No Surrender

Totals will be updated after Texas and Ohio

Delegate count: McCain has 960/877 of the 1191 needed to secure the nomination.
He must have 231/304 of the remaining 888 /961 or 26%/32%.
In the latest results, McCain has been awarded 73 Unpledged RNC Delegates and 10 of the Washington Delegates that are still in dispute which is why I have two totals, one with the assumptions and one without.

Huckabee and Paul, who is from Texas, the largest prize remaining, need but to garner enough votes to deny the needed Delegates to secure a first round nomination. Then, as in Charleston, once a clear winner isn't produced in the first round, who knows what might happen in round two and beyond. Sounds much more achievable when worded that way.

Please plan on voting in the West Virginia Primary May 13th, don't be disenfranchised by those who would have you believe the race is over. We have 9 additional Delegates that will be elected in May. Vote and let your voice be heard.

Of the States Senator McCain has secured it is worth noting that many are "blue states", such as New York and California which will likely go Democrat in November regardless of the candidates.

Here is a State-by-State breakdown:

State
Date
Delegates

Texas
4-Mar
140

Ohio
4-Mar
88

Rhode Island
4-Mar
20

Vermont
4-Mar
17
WTA

Mississippi
10-Mar
39

Pennsylvania
22-Apr
74
Closed

North Carolina
6-May
69

Indiana
6-May
57

Nebraska
13-May
33

West Virginia
13-May
9

Hawaii
16-May
20
Closed

Kentucky
20-May
45
Closed

Oregon
20-May
30
Closed

Idaho
27-May
32

New Mexico
3-Jun
32
Closed

South Dakota
3-Jun
27
Closed

There They go Again

"READ MY LIPS"

John McCain is a Real Conservative

Bush delivering the famous line at the 1988 Convention

Bush "41". who many conservatives feel ushered in 8 years of Bill Clinton isn't finished. The former President, who many may remember referred to Ronald Reagan's economic ideas as "Voodoo economics" has proudly jumped on Senator McCain's straight talk express.

Best Representation Money Can Buy

With Romney's nod, only Huckabee keeps party from uniting
Huckabee is painting his continued presence in the race as somehow providing a service to all the states that have yet to vote, including Texas and Ohio on March 4. But no one outside the Huckabee campaign can see it that way.

Gary Abernathy
Thompson/Giuliani/McCain Supporter

McKinney says GOP convention a success, urges a united front
Now, it’s time for everyone to rally around the Republican nominee for president.

Doug McKinney

What kind of treatment are the Huckabee Delegates going to the Republican National Convention to expect, skunk at a lawn party comes to mind. Chairman McKinney is looking for peace and growth within the Republican Party while others are looking for work. I don't need a PR firm to tell me what makes a good Republican.

Media Manipulation.....again!

In case you missed this: I turn on the radio and I hear more whinning about the West Virginia GOP Convention, brought to you by..... Who else Steve Adams, need I say more! This time carrying Modesitt water.

So Rick says the Political Party's need legislative oversight. I might point out that our County Commish serves on the local Wood County Republican Executive Committee and has for many years, as well as being appointed to an at-large slot and serving at the pleasure of the Chairman on the State Committee, as he has for many years. There's nobody in Wood County that is privy to more Republican Party workings, at all levels, than Rick.....Just ask him!

Let me get this straight: So the newspaper says it's the Party's fault for not getting the word out, even though we own no printing press, and now our party leaders are requesting oversight by lawmakers over who....themselves, party leaders.

We all sat through the meetings for the last 18 months as this Convention came together. How can we plan and work with leadership that will sell us out in the media, and for what!
Maybe our party needs to take a look at who is building and promoting the party and who isn't and realign our leadership, where needed.


For comparison sake: WV Democratic Convention
My understanding of the Democrat Convention is that:

• It will be held in June 13-14
  
• All WV Democrat National Delegates will be chosen at the State Convention, none in the May Primary
• All Delegates to the State Convention will be proportioned or appointed by county committee

I hope our concerned media and reps are as quick to act!

Politics 103: Handed the Anvil

Why are so many Republicans and some conservatives endorsing John McCain?

