County GOP starts Rebuilding

Mar 4, 2012

County GOP starts Rebuilding

Quick recovery from year of struggling is critical

by Craig Masters
The Central Committee of the Larimer County Republican Party held precinct committee- person training Saturday. This was the first training event for many newly-elected central committee members as well as the first such meeting conducted by newly-elected Larimer County GOP leaders.

In 2010 Larimer County GOP officials failed to meet so many state election laws that the Secretary of State imposed thousands of dollars in fines. The list of problems included poor record keeping, missing deadlines, and not filing some forms properly. Fortunately, no criminal actions such as violation of voters’ rights, or registering illegal voters, animals, and the Dallas Cowboys starting line-up were ever brought against Republicans in Larimer, or anywhere else for that matter. Those charges, however, have been proven to be associated with Democratic election officials and associated groups in some 26 states to date.

“This year will be better,” said Jerry Patterson, Internal Vice Chairman, who reported that all fines are paid and the LCRP is beginning this critical year with some money in the bank.

Patterson explained that the goal of the precinct people is to generate enthusiasm and build a large enough network to turn out voters this November. But if the number of persons leaving the meeting early is any indication, the Republican message will have to be short and on target.

The message is short – at least on the larimergop.org web site. There are only four bullet points :

1)Protect the rights of the individual
2)Protect the free enterprise system
3)Reduce government to the lowest practical level
4)Endorse and practice fiscal responsibility.

Unfortunately, the same bullet points could be posted on the democratic party’s web site since they are open to vague interpretation.

There is a slide show about Republican positions on energy, courts, economy and more, but the speed of the slides is quick for all but only the fastest readers. A bothersome way to read the messages is to click on the title words and be redirected. But be aware, you will need your browser’s back button as the site lacks a ‘return’ button on the new page.

Although the Larimer GOP may be off to a rough start in what may the the most critical Presidential election since George Washington, there is plenty of information available about registering to vote, who your elected officials are, and more. The job of the county central committee volunteers will be to show voters how to get the most from however much effort they want to spend.

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