Party will take into the immediate future. Stay tuned.

This committee has begun planning our annual Legislative Breakfast. For those of you unfamiliar with this event, this is an opportunity for the members of our Annapolis Delegation to discuss legislation being formulated during this year’s session. Delegation members usually serve on different committees, allowing for input on the formulation of different pieces of legislation. There will also be an opportunity for questions and answers. Details will be available on our website as they are finalized. I urge you to consider attending.

Other opportunities for you to become involved in the local political process will occur as we begin our voter registration efforts. Beginning in late February with the Hampstead Business Expo at North Carroll High School, throughout the summer months our trailer will be at many of the carnivals, staffed with volunteers. These voter registration activities allow our volunteers an opportunity to interact with our citizens, explaining the differences between the two parties and assisting with the completion of voter registration forms. It’s a fun activity. Your help would be appreciated. See our website for details.

As I write this, winter is giving us a dose of nasty weather. Spring will be here soon. Take care and be safe. I look forward to seeing you at one of our activities.

David
David Jones
Chairman