The Young Republicans Are Back!!!

Wood's Young Republicans reconstituted

The Young Republicans are officially back in Wood County. It was been a long time since there has been an active Young Republican organization in this county but that void has now been filled. Last nights organizational meeting went extremely well. The new officers for the Wood County Young Republicans are myself (Mike Howerton) Chairman, Rocky Peck Vice-Chairman, Jeremy Taitt Treasurer, and Michelle Howerton Secretary.

I would like to personally thank Ashley Stinnett, Chairman of the West Virginia Federation of Young Republicans. Ashley and his girlfriend Sarah drove up from Huntington last night for our meeting to officially charter our new organization. I would like to thank my fellow officers for their support as well as Allen Ross for becoming our first associate member.

In addition to political efforts, the group will sponsor social activities for Young Republicans in the community to help foster a fellowship of like minded individuals, which I believe will help form a more cohesive group to work with future campaign efforts.

Below is a copy of a press release I sent to local media outlets today. Also, Bob Fish and I also went downtown today at noon to speak with Jess Mancini at the Parkersburg News.

Wood County Young Republicans Officially Formed and Howerton Elected Chairman.

The Wood County Young Republicans became the first officially chartered local chapter of the newly reformed West Virginia Federation of Young Republicans at their organization meeting held in the Board Room of the Wood County Public Library Tuesday night, November 14th, at 7:30 pm. In attendance was State Young Republican Chairman Ashley Stinnett, from Wayne County, who had an inspiring message for the group. The State Federation was officially re-chartered by the Young Republican National Federation for the first time since 1997 this past Saturday, November 11th, during the national meeting in Louisville, Kentucky.

“I am energized by the fact that Wood County is the first local chapter to form in West Virginia only three day after the State organization was re-chartered, Stinnett said.”

Mike Howerton , who is Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Coordinator for the West Virginia Federation of Young Republicans and former Vice-Chairman of the Wood County Republican Executive Committee, was elected Chairman of the Wood County Young Republicans at their Tuesday night meeting.

“I feel that our group will provide a positive presence in the community. We will actively support our Republican Candidates and develop political skills and leadership abilities among Young Republicans in Wood County as preparation for future service to our Party and Community, Howerton said.”

Bob Fish, Vice Chairman of the West Virginia State Republican Executive Committee, said, “I have known and worked with Mike for several years now and I am confident that he will provide a positive and motivational leadership to the Wood County Young Republicans and the state organization as he works throughout the region on their behalf.”

The other officers elected where Vice-Chairman Rocky Peck, Treasurer Jeremy Taitt, and Secretary Michelle Howerton.

Rocky Peck, former Chairman of the Wood County Republican Executive Committee, said, “I think this was a great idea and I am thrilled to be involved with it. I think that having a Republican organization specifically for young people, between the ages of 18-40, fills an important role in the community.”

Greg Smith, who was the Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Political Representative for the Chris Wakim for Congress Campaign, said, “I had the privilege of working with several individuals from this group during Chris’s campaign and I feel they will offer an invaluable service to our future candidates.

If you would like to become a member of the Wood County Young Republicans or for additional information contact Mike Howerton, 304-482-2005 or via email mhowerton79@hotmail.com.