Mark Cross on his failed run for RPOF Chairman

I would like to thank each and every person who supported me in the race for the Chairmanship of the Republican Party of Florida (RPOF). I was disappointed I could not win the Chairmanship but I feel very excited and encouraged by the results.

First of all this was a very difficult race to win, because there are not a lot of things that volunteers can do to help. This was a person to person race, normally decided by money and endorsements. There are 253 people who were able to vote. Each county has 3 votes, the State Committeeman, Committeewoman, and Chairman. There are 10 gubernatorial appointees, 10 Senate appointees, 10 House appointees, 15 Republican Congressmen, and 7 statewide elected officials. You must garner a majority vote to win. That means you have to contact each member of the State Committee in order to determine support. So a race like this is pretty straight forward. If a candidate works right, he will know the vote before it happens.

After talking to many people, I knew what the vote would be. I knew I would not be Chairman. My entire campaign was based upon three issues. I wanted to see RPOF give more support to local executive committees and candidates. If this happens more of you will be able to run for local office and have party support. I wanted to see RPOF invest in better technology to reach voters and volunteers. You have the technology, so you will be very much needed in the party. Most importantly I wanted to see RPOF open the doors and allow every Republican to participate. I fought for these three principles.

About 10 minutes before the annual meeting, I ran into Chairman Jim Greer. Our visit was not planned. It was purely impromptu. We talked about the issues I championed. He understood these issues and told me what he was doing to make corrections. Jim also said that he would make sure any Ron Paul Republican who wanted to participate would be able to. He complimented me for running such a gentlemanly campaign. He appreciated the fact that I did not attack any candidate, did not attack the Republican Party, and stuck to the issues. Chairman Greer was very gracious. He didn’t have to talk to me. He didn’t need my vote and support or ask for it because he was also a vote counter. He knew that he would be reelected in about an hour. I believe what he said.

It came time for nominations and Governor Crist nominated Jim Greer. The Governor asked that everyone vote for him. Many other party officials seconded the motion. Jim talked for a few minutes about the Republican Party. When it was my turn to speak, I talked about my three issues. I told everyone about the Ron Paul campaign and what a wonderful experience it was working with the grass roots. I talked about technology, money bombs, and the internet. I quoted Ronald Reagan; “The very essence of conservatism is libertarianism.” I talked about the future of our party.

My speech was not prepared. There was no podium so I was speaking extemporaneously. I noticed that the Governor happened to be sitting on the end of the first row, right by my microphone. In closing my speech I took the opportunity to look the Governor in the eye and said, “Governor, I want to withdraw my name from nomination because I am going to support your nominee. Republicans should not be fighting other Republicans. We should be fighting Democrats.” I made a call for party unity.

The Governor stood up and shook my hand. He thanked me for what I had done. I was told later that I had received a standing ovation. Jim Greer won the race 169 to 52, which was about the margin I had expected. During his acceptance speech, Chairman Greer shocked everyone when he said, “I want to make sure all the Ron Paul supporters who want to participate are able to.” There has been a lot of good will generated since.

I know there are some people who are disappointed in the outcome of this election. I am disappointed, too, because I know that I would have made a great chairman. During my campaign I stood up for three issues that have an effect on internal policies of RPOF. Jim addressed each one. I believe what he said and I will give him every opportunity to succeed. He never asked for my support or promised me anything. Even though he won the Chairmanship, I won on the issues and I never compromised my principles.

Unity is important. We need to unify behind real Republican principles. We can accomplish this by preparing for the 2010 election cycle. There will be tens of thousands of races all across the country including City Commissioners, County Commissioners, School Districts, and local boards. Many of these races require very little resources. If we plan now to field our candidates and participate with the Republican Party we can win.

But please remember, unity does not mean arbitrarily supporting any candidate who has an R behind his name. We can elevate the debate by supporting candidates who support real Republican principles. It is our job to hold the party to higher standards. With this approach we will win elections.

The bottom line is “All Politics Is Local”. A local city or county commission race might not seem as glamorous as Congress, but I guarantee you will have a better chance of success. You will also have a better chance at effectuating change within your community simply by running.

I want to issue a challenge to everyone who wants to participate with Republicans. Come to meetings. Join Republican clubs. Get to know people. Participate in a positive manner. Learn the rules. Get to know your elected officials. And most importantly, organize your precinct. Many of you have been quite successful. 2010 will be a banner year.

