Republican Party

Jefferson County, Tennessee

“You and I have a rendezvous with destiny. We will preserve for our children this, the last best hope of man on earth, or we will sentence them to take the first step into a thousand years of darkness. If we fail, at least let our children and our children's children say of us we justified our brief moment here. We did all that could be done.”

Ronald Wilson Reagan

40th President of the United States of America

 

 

 

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NEWS

 

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KNOXVILLE NEWS SENTINEL

 

Smith emerges as favorite to lead state Republicans

Panel to pick Davis' successor in August; no known competitors

By Tom Humphrey
Sunday, July 8, 2007

NASHVILLE — An apparent consensus has emerged in selecting Robin Smith as the new leader of Tennessee’s Republicans, perhaps because the Hamilton County activist represents the least change from a status quo the national GOP might envy.

“I think it’s important we wind this thing up before there’s a bloodbath or a bloody battle over it,” said Van Hilleary in taking his name off the list of prospective successors to departing GOP Chairman Bob Davis.

Similarly, former U.S. Rep. Ed Bryant, who some party officials say could have had the chairmanship for the asking, stepped aside to endorse Smith, describing her as a “politically savvy” conservative.

Bryant and Hilleary both were losers to U.S. Sen. Bob Corker in last year’s Republican Senate primary. Bryant also lost to Sen. Lamar Alexander in a primary in 2002.

Traditionally, the winners of statewide races have had a strong influence in the selection of the GOP chair by the 66-member state executive committee.

Davis, for example, was backed by former U.S. Sen. Bill Frist when chosen in 2004, while his predecessor, Beth Harwell, was supported by then-Sen. Fred Thompson.

Davis had previously served as party executive director under Harwell and as chief of staff to Thompson. He now is expected to join Thompson’s yet-unannounced presidential campaign. In contrast to Frist and Thompson in past years, Alexander and Corker have opted to stay out of the current selection process, according to aides.

“It is very much the prerogative of the executive committee to elect the chairman, and we respect that,” said Tom Ingram, chief of staff to Alexander and campaign manager for Corker in last year’s general election. “We are watching with interest.”

“I have great confidence in the state executive committee to select a chair that will build on the strong leadership of Bob Davis,” said Corker in a statement.

The executive committee is expected to choose Davis’ successor at an Aug. 4 meeting.

State Sen. Paul Stanley, R-Germantown, declared himself a candidate for chairman at one point last week, then withdrew after talking with Smith.

Larry Kidwell, a Brentwood investment banker and former national Young Republicans chairman who had also expressed interest in the position, also withdrew and declared Smith “a dynamic, hard-working consensus-builder.”

The withdrawal of Stanley and Kidwell leaves Smith with no announced opposition.

Smith, 44, who lives in the Chattanooga suburb of Hixson with her husband and two teenage children, said she would leave her job with Pfizer Inc. to become party chairwoman. She has been vice chairwoman for three years and was active in party politics before that.

Hilleary, a GOP national committeeman, said Smith is “in touch with the grass roots,” and others said she has been aligned with the state party’s more conservative wing.

Smith said “I went to bed Monday night with no plans to be chairman” but changed her mind after being bombarded with phone calls of encouragement the following day and counseled by her family.

“ ‘Mom, you need to do this so you just have one job and can be paid to be in politics,’ ” she quoted her 16-year-old daughter as saying.

Smith assured Stanley that electing a Republican majority to the state House and Senate would be the top priority in next year’s election, even though there will be a presidential race and Alexander is up for re-election.

Democrats now have a 53-46 majority in the state House. The Senate has 16 Republicans, 16 Democrats and one Independent.

Tennessee Republicans generally say they consider Alexander a heavy favorite in his 2008 re-election campaign and are hopeful the as-yet-unannounced Thompson can win the party’s presidential nomination.

“If that happens, frankly, there will be coattails like never before in Tennessee,” said Stanley. “We need the leadership to take advantage of that, and I believe Robin Smith can provide it.”

