Reactivated

Fellow Republicans, and others. I'm not a twitter person, yet. But I like to give those who are interested in my PERSONAL opinion the option to view and interact if so inclined. Also, I will be including items here they may not be appropriate elsewhere. Check back soon!

Wood County GOP opens website

I can't believe the number of hits this blog still gets so I thought I would take advantage of the exposure. Thanks to all, old and new that still stop by, we have been very busy lately as you can see below.





Please visit the official website for the Wood County Republican Executive Committee at http://www.woodcountygop.org/

Wood County Welcomes Jared Laxton

Congratulations Jared and welcome aboard!

Expanded Hours

The new hours are from 10 am to 8 pm Monday through Friday 10 am till 5pm Saturday and closed Sunday, for now.

Plenty of opportunities to help your favorite Republican candidates

Join Senator Boley for our 5th Annual Picnic

West Virginia Republican Regional Victory Headquarters

Directly in front of Grand Central Mall (46,000 cars a day go by)

Plenty of thing to do for those who have time.


Come on down and support your favorite REPUBLICAN candidates.


Plenty of free parking all around.

Get Your Head in the Game

Scenes from the West Virginia Interstate Fair & Exposition

Our table

Dedicated supporter!

Grand Opening Victory 2010 Regional HQ

Walt Auvil seeks head Democrat job

http://www.wvmetronews.com/index.cfm?func=displayfullstory&storyid=37734

The Race for Dem Chairman
Staff
Parkersburg


A Parkersburg lawyer says he's interested in heading up the state's Democratic Party.
Walt Auvil has served as the chairman of the Wood County Democratic Executive Committee for the past eight years and was elected to the state Democratic Executive Committee in 2006.But he says his political career began a long time before that.

"I've been involved in Democratic politics since I got the bug in Jay's (Rockefeller) campaign in 1972,” Auvil told MetroNews Wednesday. “So that gives you a clue I'm no spring chicken."
Auvil says he wasn't even considering a run for the job until several members of the state Executive Committee approached him after current Chair Nick Casey announced he wouldn't be seeking another term. Auvil says he would never have put his name out there had Casey still wanted the job.

"I don't do it out of any desire to cause a disruption or cause inner party strife,” he said.
But at this weekend's state Executive Party meeting, Auvil will have a high-profile challenger. Larry Puccio, Gov. Joe Manchin's former chief of staff and now a lobbyist for several different groups, will vie for votes.

Auvil says he won't make this an adversarial campaign.

"I don't view it as facing off against Larry,” he said. “I don't want to run him down or say anything negative about him."
But Auvil believes he has a lot of experience with the party that could be put to good use as chairman and he adds he has lots of experience helping out campaigns in his home county where Republicans and Democrats are on equal footing.

"I think I can be someone who can be helpful to folks who are running in tough districts and tough areas and hopefully expand the party,” Auvil.

The Democratic Executive Committee holds its annual meeting Saturday at the Charleston Civic Center to elect a chairman, swear in new members and take care of regular business.

Wood County GOP Activities

Here is a list of upcoming events. I will add to this as needed. Also, I will be contacting many of you for help with the items below.

10 July: Grand Opening West Vrginia Republican Regional Victory Headquarters

13-17 July: West Virginia Interstate Fair & Exposition

17 August: Wood County Republican Executive Committee Monthly meeting

20-22 August: Parkersburg Homecoming

21 August: 3rd Senatorial District Picnic, hosted by Senator Boley

1 September: WCREC Website online

10 September: Poll Workers Due (Approx)

21 September: WCREC Monthly Meeting

17-19 September: Harvest Moon Festival

May 11th Republican Primary Precinct Breakdown

County Commissioner


3rd Senatorial Race

10th Delegate District

Circuit Clerk

Early Voting Begins April 21st

Please support these Candidates, Thank You!

Let the Attacks Begin

Great material for the Democrats in November


Wonder who John is trying to have arrested over this one? Not me this time!

Meet the Candidates April 30, 2010

WVGOP Unity Picnic

I will fundamentally transform America

Obama

Party Work

photo courtesy of Allen Ross

The Wood County Republican Executive Committee was on hand to take care of the folks who wanted to register or change their voter registration. Several candidates for local office stopped by to "work" the crowd. I would encourage all the "keyboard heroes" to get out and do the same sometime this year with their local folks, you know who you are. Thanks to all those who helped make our Parkersburg Homecoming a success.