Once again thank you for all your support and well wishes. It is always tough to run a race, but it was easier knowing I had the support of our family. I want to salute each and every one of you for all the things you do to promote liberty throughout this great nation. In 2010 I want to be reading about you, an ordinary person who is doing extraordinary things. Thank you.

In Liberty,

Mark Cross

Statement of Principles, Top Conservatives on Twitter

Statement of Principles for #TCOT, Conservative "NetRoots" Organization
The 4 C's of the #TCOT Community (Top Conservatives on Twitter) are:

1. Conservatism
2. Collaboration
3. Constructive Dialogue
4. Community

Here's what we mean by each of these 4 C's:

1. Conservatism -- We believe in the return to the concept of limited government in the United States. We support (1) limited government (2) free markets (3) individual liberty (4) a strong national defense. *

2. Collaboration -- We believe that advances in technology allow for incredible opportunities for collaboration between like minded groups. We seek and respond to opportunities to collaborate with any conservative group or organization. Within #TCOT, we support collaborative efforts through the use of self organizing work groups based on the principles of Project Servant-Leadership. We believe that once hearts and minds are committed to a cause, time and treasure will follow.

3. Constructive Dialogue -- We believe in the power of ideas, and that coordial and direct dialogue, in which good manners complement good logic, will yield the best answers to problems. Constructive dialogue means we refrain from the use of profanity and personal attacks as best we can, and that we seek to understand the other side of a discussion first, and then seek to clearly communicate our side.

4. Community -- We believe that it is important to build the conservative community on Twitter, the internet, and within the populace of the United States of America. Community is built by engaging, including, and setting forth a positive vision of the future. We encourage positive action to solve problems, rather than negative criticisms that point out problems but offer no solutions.

State Committeeman Jonathan Hayes qualifies for Panama City Commission Race

Jonathan Hayes qualified to run for Panama City Commissioner, Ward 1, on Monday, January 12. Hayes, a resident of Bay County for nearly 27 years, began the process back in mid-December, receiving great response and support from many residents and businesses across Ward 1 and Panama City.

Hayes has politics and government in his family history. His grandfather, James E. Hayes, served as Panama City Commissioner, Ward 4, and Mayor Pro Tem in the 1950’s after moving his family to Panama City in the late 1930’s. Hayes’ grandfather was involved in the planning and building of both marinas in Panama City , as well as securing the location and land for Gulf Coast Community College. Jonathan Hayes also serves on the Bay County Republican Executive Committee.

Hayes is employed at WMBB News 13 in the Sales Department as an Account Executive. Prior to that Hayes worked in the International Trade & Customs Practice for KPMG and ASA/Delta Airlines at the Panama City and Gainesville, FL, airports. Hayes earned a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration with a minor in Political Science from Florida State University in Panama City . “Since the age of 18 my career has been about customer service, attention to detail, projecting a positive attitude and outlook on life and working on a diverse team to achieve a desired end result.”

Hayes is an active member and deacon at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Panama City and also is active with the Bay County Chamber of Commerce. Hayes is a graduate of Leadership Bay (2005/06) and served on the steering committee for the Bay Young Professionals.

“I believe our nation has many great challenges facing her in the future. We are quickly losing sight of our core principles that our founding fathers fought hard to protect,” Hayes said. “I don’t believe this is going to be fixed in Washington . If we want our nation to get back to its roots and on the side of the people, that must begin across our land on the local level in our city and county commissions.” Hayes added, “It is time that the people’s trust in government be restored, that they begin again to trust that their tax money is being spent as it was originally intended – to provide protection for citizens, to provide infrastructure where businesses and residents can live, work and enjoy life without fear and worry.”

Hayes also desires to encourage more young adults to get involved in government and the elective process. Hayes himself turns just 32 years old this month. “I believe that elected officials should set examples as servant leaders, working hard to serve the people, not to be served,” Hayes said. “I promise to bring great energy and excitement to this race and to the office – if I am so honored to be elected by the residents of Ward 1. It would be a privilege to serve the citizens of Panama City in this capacity.”

Jonathan and his wife Tammy have lived in the Cove area since their marriage in 2001 and have three children, Natalie, 6, Joseph, 4 and Claire, 1.

Jonathan Hayes
(850) 814-4795
jonathan@jhayes.net

New hate crime legislation introduced by Democrats

`Hate crime' means a crime in which the defendant intentionally selects a victim, or in the case of a property crime, the property that is the object of the crime, because of the actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, gender, disability, or sexual orientation of any person.