Smith acknowledged that the national GOP faces “difficulties” with President Bush’s popularity diminished and divisions over issues such as the Iraq war and immigration. But she said Tennessee Republicans are “very unified, energized and hungry.”

“We listen to our grass roots,” she said.

The state party has been torn in the past, typically with disputes between staunch conservatives and those with more moderate leanings. The latter are often allied with what Hilleary once characterized as “kingmakers” because of their fundraising abilities.

Alexander and Corker both were characterized by primary opponents as liberal-leaning, but they have generally sought to take conservative positions in office. Both opposed the immigration bill recently pushed by Bush, for example, though Alexander initially indicated willingness to consider the measure, a stance that brought harsh criticism from some state conservatives.

The senators’ acceptance of Smith may be another step in shoring up conservative support.

State Democratic Party Chairman Gray Sasser said things are not as rosy for Republicans as some think, citing a Middle Tennessee State University poll earlier this year that indicated more Tennesseans now lean toward Democrats than the GOP.

“I think the country and Tennessee are ready to head in a different direction than the national Republican Party has headed in the last few years,” said Sasser.

Sasser said Republicans, both nationally and at the state level, have a record of “balk and fumble.” In Tennessee, he said, that contrasts with the record of accomplishments by Gov. Phil Bredesen, a Democrat who carried all 95 counties in winning re-election last year.

Tom Humphrey may be reached at 615-242-7782.

© 2007, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.

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STANDARD BANNER

December 29, 2005

Page 7A

 

The Jefferson County Republican Women and their spouses gathered at the home of Ginger and Cecil Franklin on December 12th to celebrate the Christmas holiday.  Attendees enjoyed a host of homemade main courses and desserts, along with festive fellowship with new and longtime friends.

As would be expected, conversation touched on upcoming local, state and federal elections.  But, without fail, the group paid homage to the reason for this joyful season, with Beverly Smith, the Republican Women’s chaplain, asking the blessing over their meal, time together in fellowship and the ability to gather in a free society at a time like Christmas.

Barbara McAndrew, president of the Republican Women of the Future, recognized those in attendance, both new and established, as well as those unable to be present for the evening gathering as a result of personal or family illnesses. 

The Jefferson County Republican Women is a grassroots organization dedicated to electing and maintaining sound Republican representation in elected offices on the local, state and national levels.  To learn more about the Jefferson County Republican Women, visit http://RepublicanWomen.JeffersonCountyGOP.org or e-mail RepublicanWomen@JeffersonCountyGOP.org.

 

© The Standard Banner 2005

 

 

STANDARD BANNER

 

Ogle, McAndrew, Fain complete GOP training

news@standardbanner.com

August 25, 2005

Page 5A

 

      Three Jefferson County residents completed a state-wide intensive County Leadership School on August 13.

      Barbara McAndrew, Aaron Ogle and Barry Fain attended a seminar sponsored by the Tennessee Republican Party at the Renaissance Hotel in Knoxville on Saturday, along with many other GOP faithful.

      Barbara McAndrew is president of the Republican Women of the Future.  Aaron Ogle is the youth chairman of the Republican Party’s executive committee and is presently reorganizing the Young Republicans of Jefferson County.  Barry Fain served as both youth chairman and as co-chair of the Young Republicans and currently is a candidate for the soon-to-be-vacated office of Circuit Court Clerk.

      “This was a great experience – being able to take in the information presented by Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Bob Davis and his staff,” said Fain.

      Attendees also had the opportunity to hear the three current U.S. senatorial candidates, Ed Bryant, Bob Corker, and Van Hilleary, present their campaign platforms to the group, as well as answer questions from the group covering areas like the recent Supreme Court Kelo decision on eminent domain to border security and guest worker programs.

