Major Florida Republican weighs in on GOP’s future
From CNN Political Editor Mark Preston
WASHINGTON (CNN) –- Florida Republican Party Chairman Jim Greer will announce his support Wednesday for Michael Steele to be the next chairman of the Republican National Committee, a spokeswoman tells CNN.
Greer’s backing is a significant boost for Steele, a former Maryland lieutenant governor, who is competing with five other candidates to lead the national party. Greer considered running for RNC chair before deciding to stay on as the head of the state Republican Party. Florida Republicans will hold their annual meeting this weekend in Orlando.
Greer will make the announcement at an RNC candidate meeting being held in the nation’s capital, Republican Party of Florida spokeswoman Erin Vansickle said.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Monday, January 5, 2009
Interview with Chris Faulkner, GOPGrunt.com
Check out Part 2 of GOPGrunt.com's series, "Lessons from the 2008 Trenches" with consultant Chris Faulkner:
Faulkner: Tell me about Florida?
RPOF's Erin VanSickle: Due to its sheer size, the State of Florida necessitates more than retail politicking—it requires any statewide campaign to have a methodical and energized ground game...
Faulkner: What does Obama’s victory in Florida over the McCain campaign say about the political ground game in Florida?
VanSickle: It shows that this was a perfect Democrat year. The Obama campaign simply had more resources--they out-spent McCain 7-1 in Florida, an extreme TV state where TV advertising is critical to success.
Check out the rest of the interview here.
Faulkner: Tell me about Florida?
RPOF's Erin VanSickle: Due to its sheer size, the State of Florida necessitates more than retail politicking—it requires any statewide campaign to have a methodical and energized ground game...
Faulkner: What does Obama’s victory in Florida over the McCain campaign say about the political ground game in Florida?
VanSickle: It shows that this was a perfect Democrat year. The Obama campaign simply had more resources--they out-spent McCain 7-1 in Florida, an extreme TV state where TV advertising is critical to success.
I would note, however, that because of the Republican team in Florida, McCain came within 21/2 points of winning Florida—which says a lot about the folks who worked tirelessly across Florida on behalf of the Republican ticket....
Check out the rest of the interview here.
Florida Federation of TeenAge Republicans Endorses Chairman Greer
Orlando, Fl - The Florida Federation of TeenAge Republicans Executive Board met and unanimously voted to endorse Chairman Jim Greer in his re-election campaign.
RESOLUTION
Whereas, the Florida Federation of TeenAge Republicans recognizes that RPOF Chairman Jim Greer has provided phenomenal leadership throughout the past two years; and
Whereas, Chairman Jim Greer has been an outspoken advocate of the Youth Organizations in the Republican Party; and
Whereas, the Florida Federation of TeenAge Republicans realizes the need for a strong and united party; and
Whereas, Chairman Jim Greer has the energy and enthusiasm to lead the Republican Party to victory in 2010;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that the Florida Federation of TeenAge Republicans does hereby unanimously endorse the candidacy of Jim Greer for his re-election as Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida.
RESOLUTION
Whereas, the Florida Federation of TeenAge Republicans recognizes that RPOF Chairman Jim Greer has provided phenomenal leadership throughout the past two years; and
Whereas, Chairman Jim Greer has been an outspoken advocate of the Youth Organizations in the Republican Party; and
Whereas, the Florida Federation of TeenAge Republicans realizes the need for a strong and united party; and
Whereas, Chairman Jim Greer has the energy and enthusiasm to lead the Republican Party to victory in 2010;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that the Florida Federation of TeenAge Republicans does hereby unanimously endorse the candidacy of Jim Greer for his re-election as Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida.
Speaker Sansom Resigns College Position
In an effort to keep Republicans updated on the news during this week's Special Session, please see Tallahassee Democrat article below.
Sansom Resigns College Job
House Speaker Ray Sansom is resigning his $110,000-a-year job at Northwest Florida State College, he said to open the Legislature's special session this morning.
Sansom, a Destin Republican, has been under fire for $25 million he steered to the college last year when he was budget chief in the House, revelations by the St. Petersburg Time of communications he had with the college's president and secretive meetings that resulted. His new job at the college was announced on the day he assumed the post leading the House in November.
"This has not been an easy decision to make," Sansom said to start off special session, asking members to allow him personal remarks.
...
"Unfortunately, some have disagreed with my decision to work at the college. While I do not question their motives, I strongly object to their conclusions," Sansom said. "In all my years in public service, I have sought to act in a manner worthy of the trust that the people have placed in me."
However,
Read more here
Sansom Resigns College Job
House Speaker Ray Sansom is resigning his $110,000-a-year job at Northwest Florida State College, he said to open the Legislature's special session this morning.
Sansom, a Destin Republican, has been under fire for $25 million he steered to the college last year when he was budget chief in the House, revelations by the St. Petersburg Time of communications he had with the college's president and secretive meetings that resulted. His new job at the college was announced on the day he assumed the post leading the House in November.