H. R. 256
To enhance Federal enforcement of hate crimes, and for other purposes.

H.R.262
Title: To prevent hate crimes, to provide support services for victims of hate crimes, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Jackson-Lee, Sheila [TX-18] (introduced 1/7/2009)

David Ray Ritcheson Hate Crime Prevention Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow victims of hate crimes to claim unemployment insurance for loss of employment directly resulting from their experience as victims of such crimes.

Prohibits health care insurers from taking into account whether a person is or has been a victim of a hate crime when making a determination as to eligibility for insurance coverage, the rate or premium of an insurance plan or policy, and the amount of insurance coverage provided.

Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to allow a victim of a hate crime to take family and medical leave.

Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to award grants to provide housing to victims of a hate crime, homeless individuals who require housing assistance as a result of being a victim of a hate crime, and individuals for whom emergency shelter services are unavailable or insufficient.

Authorizes the Attorney General to award grants to: (1) provide counseling and related assistance to victims of hate crimes and their dependents; (2) establish and operate a national clearinghouse and resource center for information and statistics relating to the incidence and prevention of hate crimes; and (3) establish and operate a national, toll-free telephone hotline and a website to provide information and assistance to victims of hate crimes.

Requires the head of each federal agency to establish prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation programs and services relating to hate crimes for employees.

Moderate Republicans

by Ben Smith, Politico

If there were a strong moderate strain in the GOP leadership, it would be saying things along the lines of a new essay by former Virginia Rep. Tom Davis in the Ripon Society's publication. The essay argues that the GOP needs a few clear principles on big issues, that social issues are a distraction, and that there's no hope to be found in looking back.

Davis writes:

What we can’t do is go back. I’ve heard much talk of going back to our conservative roots, to the issues that helped us win in 1980 and 1994. That issue matrix has changed so much as to be nearly unrecognizable now. The voters who dealt us our electoral disasters in 2006 and 2008 did so because they thought we were all too true to our roots. That we were exclusive, favored rich over poor, and didn’t care sufficiently for the plight of the little person.

Also, I suspect this call to return to our “roots” really is a call to do nothing. And doing nothing, I hope Republicans will agree, is not an option.

This may be a valid argument, but it's not one that you'll find anywhere near the center of Republican politics now, after the Democratic takeover has purged it of its swing-district moderates. It's not something anyone in the race for RNC chairman would dare whisper.

It's the kind of argument that you might hear after a GOP civil war that hasn't even shown any signs of beginning.

Karl Rove Joins Twitter

By Matthew Moore, The Telegraph

The former White House deputy chief of staff joined the popular micro-blogging website two days ago and has already attracted more than 1,700 followers – other Twitter users who choose to receive his updates.

Unlike other celebrities on Twitter like Barack Obama and Britney Spears, who delegate their posts to aides, Mr Rove appears to be taking a hands-on approach to the site, which allows users to post 140-character updates on what they are doing.

In one Tweet he confesses that he is "no new media ninja" but is being shown the ropes by an assistant, adding: "I like it so far!"

Most of his posts detail his television appearances, speaking engagements and articles, but he has also exchanged good-natured messages with other Twitter users.

In one message he revealed a glimpse of his former boss George W Bush's concern for his legacy, writing: "I used to get steamed up over some editorial and the President would say, 'History will get it right and we'll both be dead!'"

At least two impostors have set up Twitter accounts under his name, so Mr Rove posted a message on his official website to confirm that he was the real thing.

Mr Rove stepped down from the White House in 2007 and has since worked as a political commentator for Newsweek, the Wall Street Journal and Fox News.

The strategist, who is reviled by many Democrats because for masterminding Mr Bush's 2000 and 2004 election triumphs, has a long way to go before he matches the Twitter popularity of the president-elect. Mr Obama currently has 165,414 followers.

Comedian Stephen Fry, television presenter Jonathan Ross and basketball player Shaquille O'Neil are among the site's celebrity users.

Jim Greer wins re-election

Orlando–Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer was today elected to serve a second term as RPOF Chairman by 77 percent of the RPOF State Committee at the RPOF Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida.

“I am grateful to the members of the State Committee and to Florida Republicans for putting their trust my leadership at this critical time in the history of our great party,” said Chairman Greer. “I am humbled by their confidence and look forward to working hard over the next two years to build our party.”