 

© Standard Banner - 2005

 

 

STANDARD BANNER

 

County Democrats pay $1500 for failure to file timely reports

By Gayle Page

August 18, 2005

Page 5A

 

Jefferson County Democrats received a generous reduction in fines from the Tennessee Registry of Election Finance (TREF), August 10, when Chairman Betty Watkins and a delegation from the party’s executive committee appeared at a hearing before that board in Nashville.

Penalties totaling $20,000 had been assessed against the party for failure to file quarterly financial reports.  Watkins explained to the registry board that a former treasurer for the group had told others in the organization the reports had been filed in a timely manner.  Although there had been no corruption, nor intentional ethical violations involved, the outcome of the situation has caused the party embarrassment and humiliation.”

“We do our best,” said Watkins.  “Mistakes and errors are sometimes made, but you admit them, learn from them and then you move forward.”

Reconsidering the fines and allowing for the small amount of funds in the party’s treasury, TREF acted to reduce the fines from $20,000 to $1,500, a compromise for which the Jefferson County Democrats were greatly appreciative. 

Steps were taken at a July 28 Jefferson County Democratic Party executive committee meeting to prevent this sort of situation from arising again.

Current treasurer Hank Barnett proposed an amendment to the by-laws regarding the responsibilities of the treasurer and other officers.  Quarterly reports will be filed on line, on time, and a hardcopy form of the filed report will be submitted to the Chair no later than the due date, and to the executive committee no later than its next regular meeting.  This measure imposes oversight responsibility on all members and officers.  The proposal was unanimously approved by the executive committee and entered into the organizations by-laws.

 

© Standard Banner - 2005

 

 

STANDARD BANNER

 

Youth on the move

Jefferson Co. Young Republicans have booth at the Fair

news@standardbanner.com

August 11, 2005

Page 9A

 

      The youth of the Jefferson County Republican Party are on the move! 

      Beginning August 4th, the Jefferson County Young Republicans set up a booth at the Jefferson County Fair.  Aaron Ogle, Youth Chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Party, is heading up the endeavor. 

      The Young Republicans are working to register voters for the upcoming election year, which will kick off in May with the Republican Primary. 

      Ogle states that, "We are actively pursuing our charter with the Tennessee Young Republican Federation.  We have also been in contact with the Knox County Young Republicans and are presently planning some joint initiatives together."

            Barry Fain, a former co-chair of the Young Republicans and former Youth Chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Party, commented on the undertaking by saying, "It is great to see more youth getting out and active in government and civic matters like this." 

      Fain commented that the re-organization of the Young Republicans by Ogle and his friends is a breath of fresh air.  "I have been hoping to see someone step up and re-organize the Young Republicans again in our county."  It has been roughly a decade since the Young Republicans have been an active force in Jefferson County politics.

      For more information on the Jefferson County Young Republicans, please visit www.jeffersoncountygop.org/

youngrepublicans or e-mail YouthChair@JeffersonCountyGOP.org.  The Young Republicans of Jefferson County, Tennessee is a grassroots organization dedicated to electing Republican candidates to office in Jefferson County, the State of Tennessee and across the United States.

 

© Standard Banner - 2005

 

 

FIVE RIVERS HERALD

 

Youth on the move

Vol. 1 – No. 109

August 8, 2005

Page Two

news@theheraldnewspapers.com

 

      The youth of the Jefferson County Republican Party are on the move!  Beginning August 4th, the Jefferson County Young Republicans set up a booth at the Jefferson County Fair.  Aaron Ogle, Youth Chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Party, is heading up the endeavor.  The Young Republicans are working to register voters for the upcoming election year, which will kick off in May with the Republican Primary.  Ogle states that, "We are actively pursuing our charter with the Tennessee Young Republican Federation.  We have also been in contact with the Knox County Young Republicans and are presently planning some joint initiatives together."