"This has not been an easy decision to make," Sansom said to start off special session, asking members to allow him personal remarks.
...
"Unfortunately, some have disagreed with my decision to work at the college. While I do not question their motives, I strongly object to their conclusions," Sansom said. "In all my years in public service, I have sought to act in a manner worthy of the trust that the people have placed in me."
However,
"I will not and cannot allow any controversy over my position at the college to divert our focus."House members gave Sansom a standing ovation at the end of his remarks.
Read more here
Monday, December 29, 2008
Crist's New Republican Leadership Style Evident in RPOF's Saltsman Response
Politico's Ben Smith examines Governor Crist's New Republican leaderhip style and the RPOF's response to the recent developments in the RNC Chairman's race:
Charlie Crist has, in the wake of the election, cast himself as a leader of the modernizing, more diverse Republican Party, and seems to be weighing in indirectly, via a statement from his state party chairman, Jim Greer, on the Saltsman flap:
As the GOP Chairman in one of our nation’s most ethnically and culturally diverse states, I am especially disappointed by the inappropriate words and actions we’ve seen over the past few days. I am proud of those party leaders who have stood up in firm opposition to this type of behavior.
In Florida we have worked hard to reach out to ALL citizens to promote the Republican Party’s principles and values while ensuring that our commitment to African Americans, Hispanics, and other minority communities is sincere and credible. Actions such as the distribution of this CD, regardless of intent, only serves to promote divisiveness and distracts us from our common goal of building our party.
Today, the GOP has an unprecedented opportunity to embrace change and inclusion, and we are either going to welcome this opportunity fully or watch it slip through our fingers. We can only achieve success if Republican leaders reject racial or any other acts that divide us and instead embrace what unites us as a nation.
Charlie Crist has, in the wake of the election, cast himself as a leader of the modernizing, more diverse Republican Party, and seems to be weighing in indirectly, via a statement from his state party chairman, Jim Greer, on the Saltsman flap:
As the GOP Chairman in one of our nation’s most ethnically and culturally diverse states, I am especially disappointed by the inappropriate words and actions we’ve seen over the past few days. I am proud of those party leaders who have stood up in firm opposition to this type of behavior.
In Florida we have worked hard to reach out to ALL citizens to promote the Republican Party’s principles and values while ensuring that our commitment to African Americans, Hispanics, and other minority communities is sincere and credible. Actions such as the distribution of this CD, regardless of intent, only serves to promote divisiveness and distracts us from our common goal of building our party.
Today, the GOP has an unprecedented opportunity to embrace change and inclusion, and we are either going to welcome this opportunity fully or watch it slip through our fingers. We can only achieve success if Republican leaders reject racial or any other acts that divide us and instead embrace what unites us as a nation.
ICYMI: CNN Political Ticker
From the CNN Political Ticker: "Most of Saltsman's Republican rivals slam Obama parody"
NOTE: 'Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer – who has reportedly been weighing a run for the party’s top spot, but has not officially announced a bid — released a Monday morning statement praising candidates who have weighed in against the 'racially-insulting song.'
'As the GOP Chairman in one of our nation’s most ethnically and culturally diverse states, I am especially disappointed by the inappropriate words and actions we’ve seen over the past few days,' he said. 'I am proud of those party leaders who have stood up in firm opposition to this type of behavior.'
'Actions such as the distribution of this CD, regardless of intent, only serves to promote divisiveness and distracts us from our common goal of building our party.'
Most of Saltsman's Republican rivals slam Obama parody
From CNN Associate Political Editor Rebecca Sinderbrand
(CNN) – Republican Party reaction remains divided over the decision of a candidate for party chairman to distribute a CD that featured the parody tune “Barack the Magic Negro,” with the majority of Chip Saltsman’s political rivals criticizing the move.
Republican National Committee Chairman Mike Duncan – battling to keep his job as head of the party – was the first prominent member of the GOP to criticize Saltsman for sending committee members the song.
"The 2008 election was a wake-up call for Republicans to reach out and bring more people into our party," RNC Chairman Mike Duncan said in a Saturday statement.
"I am shocked and appalled that anyone would think this is appropriate, as it clearly does not move us in the right direction."
Michigan party chairman Saul Anuzis also questioned Saltsman’s judgment. "In my opinion, this isn't funny and its in bad taste," he said in a statement. "Just as important, anything that paints the GOP as being motivated in our criticism of President-elect Obama by anything other than a difference in philosophy does a disservice to our party."
Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer – who has reportedly been weighing a run for the party’s top spot, but has not officially announced a bid — released a Monday morning statement praising candidates who have weighed in against the "racially-insulting song."
“As the GOP Chairman in one of our nation’s most ethnically and culturally diverse states, I am especially disappointed by the inappropriate words and actions we’ve seen over the past few days," he said. "I am proud of those party leaders who have stood up in firm opposition to this type of behavior."
