Well, it was another exciting National Convention as the nation's Young Republicans descended on Miami, Florida on Independence Day for YRNC 2007. I arrived on Wednesday, got registered and enjoyed some food and fireworks with fellow YRs. On Thursday we got down to business with our first YRNF Board Session of YRNC 2007. We heard primarily from Chairman Nicolee Ambrose, about the tremendous progress made under her leadership in getting the YRNF's financial house in order, improving its relationship with Washington, building a real grassroots deployment program (1000:1) and strengthening its national media profile. Fox News, the Associated Press and C-SPAN were just a few of the media organizations that came to cover YRNC 2007. We had a review of 1000:1, the volunteer deployment program targeted in five different races that went very well. It seems certain that the program will be expanded for the 2008 cycle and I have requested that Georgia's 8th Congressional District be considered for targeting.
We had a great luncheon Thursday with Michael Steele, former Lt. Gov. of Maryland and now Chairman of GOPAC, the influential conservative candidate training organization. He gave a great talk about the need for the GOP to come together and the importance of the 2008 cycle, not only at the federal level, but also at the state and local level. He recounted his personal experience campaigning for the Senate in 2006 and I found his talk to be both inspirational and informative.
Thursday afternoon was filled with GOPAC training on Communications and Fundraising. I obtained some manuals on both that I will be scanning so the GFYRC will have wider access to the material presented. Needless to say, both sessions were very informative.
Friday we had a great luncheon with Congressman Duncan Hunter, who shared with us his vision as a 2008 presidential candidate. He particularly focused on his work with immigration as a congressman from San Diego and the need for fair trade policies. His remarks were very well received.
Friday afternoon was by far the best training event of the entire conference when Dora (I can't remember her last name at the moment), a member of the YR Alumni Network, did a presentation on Opposition Research. Close behind was the presentation by the RNLA on Ballot Security and how to build legal teams to defend against voter fraud. The Leadership Institute rounded out the day's training on grassroots organizing.
Saturday was the height of excitement at YRNC 2007, as Fred Thompson made a surprise visit to the luncheon headlined by Mary Matalin. Entering the room to cheers of "Run Fred Run" and "Fred, Fred, Fred" he gave a stirring address that spoke more to our attitude as a party right now than substantive policy matters.
After lunch the Convention came to Order. I am proud to say that Georgia led the way in amending a Resolution that would have backed gay unions to limit it to a statement opposed to judicial activism that was legislating gay marriage from the bench. Another resolution supporting the installation of closed circuit cameras was defeated. A courtesy resolution thanking the organizers of 2007 and another resolution granting Nicolee Ambrose the title of Chairman Emeritus passed without objection. The election of officers went largely as expected, with Glenn Murphy's ticket being elected without opposition. All of the new officers gave gracious speeches thanking the YRNF for the opportunity to serve and outlining an ambitious agenda for the 2007-2009 cycle.
With our business finished, we adjourned to a reception hosted by Mitt Romney and our YR Awards Dinner, featuring speeches from the Chairman of Florida's Republican Party, Governor Charlie Crist and Governor Mitt Romney. Following the excellent remarks of Governor Romney, a straw poll was conducted which was won by Romney with 46% of the vote, Fred Thomspon finished 2nd with 28% of the vote and Rudy rounded out the top three with 10%.
Sunday morning brought our final YRNF Board meeting of YRNC 2007. Chairman Murphy provided a great outline for the first 100 days of his administration, promising to take action on recuritment, education and deployment in the near future. The Fall Board Meeting was announced, which will be in Houston, Texas on November 9-11, 2007. Best Practices Manuals were made available on CD, these contain forms and helpful information for new and existing clubs. If you are interested in getting these, let me know as I have several copies.
Regards,
Josh McKoon
We had a great luncheon Thursday with Michael Steele, former Lt. Gov. of Maryland and now Chairman of GOPAC, the influential conservative candidate training organization. He gave a great talk about the need for the GOP to come together and the importance of the 2008 cycle, not only at the federal level, but also at the state and local level. He recounted his personal experience campaigning for the Senate in 2006 and I found his talk to be both inspirational and informative.
Thursday afternoon was filled with GOPAC training on Communications and Fundraising. I obtained some manuals on both that I will be scanning so the GFYRC will have wider access to the material presented. Needless to say, both sessions were very informative.
Friday we had a great luncheon with Congressman Duncan Hunter, who shared with us his vision as a 2008 presidential candidate. He particularly focused on his work with immigration as a congressman from San Diego and the need for fair trade policies. His remarks were very well received.
Friday afternoon was by far the best training event of the entire conference when Dora (I can't remember her last name at the moment), a member of the YR Alumni Network, did a presentation on Opposition Research. Close behind was the presentation by the RNLA on Ballot Security and how to build legal teams to defend against voter fraud. The Leadership Institute rounded out the day's training on grassroots organizing.
Saturday was the height of excitement at YRNC 2007, as Fred Thompson made a surprise visit to the luncheon headlined by Mary Matalin. Entering the room to cheers of "Run Fred Run" and "Fred, Fred, Fred" he gave a stirring address that spoke more to our attitude as a party right now than substantive policy matters.
After lunch the Convention came to Order. I am proud to say that Georgia led the way in amending a Resolution that would have backed gay unions to limit it to a statement opposed to judicial activism that was legislating gay marriage from the bench. Another resolution supporting the installation of closed circuit cameras was defeated. A courtesy resolution thanking the organizers of 2007 and another resolution granting Nicolee Ambrose the title of Chairman Emeritus passed without objection. The election of officers went largely as expected, with Glenn Murphy's ticket being elected without opposition. All of the new officers gave gracious speeches thanking the YRNF for the opportunity to serve and outlining an ambitious agenda for the 2007-2009 cycle.
With our business finished, we adjourned to a reception hosted by Mitt Romney and our YR Awards Dinner, featuring speeches from the Chairman of Florida's Republican Party, Governor Charlie Crist and Governor Mitt Romney. Following the excellent remarks of Governor Romney, a straw poll was conducted which was won by Romney with 46% of the vote, Fred Thomspon finished 2nd with 28% of the vote and Rudy rounded out the top three with 10%.
Sunday morning brought our final YRNF Board meeting of YRNC 2007. Chairman Murphy provided a great outline for the first 100 days of his administration, promising to take action on recuritment, education and deployment in the near future. The Fall Board Meeting was announced, which will be in Houston, Texas on November 9-11, 2007. Best Practices Manuals were made available on CD, these contain forms and helpful information for new and existing clubs. If you are interested in getting these, let me know as I have several copies.
Regards,
Josh McKoon
