TRP Weekly Report (1-22-09)
CHOICES
The Tennessee Republican Party State Executive Committee conducted a telephonic meeting last week and will have a similar follow up meeting to continue deliberations of the now 30 written challenges to the Bona Fide status of Rep. Kent Williams as a Republican. As time has passed, Mr. Williams’ alleged sexual harassment of a female legislative colleague in view of other state legislators on two occasions have resurfaced and shine additional light on the deliberations.
The Tennessee Republican Party takes very seriously the obligation to our supporters, elected officials and contributors to represent principled leadership that operates on the foundation of integrity and character. In contrast to media accounts and the few who are committed to the defense of Mr. Williams behavior, any action to date and any in the future will be in response to his personal decision and choice to betray his colleagues on repeated occasions.
In one of my favorite books, “The Traveler’s Gift” is an excerpt: “Our very lives are fashioned by choice. First, we make choices. Then our choices make us.”
SURVEY SAYS
The online survey we have had up for a week with only one email notification as to its availability has generated an incredible response. These results reflect the sentiments we’re hearing in the calls to our office and in postal mail: Our Party must have as its first priority integrity.
STILL FIGHTING FOR REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP
The Republican House Caucus Leadership is due a tremendous “thanks” and “congratulations” for fighting for the appointment of seven Chairmen posts of the thirteen that should’ve been awarded to the majority party. The creation of a Republican Deputy Speaker position was also a move that resulted from the Caucus leadership to offset the “Speaker Emeritus” position given to Democrat Jimmy Naifeh. The Tennessee Republican Party is proud that the Caucus is determined to represent the voices of Tennessee voters for principled leadership in difficult times, despite the backroom deal cut by Tennessee Democrats.
SENATE REPUBLICANS TO DRIVE AGENDA
The Senate Republicans are in place to lead, squarely behind the leadership of Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey and Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris. Committee assignments reflect a strong agenda that will be pro-business and ready to work with the Governor to address a difficult budget year. Congratulations to each of these men and women who are committed to solving the problems Tennessee faces during this economic downturn.
RNC CHAIRMAN’S ELECTION
I have enjoyed receiving the countless emails and other correspondence from individuals expressing their support of a favorite candidate for RNC Chairman. I have read every piece of correspondence. I have read all the candidate’s “plans” and have attended the forums, interviews and debate. I have intentionally remained uncommitted to encourage this flow of information and to remain focused on my job description: Chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party.
I am looking forward to casting my vote next week for the individual who bests articulates the principles of our Party, has demonstrated a commitment to the value of our state party organizations and the grassroots, possesses a track record of winning and raising political funds. The selection will not be easy. I have heard many request certain qualities and values be represented in the next RNC Chairman. I do believe there is a candidate that will lead our Party through an era of opportunity and growth.
I listened to a past RNC Party Chairman, former Senator Bill Brock, speak to a time that the Republican National Committee was in a time of change and needed focus. He relayed that there were those who were even discussing a change of the Party’s name (like Democrats now use “progressive” v. “liberal”). Senator Brock profoundly noted, “We don’t need to change our name, just live up to it.”
Let’s support our next RNC Chairman and encourage all to “live up to” the principles that make us Republicans.