Young Republicans in Parkersburg News

Howertown gets Young Republican post

PARKERSBURG - A Wood County man has been named chairman of the West Virginia Federation of Young Republicans.

Mike Howerton's goal in the next two years of his term is to expand the GOP organization in West Virginia, starting with the most-populated regions of the Mountain State.

"I won't stop working until we hit it," he said.

Howerton's selection was made on Saturday during the federation's summer executive committee meeting and 2009 convention in Parkersburg. The federation represents clubs around the state and has about 200 members.

Jennifer Maghan, the county clerk from Jefferson County, was elected vice chairman.

Kevin Noe of Cabel County was re-elected a national committeemen while Lisa Peana of Wayne County was elected as a national committeeman.

April Black of Cabell County was elected treasurer and Michelle Drain of Wood County was elected Mid-Ohio Valley regional representative for the organization.

Expanding young Republican clubs into every county will be difficult, he said. Some counties only have a hand full of members on their Republican executive committees, Howerton said.

However, expansion into populated areas is achievable, he said.

"I can do that," Howerton said.

Clubs have been established in seven counties, Wood, Cabell, Kanawha, Jefferson, Wayne, Putnam and Jackson counties, he said. At least three more counties will be added by the next meeting of the statewide group, Monongalia, Mercer and Logan counties, Howerton said.

"I'm glad to see new groups coming on board," said Howerton, who has served as vice chairman of the federation. "The main goal during my term of office will be to charter as many local county groups as possible."

The organization was reconstituted in Wood County in the summer of 2006.

Also attending Saturday's meeting was Doug McKinney, chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party; former Wood County GOP Chairman Rocky Peck; and Greg Smith, who will run for GOP chairman in Wood County next year.

"The youth represent the future and it is good to see that with their involvement the future will be in good hands," McKinney said.

link to story at www.newsandsentinel.com
http://newsandsentinel.com/page/content.detail/id/520287.html?nav=5061

Howerton Re-Elected State YR Chair

West Virginia Republican Party Press Announcement‏

Howerton Re-Elected YR Chair

Charleston, WV - August 8, 2009 - The West Virginia Federation of Young Republicans held its Summer Executive Committee Meeting and 2009 Convention in Parkersburg, WV today. Mike Howerton of Wood County was re-elected to a 2-year term as Chairman of the West Virginia Young Republicans. Jennifer Magham was elected Vice Chairman. Jennifer also serves as the Jefferson County Clerk.

The YR National Committeeman and committeewoman were also elected. Kevin Noe returns to his position, while Lisa Peana is newly elected. They will both represent West Virginia at the 2010 National Convention. The state YR's also Chartered a new club in Jackson County.

West Virginia State Party Chairman Doung McKinney said, "I congratulate not only the winners, but all that participated. The youth represent the future and it is good to see that with their involvement the future will be in good hands."

State Fundraising Efforts Compaired

A lot has been made about the West Virginia Republican Party's fundraising as of late. Here is a press release from our State Chairman showing how we stack up with surrounding GOP fundraising.

PRESS RELEASE
August 3rd, 2009
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Marti Riggall
West Virginia Republican Party

WV GOP Near Top In Fund Raising
most neighboring states lag behind

Charleston, WV - August 3, 2009 - Despite erroneous reports in the media that the West Virginia Republican Party is having trouble raising money the facts are quite different. Currently the WV GOP ranks second among our neighbors in fund raising efforts per individual. "People sometimes forget we are a small state when looking at the fund raising numbers. You must compare apples to apples," said State Party Chairman Doug McKinney, "West Virginia Republicans are stepping up with contributions at a higher rate than our neighboring states."

According to Federal Election Commission filings the West Virginia Democratic Party has only raised $56,820 as compared to the West Virginia GOP's $90,062 in the same time frame, Democrats out number Republicans in the state nearly 2 to1. Chairman McKinney remarked, "We are out fund raising the Democrats in West Virginia by 3 to 1 on an individual basis. The people know which party can turn the economy around and they are sending their money our way."

Fund raising efforts are on going and with new programs in the works. The state party is looking forward to taking the lead in individual contributions away from Kentucky in the near future.

