I want to thank everyone who attended the Champaign County Republican Convention last night. We had an excellent turnout, including precinct committeemen and activists from all around the county.
A few items of note:
- Cong. Johnson's appearance was welcomed and he gave a terrific tribute to outgoing Chairman Steve Hartman
- Fred Welch gave a rousing nomination speech which truly brought the room to life. Fred ought to run for Governor”¦or maybe President.
- The following GOP officers were elected: Jason Barickman, Chairman; Greg Knott, Vice-Chairman; Lisa Mettler, Secretary; Brett Penick, Treasurer.
- Precinct Committeemen authorized the County Chairman to cast 100% of Champaign County's vote for State Central Committeeman in support of Jerry Clarke, our current State Central Committeeman.
The following items were placed on the agenda for the next Republican Precinct Committeeman meeting:
- Motion in support of appointing Fred Welch as an at-large member of the GOP Executive Board.
- Motion in support of appointing the following ex-officio members to the GOP Executive Board: Mary Jackson, Active Senior Republicans; Kristin Williamson, Parkland College Republicans; Jake Vial, UI College Republicans; and Erin Solomon, Teen Age Republicans.
- Motion in support of ratifying 14 Precinct Committeeman appointments.
The next meeting of the Precinct Committeemen, which are open to anyone who is interested, will be held on Tuesday, May 9, 7-8AM, at Urbana Gardens on North Lincoln in Urbana.
Consider this an open thread on the local GOP.
Jason,
I wanted to say congratulations when I left but felt it would have been inappropriate to do so b/c you were speaking. I want to congratulate you and the new officers and am very happy for you all.
I do like some of the ideas you said last night especially about communication between the republican groups.
I wish you well and will help whenever I can. Again congratulations and looking forward to cheering all the winners this fall.
Your favorite cheerleader,
EMB
Fred Wech is the best thing to happen in the GOP grassroots organization since I've been around (around 1988). What energy, optimism, and loyalty (along with his terrific wife Marilyn).
Congratulations Jason. You'll do a great job as chair.
What percentage of the GOP committeemen attended the convention?
In McHenry County, it was a little over 50%. Dems had about 25% of precincts represented.
Joan Dykstra took the bus to/from the convention. Funniest moment of the night.
29 of 41 elected committemen (70%) were in attendance, plus we appointed 14 to vacant spots (most of those folks were there as well).
There's still quite a few committeman positions available. If you'd like to help the Champaign County GOP at the grass roots level, this is a great opportunity. Contact Jason Barickman for more info.
Congratulations Jason. Another step in fulfilling your dream. I'm happy for you. I wish all Republicans would have your heart.
Congratulations Jason! I'm looking forward to working with you!
If a Democrat can step in here for a moment, I'd like to give congratulations to Jason. I'm both anxious and curious to see what he'll bring to GOP and Champaign County politics as chairman. While we're on oppposite political parties, I look forward more to working with him, than against him. Hopefully that feeling is reciprocated.
Once again, congrats.
Good to see the skies are clear just before the backlash begins from a historic example of how not to run a nation.