The Chairman was endorsed in his re-election bid by Governor Crist, Senator Martinez, Lt. Governor Kottkamp, President Atwater, Speaker Sansom, General McCollum, Commissioner Bronson and Members of the Florida’s Congressional delegation. Additionally, National Committeeman Paul Senft and National Committeewoman Sharon Day endorsed Chairman Greer.

“Under Chairman Greer’s leadership, the Republican Party of Florida has become the preeminent state party in the country,” said Governor Charlie Crist. “Jim has been on the forefront of the nationwide effort to grow the party’s minority outreach and coalitions programs and is recognized as a national leader in this important endeavor. I look forward to continuing to work with Chairman Greer to spread the Republican message across our great state.”

“Chairman Greer has diligently worked to build our party in all areas including: providing additional resources to our grassroots volunteers, financial assistance to our County Republican Executive Committees, fundraising and enhancing our communication methods while promoting professionalism throughout the Party,” said National Committeeman Senft.

Chairman Greer has pledged to focus his second term on continuing to build the Republican Party of Florida through voter registration and outreach, maintaining the successful county rural and grants initiative programs and creating a speakers bureau. Additionally, the Chairman will create a Voter Registration Task Force and a Technology Committee. The Voter Registration Task Force will be charged with creating and executing programs designed to strengthen the involvement of Republicans in the voter registration process. The Technology Committee will be responsible for creating innovative ideas to get out the vote while raising Republican awareness through the use of up-to-the-minute technology.

“I realize that the honor of serving as Chairman comes with a great responsibility to lead our Party with energy, new ideas and an unwavering commitment to our Party’s long standing values and principles of less government, less taxes and more freedom,” concluded Greer.

President Bush asks GOP not to 'sell its soul' in order to save itself

By David Edwards and Andrew McLemore

As President Bush prepares to leave office, he had some words of caution for the Republican Party.

The outgoing president said his party should not "sell its soul" on key issues like a strong military and low taxes in order to save itself from a perceived doom.

"Parties go through cycles," Bush said. "There have been times in our history when the Democrats felt like there was no future for them. I'm optimistic about it."

He added that the GOP needs new leaders and that Republicans should be "open-minded" as they struggle to remake the party.

"It's very important for our party not to narrow its focus, not to become so inward looking that we drive people away from a philosophy that is compassionate and decent," Bush said. "There shouldn't be a litmus test as to whether or not you should be a Republican."

But even some top GOP strategists believe the party must sell new ideas to begin a revival of its former influence.

Haley Barbour, a political-turnaround artist who masterminded the 1994 Republican revolution, said there may be a temptation after a major loss to "purify our party," but that the real focus should be on "figuring out how to multiply."

As with any rehab process, the first step for a Republican comeback, Barbour said, is to "come clean and admit we did a lot of things wrong."

"Now is our chance when we're out of power to build back up from the bottom, to have a participatory, inclusive process for letting people get involved in our party," Barbour said

Jim Greer endorses Michael Steele for RNC Chairman

From Politico

Florida Republican Party Chair Jim Greer will announce Wednesday afternoon that he will not run for the chairmanship of the Republican National Committee, and instead endorse the campaign of former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele, a source close to Greer said.

Greer has spoken positively about Steele in the past, and following the RNC candidates’ Monday debate, Greer said he was impressed by Steele’s rhetoric in favor of minority outreach.

As recently as Wednesday morning, some Republican insiders thought Greer might jump into the race, and on Monday Greer was unwilling to rule out his own bid.

“I don’t think we have a frontrunner yet,” he said at the time. “Until there’s some indication that one or two of the horses are pulling away, there’s an opportunity to get in.”

Following meetings on Tuesday with all six candidates and a conversation with his wife, Greer decided to throw his weight behind Steele’s campaign.

The Florida chairman, widely viewed as a moderate and a leading GOP spokesman on diversity issues, had mulled his own bid since November, but repeatedly said he would only enter the race if he felt that none of the other candidates was speaking to his top issues.

That kind of candidate, Greer told Politico Monday, would have to be someone “talking about doing this together, versus what they’re going to do, and somebody that really says what Republicans are saying, which is: we’ve got problems.”

Greer plans to return to Florida following the RNC’s Wednesday meeting to run for reelection as state chairman, a post from which he will likely continue to speak out on issues related to party diversity.

After buzz about his potential candidacy began to subside in December, Greer weighed in at the end of the month amid the controversy over former Tennessee Republican Party Chair and RNC candidate Chip Saltsman’s decision to send RNC members a CD of political songs, including one titled “Barack the Magic Negro.”