Senator McCain has been handed the anvil, an often used tactic for the next generation, wave or wing of the party who discover that they can't persuade, stop or otherwise prevent a colleague from running for or capturing a nomination/coronation where he can't win the General election. This is often used with powerful career politicians who for various reasons win at home while developing insurmountable political baggage.

Senator Bob Dole comes to mind. Jack Kemp is lurking around the McCain camp as some economic guru. He very well may draw the short straw and be asked to take another one for the team and be McCain's VP.

Many Republicans felt that Bill Clinton was a lock for reelection in 1996. It was his turn and Bob Dole was nominated, drug to the November general election and defeated. Senator Dole was heavily criticized by the conservative political pundits of the day as is Senator McCain today. The self proclaimed Maverick of the Senate will be given his proper condolences by his fellow Senators as he heads back to Arizona to think "what if" forever.

Senator McCain may have well secured his place in future political trivia quizzes and written his own political epitaph as Obama becomes the first African-American President or Hillary becomes the first woman.

In the world of politics there is more than one way to move up. Many will lament over their "good friend from Arizona's defeat", as they scramble to grab a share of the political power void.

12 February 2008 US Senate floor

I can only imagine

The Month We Were One

This is the first link I placed on my blog some 2 years ago. This video is about 8 minuets, but if you have not viewed it please take the time to just once. Many of the items you will see were on display when I visited the Smithsonian Institute the following year with my son's 6th grade class. It was rather moving and emotional for some who were viewing the display, to say the least.

America Attacked
Never Forget!

PS: Unfortunately, whenever I hear the music used, I remember this video.

Welcome Aboard!

I will miss you folks on May 13th at the West Virginia Primary
Yes there is one, and we need POLLWORKERS!
We have plenty of work between now and then.
I encourage all concerned to come by and lend a hand, we conduct the business of the Party 365 days a year, not just when we make news. Again, welcome aboard!
Local Republicans registered over 300 voters in Wood County in 2007 and 97 alone between 1 October and 1 January 2008, surpassing the local Democrates for the first time in over 75 years!

Greg

NOTICE REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING - WOOD COUNTY REPUBLICAN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE - TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2008, AT 7:30 P.M., FORT BOREMAN CONFERENCE ROOM, JUDGE DONALD F. BLACK COURTHOUSE ANNEX, MARKET STREET, PARKERSBURG, WV

WOOD COUNTY REPUBLICAN

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING NOTICE

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2008

7:30 o’clock p.m.

JUDGE DONALD F. BLACK COURTHOUSE ANNEX

FORT BOREMAN CONFERENCE ROOM

MARKET STREET, PARKERSBURG, WV

It is our vision and our goal to further the Republican Principles and Philosophy throughout our area and to be the torch bearer for our City, our County, our State and our Nation. Come, join us and contribute to the furtherance of our vision and goals as we jointly strive together to blaze new trails for the Republican Party.

BEVERLY G. LOCKHART

Chair

Wood County Republican Executive Committee

(304) 424-7041 Hm.

bgl49@earthlink.net

Huckabee Challenges Washington Caucus Results

Washington State Republican Party Chairman Luke Esser announced late Saturday that McCain had won the 2008 Republican caucuses in the state with 87.2 percent of precincts reporting. McCain had 25.5 percent over Huckabee’s 23.7 percent in that race.

Esser issued a statement congratulating McCain on a “hard-fought win,” and Huckabee on a “strong second-place finish.”

entire story

Broken Record

Thumbs down

To the West Virginia Republican Party for the confusion caused by the party’s Super Tuesday convention in Charleston. The objective—of having West Virginia have a say on Super Tuesday as opposed to waiting until the May primary—could be considered a success as three of the four GOP candidates visited Charleston. However, the event was not explained well enough to the Republican voters in the state, many who showed up at their voting precincts because they believed they were voting in the primary.

Actually, it was a poor job on the media's part for not reporting our local activities as we worked and prepared for the convention. I might add that our local newspaper didn't even bother to send a reporter, they picked the story up off the wire. Last time I checked the Republican Party doesn't have a newspaper or television station.

Jim knows as well as I that this will do more to interest folks in our Grand Ole Party and he is trying to make a good thing into something bad. Over 30 local High School students participated.
Anyway, this is the same editor that gave us this story less than a week ago Presidential race reaches Final Four, so consider the source. Either he can't count or he has an agenda.