 

      Barry Fain, a former co-chair of the Young Republicans and former Youth Chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Party, commented on the undertaking by saying, "It is great to see more youth getting out and active in government and civic matters like this."  Fain commented that the re-organization of the Young Republicans by Ogle and his friends is a breath of fresh air.  "I have been hoping to see someone step up and re-organize the Young Republicans again in our county."  It has been roughly a decade since the Young Republicans have been an active force in Jefferson County politics.

 

      For more information on the Jefferson County Young Republicans, please visit 

www.jeffersoncountygop.org/youngrepublicans or e-mail YouthChair@JeffersonCountyGOP.org  The Young Republicans of Jefferson County, Tennessee is a grassroots organization dedicated to electing Republican candidates to office in Jefferson County, the State of Tennessee and across the United States.

 

© The Herald Newspapers - 2005

 

 

CITIZENS TRIBUNE

 

State attorney general to start collecting campaign fines

July 19, 2005

Page 3

 

   KNOXVILLE (AP) — The attorney general has warned politicians, lobbyists and groups with unpaid fines for violating state campaign finance laws they have until Wednesday to pay up.
   Many haven’t paid fines in years, and more than $250,000 is due from sanctions levied by the Tennessee Registry of Election Finance, according to a report by The Knoxville News Sentinel.
   The state attorney general’s office has sent letters this month to 31 political candidates, lobbyists and political action committees that have failed to pay fines.
   The letters say that the recipients have until Wednesday, July 20, to either pay up or make arrangements for payments, according to Sharon Curtis Flair, spokeswoman for Attorney General Paul Summers.
   Those who don’t respond will be sent to the attorney general’s “collections division,” which has authority to go to court to force payments, she said.
   Groups and politicians that get the letters and realize how much they owe, which can run as high as $10,000 per offense, shouldn’t expect much leniency from the Registry of Election Finance.
   At a Registry board meeting last week, two organizations with long-overdue fines asked for a reduction or elimination of their fines. The Kingsport Republican Women, which owes $10,000, and the Jefferson County Democratic Party, which owes $20,000, were told to pay up.
   In both cases, the penalties dated back at least three years and were assessed because the groups failed to file required political action committee reports.
   Registry Director Drew Rawlins says he expects to hear from more entities with unpaid fines soon because of the attorney general’s action.

© Lakeway Publishers, Inc. 2005

 

 

KNOXVILLE NEWS SENTINEL

 

Perspectives Section

July 3, 2005

Jefferson County Republicans have launched a Web site, drawing kudos from TeamGOP.org, a statewide grassroots Republican coalition.

According to TeamGOP.org, the Grand Old Party in Jefferson County is now the Grand Online Party. And the Jeffersonians' motto is "a red county in a red state."

Visitors to www.jeffersoncountygop.org can find a variety of information, including the Republican philosophy, quotes from Ronald Reagan, a calendar of events, contact information for elected Republican officials and party officers, links to conservative political views, options to sign up for alerts of representatives' voting records and more.

According to TeamGOP.org, Barbara McAndrew, president of the Republican Women of the Future, donated the initial money for the domain name registration and Web site hosting fees.

Within days, Barry Fain, a former youth chairman and co-chair of the Young Republicans, had the GOP's Web site up and running. Fain reported that, as of mid-June, more than 230 other Web pages have externally linked to the Jefferson County Republican Party's site.

 

 

 

TeamGOP.org

 

E-MAIL NEWSLETTER

June 20, 2005

 

TeamGOP.org often passes along Press Releases it receives as a public service.  This Press Release demonstrates the continued growth and hard work done by good Republicans across Tennessee in the big cities and small towns.

 

Our friends at the Jefferson County Republicans Party have formally announced they have launched their first website; TeamGOP.org congratulates their commitment and dedication.

 

TeamGOP.org has tons supporters in the county of 50,000 or so in East Tennessee.  Emails are often received from places like: Jefferson City, Chestnut Hill, Dandridge, New Market, White Pine, Talbott, Strawberry Plains, and the big city of Baneberry.  The success TeamGOP.org has enjoyed is directly tied to the great work done in places like Jefferson County.