"Actions such as the distribution of this CD, regardless of intent, only serves to promote divisiveness and distracts us from our common goal of building our party."
Saltsman sent RNC members the parody CD "We Hate the USA" for Christmas, which includes the controversial tune. He defended his decision Friday, telling CNN the song was clearly intended as a joke.
Read more here.
NOTE: 'Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer – who has reportedly been weighing a run for the party’s top spot, but has not officially announced a bid — released a Monday morning statement praising candidates who have weighed in against the 'racially-insulting song.'
'As the GOP Chairman in one of our nation’s most ethnically and culturally diverse states, I am especially disappointed by the inappropriate words and actions we’ve seen over the past few days,' he said. 'I am proud of those party leaders who have stood up in firm opposition to this type of behavior.'
'Actions such as the distribution of this CD, regardless of intent, only serves to promote divisiveness and distracts us from our common goal of building our party.'
Most of Saltsman's Republican rivals slam Obama parody
From CNN Associate Political Editor Rebecca Sinderbrand
(CNN) – Republican Party reaction remains divided over the decision of a candidate for party chairman to distribute a CD that featured the parody tune “Barack the Magic Negro,” with the majority of Chip Saltsman’s political rivals criticizing the move.
Republican National Committee Chairman Mike Duncan – battling to keep his job as head of the party – was the first prominent member of the GOP to criticize Saltsman for sending committee members the song.
"The 2008 election was a wake-up call for Republicans to reach out and bring more people into our party," RNC Chairman Mike Duncan said in a Saturday statement.
"I am shocked and appalled that anyone would think this is appropriate, as it clearly does not move us in the right direction."
Michigan party chairman Saul Anuzis also questioned Saltsman’s judgment. "In my opinion, this isn't funny and its in bad taste," he said in a statement. "Just as important, anything that paints the GOP as being motivated in our criticism of President-elect Obama by anything other than a difference in philosophy does a disservice to our party."
Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer – who has reportedly been weighing a run for the party’s top spot, but has not officially announced a bid — released a Monday morning statement praising candidates who have weighed in against the "racially-insulting song."
“As the GOP Chairman in one of our nation’s most ethnically and culturally diverse states, I am especially disappointed by the inappropriate words and actions we’ve seen over the past few days," he said. "I am proud of those party leaders who have stood up in firm opposition to this type of behavior."
"Actions such as the distribution of this CD, regardless of intent, only serves to promote divisiveness and distracts us from our common goal of building our party."
Saltsman sent RNC members the parody CD "We Hate the USA" for Christmas, which includes the controversial tune. He defended his decision Friday, telling CNN the song was clearly intended as a joke.
Read more here.
Greer Applauds RNC Chair Candidates’ Stance on Saltsman CD Message, Rejects Racially Divisive Rhetoric
Tallahassee—Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer released the following statement today in support of candidates for the RNC Chairmanship who have taken a firm position on Chip Saltsman’s distribution of a CD including a racially-insulting song:
“As the GOP Chairman in one of our nation’s most ethnically and culturally diverse states, I am especially disappointed by the inappropriate words and actions we’ve seen over the past few days. I am proud of those party leaders who have stood up in firm opposition to this type of behavior.
“In Florida we have worked hard to reach out to ALL citizens to promote the Republican Party’s principles and values while ensuring that our commitment to African Americans, Hispanics, and other minority communities is sincere and credible. Actions such as the distribution of this CD, regardless of intent, only serves to promote divisiveness and distracts us from our common goal of building our party.
“Today, the GOP has an unprecedented opportunity to embrace change and inclusion, and we are either going to welcome this opportunity fully or watch it slip through our fingers. We can only achieve success if Republican leaders reject racial or any other acts that divide us and instead embrace what unites us as a nation.”
# # #
See articles on this subject: RNC Candidate Distributes Controversial Obama Song, Republican's Gift Held Racial Parody of Obama, GOP chair 'appalled' by 'Magic Negro' CD
“As the GOP Chairman in one of our nation’s most ethnically and culturally diverse states, I am especially disappointed by the inappropriate words and actions we’ve seen over the past few days. I am proud of those party leaders who have stood up in firm opposition to this type of behavior.
“In Florida we have worked hard to reach out to ALL citizens to promote the Republican Party’s principles and values while ensuring that our commitment to African Americans, Hispanics, and other minority communities is sincere and credible. Actions such as the distribution of this CD, regardless of intent, only serves to promote divisiveness and distracts us from our common goal of building our party.
“Today, the GOP has an unprecedented opportunity to embrace change and inclusion, and we are either going to welcome this opportunity fully or watch it slip through our fingers. We can only achieve success if Republican leaders reject racial or any other acts that divide us and instead embrace what unites us as a nation.”
# # #
See articles on this subject: RNC Candidate Distributes Controversial Obama Song, Republican's Gift Held Racial Parody of Obama, GOP chair 'appalled' by 'Magic Negro' CD
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