Mitt Quits

I would like to congratulate Governor Mitt Romney and his campaign staff for their hard fought and sincere effort to become the next President of the United States. I look forward to working with any and all Mitt's folks!

Locals find GOP convention exciting

Lockhart said she has received many phone calls from people who were not happy with the convention’s outcome. ‘‘There were many people who were very passionate,’’ she said. ‘‘I am going to make sure I take the time to call each one. I want them to know that as the chair, I care. I want to know what they are thinking and to tell them that every vote counts at election time.’’

Lockhart said she is still planning on supporting Romney until there isn’t a reason to support him anymore. However, she plans to support the party into the primary, the national convention and beyond.

‘‘I think it was a wake-up call for many people around the state,’’ Smith said. ‘‘We are here. We are your friends, neighbors and co-workers. We are constantly working on things, not just the presidential election. Party chairmen can return to home counties and garner growing support for Republican causes, he said."

entire story

I would like to add to my comments in this interview that many of the people who are upset with our results may have confused a convention with a coronation where everyone meets to anoint a preselected winner. If you didn't come to the convention with a plan for the second round of voting then you were unprepared and at a distinct disadvantage. As I told a local radio host: We have a winner, the folks have spoken and it's time to move on. Nice to say it rather than hear it. Let's see how well folks practice what they preach!

Let me also send out my sincere Thank You to the 23 Wood County Delegates (a majority) that voted for the winner, Mike Huckabee. I appreciate your passion and support for Mike despite the contempt that was shown for us. I know it's customary and proper to receive a congratulatory call from those who lost but don't hold your breath fellow Hucksters, our battle moves forward.

Inside the GOP Convention

New York Times

Mr. Huckabee’s supporters said they saw the feud between his two chief rivals as their chance to capitalize.

“We’ve got as good a chance as anybody, given how nasty everybody’s been,” said Greg Smith, a delegate who voted for Mr. Huckabee.

Welcome to Politics

Quote of the day?

There will be tons of competition for this distinction as the day (and night, and early next morning) proceeds, but here's the early front-runner.

It comes from Bob Fish, a heretofore obscure Republican Party official in West Virginia, and was given to ABC News. Fish was asked to respond to the aggrieved charges of unfair play coming from the Mitt Romney camp after he lost Super Tuesday's first battle, the fight for the Mountain State's 18 GOP delegates.

The Romney backers were upset, understandably, that Mike Huckabee's come-from-behind win resulted from an alliance -- tacit or not -- between Huckabee supporters and those who initially had voted for John McCain.

Said Fish of the bellyaching: "Welcome to politics."

You can read the rest of the ABC story here.

-- Don Frederick

I might add that the help and personal integrity of the Dr. Ron Paul supporters was what got the deal rolling. I wish every Republican could have been in on the conversation when Mitt Romney's staff started screaming and calling folks lairs and other things, as they offered FIVE (5) Romney National Convention Delegates to the Ron Paul crowd for their vote....even I was taken aback. The despair, nastiness and strong arm tactics did more to help Huck than anything we could have every done on our own. Again, thank you to all the Ron Paul folks who stayed and helped.

Amid deal-making claims, W.Va. GOP pleased with convention

Greg Smith said Paul supporters accepted the offer after rejecting a promise of five national delegates from Mitt Romney's camp.