“We can only achieve success if Republican leaders reject racial or any other acts that divide us and instead embrace what united us as a nation,” he said in a statement December 29.

Roundtable news...

Roundtable to meet on Jan. 13

The next regular monthly meeting of the Bay County Republican Roundtable will be held on Tuesday, January 13, at 6:00 p.m. at the St. Andrew Bay Yacht Club, 218 Bunker’s Cove Road. The buffet is $13.00 per person, including tax and tip, and reservations are required. To make your reservation, please contact Melissa Hagan at mrsak1995@aol.com or at 774-6705. You may also simply reply to this email.
The Roundtable’s bylaws call for the election of officers at the January meeting. If you’re interested in getting involved in Republican leadership in Bay County, the Roundtable is a great place to start. This year’s officers have been fine models, and we’re grateful for their service. They are: John Salak, President; Doris Adams, 1st Vice President; Faye Register, 2nd Vice President; Melissa Hagan, Secretary; and Melissa Thompson, Treasurer. Thank you all!

Membership drive underway

The Roundtable’s 2009 membership dues are due. Dues are $30.00 annually. Please make your check payable to Bay County Republican Roundtable and mail it to our treasurer: Melissa Thompson, 136 Queens Circle, Panama City, FL 32405. Or you may simply pay your dues at the meeting on Jan. 13.
This year the Roundtable is required by its chartering body, the Republican Party of Florida (RPOF), to be re-chartered. This means we’ll have to submit our bylaws and a list of our paid members to RPOF by March for review and approval. So it’s important that we get our dues up to date as soon as possible. Thanks for your help!

The future of our Party

This Friday and Saturday, delegates from the Bay County Republican Executive Committee (BCREC) will attend the annual meeting of the Republican Party of Florida. Three delegates--the county REC Chairman, the State Committeeman and the State Committeewoman--from each of the state’s 67 counties have been called to attend the meeting, at which a new slate of state Party officers will be elected.
The disappointing presidential election results have generated great interest among Florida’s Republican activists in the state Party chairman’s race. Voting delegates from Bay County are BCREC Chairman John Salak, Bay Co. State Committeeman Jonathan Hayes and Bay Co. State Committeewoman Melissa Hagan. Also planning to attend from Bay Co. are Eric Wall, BCREC Secretary; Janice Grant, BCREC Treasurer; and Ken Ford, BCREC member representing Precinct 28.
Our representation at RPOF meetings is critical if we hope to influence the direction of the Republican Party statewide and on a national level. If you’d like to share your concerns with our delegates before they depart on Friday, please contact Teresa Eaton at 271-3773 or 832-5689 or ardentheart@bellsouth.net, and she’ll send you their contact info.

Allan Bense Assumes Chairmanship of The James Madison Institute

Allan Bense Assumes Chairmanship of
The James Madison Institute
www.jamesmadison. org

TALLAHASSEE – Former Speaker of the House Allan Bense has officially
assumed the reins of The James Madison Institute from Charles Hilton
who stepped down as Chairman after five years at the helm. By formal
acclamation, JMI's Board of Directors praised Hilton's dedicated and
able service to the Institute. Although no longer continuing as
Chairman, Hilton will remain an active member of the board.

* "Charles Hilton has been a great chairman and leaves big shoes to
fill. Under his able leadership, The James Madison Institute has
experienced significant growth in membership and influence while
maintaining and nurturing the Institute's reputation for integrity
and independent thought." Allan Bense, Incoming Chairman of the
Board, The James Madison Institute

Following the completion of his tenure with the Florida House of
Representatives in 2006, Bense returned home to Panama City to focus
on his family and various business interests. He continues to serve
the People of Florida and is on the Board of Directors of Enterprise
Florida, The Florida Council of 100, The Florida Chamber of Commerce,
and other various organizations. He is also Chairman of the Board of
the Bense Family Foundation.

* "For over four years, JMI's Board has been led by a great freedom
warrior, Charles Hilton. Luckily for us, as he steps down, another
proven leader is ready to take up the gauntlet. Known statewide for
his even-handed and fair leadership, Allan Bense is a businessman and
public servant widely respected by Floridians of all stripes." Bob
McClure, President & CEO, The James Madison Institute

More information on JMI's Board of Directors is available on-line at
www.jamesmadison. org.