Anyone here ever been a Republican County Chair? (vanity)

[Osama Obama]

A friend of mine has approached me about being a County Chair for the Republican Party. The seat is open and no one seems to want it. I am not active in the local party. Any thoughts/advice/insights would be appreciated.

TIA

[loydho88]

It’s a thankless job. I was for awhile. Seems like one gets more completed just working for / with a single candidate, though.

[bogeyman]

I was on the central committee in Callaway county here in Missouri. I have also worked for individual candidates. I liked both functions. That said, if you are the committee chairman, the term “herding cats” comes to mind. Chairing a county committee can be very rewarding but it is not a cakewalk. Expect a lot of organizing and seeking help from the folks. Of course this depends on the level of commitment in your county. Good luck, and thanks for at least considering involvement.

[AmericanGirlRising]

I haven’t been a County Chair, but I was elected pres of the College Republicans (hee hee). i can tell you that was a constant volunteer drive. If you’ve got the time and know lots of people, I recommend it. Thanks for considering it. I hope you’re a conservative...

[tcrlaf]

My Stepfather was a DEM County Chair in the mid/late 70’s.

I agree with the previous poster that it’s a thankless job, but it does come with it’s own rewards.

Contacts, contacts, contacts..

[tcrlaf]

Actually, for a CONSERVATIVE to be a county chair, right now is a good time to start.

We need to start organizing NOW if you want to have any hope of winning in 04...

[Allegra]

We need to start organizing NOW if you want to have any hope of winning in 04...

We won in '04...???

[zerosix]

I'm current Vice Chair but running for Chair later this month.

Lots of issues to handle (especially after little support from my 3 other "leaders") but I plan to put into place some new strategy to ensure that our voters feel that we are a more responsive County Party.

[zerosix]

Amen to that!

Thank God for Sarah Palin, she energized our County like nobody's business.

In our Caucus (State didn't hold a Primary), McCain came in at least third or maybe tied with another for the "show" slot but when Sarah was added, fireworks for all conservatives.

Now I have a database of all energized conservatives whom I plan to tap looking ahead to 2010!

[outinyellowdogcountry]

There is paperwork to file with the county clerk, secretary of state, state party. I did it without a fax machine at home and it was frustrating. It would be easier now but not at this point in life. The paperwork isn’t difficult. It comes around filing time and primary preparation. I did it to make sure we had a Republican primary whereas in the past we only had the option to vote in the Democratic primary. Also, you will be building visibility for Republicans, training Republican workers, and if you are inclined, recruiting local people to run as Republicans. You will be contacted when candidates visit your area.

[JoeFromSidney]

I served two terms as Republican Central Committee chairman, after more than 10 years on the Central Committee.

The comments above pretty well say it. It's a thankless job. On the other hand, it does give you a chance to influence local politics by recruiting and grooming candidates for local office. These are the ones that move up later. In that way your influence is a bit more long term than it looks at first.

If you're at all interested, I'd say go for it. Here's your chance to rebuild a conservative Republican party. Just be aware that it's a lot of work.

[anymouse]

ping

[KC Burke]

zerosix can probably tell us that “herding cats” doesn’t begin to describe it sufficiently for them....LOL, talk about a lot of factions....

[Osama Obama]

Thanks to all the responses. (keep them coming) I am not involved in the local party at all. I have 3 kids ages 10-4. I used to be a legislative staffer 10 years ago and keep close tabs on politics and write a little blog. I am certainly conservative. The thought of it scares me to death in that I think the cause (conservative, not necessarily Republican) is so important. I have no interest in ever running for office or using the position as a springboard of any kind.

[zerosix]

No but I did tell the other "leaders" on my board, that they all needed to lead, follow or merely get out of the way as I was working for an effective, active and energized Republican Party.

Yes there were some complaints by various voters this time (the ones I wanted to shoot were our Precinct "leaders" who didn't have "time to work in the election," but instead wanted me to carry their load too!)

I was glad to do it but let the voters know in their various precincts that they needed to look to some "new leaders" in the next election!

[john1300]

Dude—just go for it.If you are a true conervative,the help will come.(there are more of us than you think.)My wife was a county chair ,and it was a very rewarding experience for her.At present time she is v.chair of a state party and loves the interaction with other”true believers”

john1300