We Have a Winner

County Huckabee / McCain / Romney

Barbour 4 / 0 / 12

Berkeley 16 / 2 / 23

Boone 10 / 0 / 2

Braxton 9 / 0 / 1

Brooke 2 / 0 / 11

Cabell 31 / 0 / 8

Calhoun 5 / 0 / 0

Clay 11 / 0 / 8

Doddridge 1 / 0 / 5

Fayette 9 / 0 / 9

Gilmer 6 / 0 / 0

Grant 3 / 0 / 5

Greenbrier 15 / 0 / 15

Hampshire 14 / 0 / 5

Hancock 10 / 3 / 9

Hardy 9 / 0 / 6

Harrison 19 / 0 / 16

Jackson 12 / 0 / 15

Jefferson 17 / 1 / 9

Kanawha 28 / 0 / 45

Lewis 13 / 0 / 8

Lincoln 5 / 0 / 5

Logan 9 / 0 / 7

Marion 3 / 0 / 19

Marshall 16 / 0 / 6

Mason 6 / 0 / 3

McDowell 0 / 0 / 1

Mercer 15 / 1 / 11

Mineral 17 / 0 / 11

Mingo 1 / 0 / 0

Monongalia 14 / 0 / 18

Monroe 2 / 0 / 2

Morgan 12 / 0 / 2

Nicholas 14 / 0 / 9

Ohio 5 / 1 / 22

Pendleton 5 / 0 / 10

Pleasants 13 / 0 / 7

Pocahontas 4 / 0 / 5

Preston 16 / 0 / 10

Putnam 11 / 2 / 17

Raleigh 25 / 0 / 12

Randolph 10 / 0 / 10

Ritchie 9 / 0 / 11

Roane 8 / 0 / 13

Summers 15 / 0 / 3

Taylor 4 / 0 / 11

Tucker 10 / 0 / 5

Tyler 5 / 1 / 11

Upshur 5 / 0 / 21

Wayne 21 / 0 / 5

Webster 3 / 0 / 2

Wetzel 1 / 0 / 6

Wirt 8 / 0 / 7

Wood 23 / 1 / 22

Wyoming 8 / 0 / 5

TOTAL 567 / 12 / 521

In the first round, Romney received 464 votes; Huckabee, 375; McCain, 176; and Paul, 118. A total of 1,133 delegates voted.
In the second round we had 1100 voters: Romney gained 57, Huckabee 192 and McCain retained 12. 33 Delegates left or chose not to vote.

The Audacity of Huck

The Religious Right roils the establishment by backing one of its own.

January 28, 2008 IssueCopyright © 2007 The American Conservative
by Michael Brendan Dougherty

If you would like more information on Mike's campaign please contact me, we have several meetings Statewide.

Democrats Loose Majority in Wood County

Parkersburg- The Wood County West Virginia Republicans officially are the majority political party.

Republican: 21694

Democrats: 21674

Momentum

The numbers speak for themselves Today

Who Would Have Predicted This

As the National Presidential political winds blow so do ours in West Virginia. The long campaign and subsequent early commitments by many prominent Republican Party officials and office holders has made for an unanticipated situation by many in our State. As a result of Mike Huckabee's recent surge, many who have gotten on board with a candidate early now find themselves in a dilemma, stay with someone falling in the polls or go with someone else. As the Iowa and New Hampshire primaries come and go the momentum will focus on one or two individuals as will contributions.

As the West Virginia GOP Convention approaches it's still any body's guess who will win the 18 Delegates to the Republican National Convention that will be up for grabs on 5 February 2008, Tsunami Tuesday as it is being called this time. Starting 1 January and continuing through the 14th, West Virginia Republicans will be electing delegates to our State Convention. Once this process is completed a list of elected delegates will then provide a much clearer picture of the distribution of delegates that will actually take part on the 5th of February.

I remained uncommitted until after the completion of county delegate registration on 30 November, I then officially went with Huckabee. I have been assisting his efforts since October, for those of you who like to browse through Federal Candidate Campaign filings, but chose to remain uncommitted until the filing closed.

I hope the best man wins, for our sake. The Democrats will bring up everything they can on whoever wins, so as painful as some of this is to watch we need a winner that can withstand this and more from the left and win in November.

Merry Christmas to All

Divided We Fall

Ron (President Reagan) said there would be times like this.

Groups hope to give push to GOP

New club in Town

It was just a few short months ago when myself and others were lectured about how divisive and counter productive so called groups and organizations like this are to the "team" effort by many of those who are now actively involved in these outfits.

Elections are held every four years and party leadership is chosen by the voters, for better or for worse. We have a State Executive Committee that consists of 150 + members from virtually every walk of life that were elected to do a job. This State Committee includes ALL 55 Republican County Chairman and many of our elected State and local Representatives. If they truly need this much outside assistance then we have much deeper problems than our debt.

The Democtrats must be enjoying this.

"You help me, I'll help you".

Shaffer files precandidacy for assessor position

There are so many things about this that must be said, and will be. We deserve no less!