WV YRs Attend National Convention

Press Release
Monday, July 13, 2009
For Immediate Release

WV Delegation Returns from Young Republicans National Federation Convention
National Committeeman Elected to Regional Position
　
The West Virginia Young Republicans Delegation returned from the Young Republican National Federation Convention that was held in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Kevin Noe, WVYR National Committeeman was elected Sunday as Secretary for the Southern Region Association.

“I’m honored to serve, and I am determined to work to build a better network of Young Republicans that will continue to work to strengthen our core values,” said Noe.

The YRNF Convention activities included board meetings, the election of officers, establishing dates for future national meetings, appointment of positions, and establishing a statement for the YRNF.

“It was a privilege to be part of WV’s full delegation to be seated at the convention which is the first time in recent history that WV carried full voting power.” added Mike Howerton, WV YR chairman.

The convention began Wednesday, July 8th and concluded Sunday, July 12th. The WVYR Delegation consisted of 5 YR’s allowing WV to have full representation. The Delegation include Mike Howerton, Chairman; Kevin Noe, National Committeeman; Lisa Peana, Executive Director; Matt Clay, Secretary; Jamison Jeffrey, delegate.

For more information about the WVYR visit http://www.wvyr.org/

McKinney says WVGOP laying groundwork for 2010 victories

WEST VIRGINIA REPUBLICAN PARTY

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Doug McKinney
Thursday, June 18, 2009 304-641-1205

McKinney says WVGOP laying groundwork for 2010 victories

Summer state committee meeting affirmed independent primary participation; search for new E.D. underway

CHARLESTON, W. Va. – State GOP Chairman Doug McKinney said today that the search for a new executive director for the West Virginia Republican Party is well underway and will be one of several developments leading to election victories in 2010 and beyond.

“Last weekend’s state committee meeting in Martinsburg featured two days of motivational presentations, an enthusiastic outlook, a focus on the next generation of Republican leaders, and an air of excitement and anticipation about the future of the GOP,” said McKinney.

State committee members approved, by voice vote, the recommendation of a subcommittee to continue the practice of allowing non-affiliated voters to cast ballots in the Republican primary. Begun in the 1980s, the practice was reexamined by the subcommittee, but most committee members agreed on the need to continue keeping the primary election open to non-affiliated voters.

McKinney said he has already received six applications for the executive director position, and he intends to interview them and others and eventually select an individual with the experience, knowledge and skills to oversee the day to day operation of the party in the crucial months and years to come.

Last weekend’s GOP meeting was chockfull of exciting events and presentations, from the Friday night Berkeley County reception featuring Grover Norquist, longtime anti-tax advocate, to former Sen. John Sununu, who addressed Saturday’s luncheon event. Among the VIP attendees were Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito and former Secretary of State Betty Ireland.

On Saturday morning, special guest Jan Larimer, co-chairman of the Republican National Committee, offered a recap of RNC activities and future plans of the national party.

McKinney said the weekend focused on the next generation of Republican leaders, with state Young Republican Chairman Mike Howerton offering a presentation during Saturday morning’s county chairs meeting, and Shane Wilson updating committee members on the activities of the five interns currently serving the party through the Cecil H. Underwood Intern Institute.

McKinney said he was also excited about a fundraising drive headed by Delegates Craig Blair and Jonathan Miller. Blair addressed committee members on Saturday, describing plans to increase the party’s monthly credit card contribution program and generate more support from elected officials.

McKinney also named South Charleston businessmen John Burdette II and Denver McCallister as finance chairmen for the state party.

“We’re bringing new blood into the party to continue building our financial coffers, while setting the stage for a strong, vibrant party organization for years to come,” said McKinney.

Also during the weekend, committee members and guests heard presentations from:

· Treasurer Marti Riggall, who reported that the party saw a net gain of $12,000 from January through May of this year, compared to a net loss of $200 during the same period last year.
· Summers County Chairman Joe Garcia, who serves as chairman of the county chairs, and who discussed election changes and challenges in the coming months.
· Outgoing executive director Gary Abernathy, who thanked the committee for the privilege of serving the party over the years.

McKinney also expressed his thanks to Berkeley Chairman Mick Staton and his wife, Lynn, for handling onsite arrangements for the state meeting.

“Traveling to the Eastern Panhandle is always a beautiful drive and a great experience,” said McKinney. “The Statons made sure we had a great event both Friday and Saturday, and we deeply appreciate their efforts in working to ensure a quality meeting and a motivational gathering of Republicans from around the state.”