 

The internet allows groups to grow, messages to be heard and a better red-rock foundation built for a Republican future.

 

For IMMEDIATE Release                                                                                                      CONTACT: Barry Fain

(865) 397-8904

Victory@JeffersonCountyGOP.org

 

Grand Online Party?  It is now!

 

The “Grand Old Party” in Jefferson County is now also the “Grand Online Party”!  The Republican Party of Jefferson County, TN is now an established presence on the worldwide web at www.jeffersoncountygop.org.

 

The website began taking shape following a conversation in late-February, prior to the annual 2005 Lincoln Day Dinner.  In a few days following the dinner, Barbara McAndrew, president of the Republican Women of the Future and longtime Republican supporter, donated the initial money for the domain name registration and website hosting fees.  Within another couple of days, Barry Fain, a former youth chairman and co-chair of the Young Republicans, had the GOP’s website up and running.  Mr. Fain reports that, “As of June 17th of this year, over 230 other web pages have externally linked to the Jefferson County Republican Party’s website.”  Mr. Fain goes on to report that, “The website has received almost 700 hits/visits, since it has been created.  And, this is all in less than a four month period with no formal announcement of the site’s existence.”

 

Visitors to www.jeffersoncountygop.org can find a wide variety of information that includes: the Republican philosophy, a calendar of events, contact information for elected Republican officials and Party officers, useful conservative links, options to sign up for alerts of representatives’ voting records, register to vote, membership information, and much, much more.  Barry Fain also noted that he has created sub-domains off the main site for the Republican Women of the Future, the Young Republicans, and the College Republicans.  

 

The Jefferson County Republican Party is a grassroots organization dedicated to the support of Republican candidates at the local, state and national levels to aid in returning the control of government to the people of Jefferson County, the State of Tennessee and the rest of our great nation.  

 

# # #

 

 

 

Grand Online Party?  It is now!

 

Fiver Rivers Herald

June 20, 2005

Page one

 

The “Grand Old Party” in Jefferson County is now also the “Grand Online Party”!  The Republican Party of Jefferson County, TN is now an established presence on the worldwide web at www.jeffersoncountygop.org.

 

The website began taking shape following a conversation in late-February, prior to the annual 2005 Lincoln Day Dinner.  In a few days following the dinner, Barbara McAndrew, president of the Republican Women of the Future and longtime Republican supporter, donated the initial money for the domain name registration and website hosting fees.  Within another couple of days, Barry Fain, a former youth chairman and co-chair of the Young Republicans, had the GOP’s website up and running.  Mr. Fain reports that, “As of June 17th of this year, over 230 other web pages have externally linked to the Jefferson County Republican Party’s website.”  Mr. Fain goes on to report that, “The website has received almost 700 hits/visits, since it has been created.  And, this is all in less than a four month period with no formal announcement of the site’s existence.”

 

Visitors to www.jeffersoncountygop.org can find a wide variety of information that includes: the Republican philosophy, a calendar of events, contact information for elected Republican officials and Party officers, useful conservative links, options to sign up for alerts of representatives’ voting records, register to vote, membership information, and much, much more.  Barry Fain also noted that he has created subdomains off the main site for the Republican Women of the Future, the Young Republicans, and the College Republicans. 

 

The Jefferson County Republican Party is a grassroots organization dedicated to the support of Republican candidates at the local, state and national levels to aid in returning the control of government to the people of Jefferson County, the State of Tennessee and the rest of our great nation.

E-mail: Victory @ JeffersonCountyGOP.org

 

 

Republican National Committee

 

 

 

Tennessee Republican Party

 

 

 

Tennessee Federation of Republican Women

 

 

 

Tennessee Young Republican Federation

 

 

 

Tennessee Federation of College Republicans

 

 

 

Team GOP

 

 

 

© 2007 Jefferson County Republican Party