Ken Blackwell | RNC Chairman

Today I released a Conservative Resurgence Plan that, among other things, details how I will reach out to College Republicans and bring them back into the party.

I am now pleased to announce that the leadership of the College Republican National Committee has endorsed me in my campaign for Chairman.  Lee Atwater, Karl Rove, Morton Blackwell, and Grover Norquist are former leaders of this important organization.

I want to give a special thank you to Charlie Smith and his team for their support.  Together, we will ignite a conservative resurgence across the country.

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Members of the Republican National Committee:

After two difficult election cycles our party is at a crossroads.  We have obligations to our ideals and our constituents to evaluate our strengths and weakness, successes and failures, and set ourselves on a path of renewal and revitalization.    We must take this opportunity to elect a leader with a bold vision and the strength to carry it through.  We need a leader that will stop allowing the Republican Party to surrender to the other party on campus and online. It is our opinion and the opinion of a large part of our organization that, of the many qualified candidates for RNC Chairman, the candidate best suited to take on these new challenges is Ken Blackwell.

Ken understands the importance of increasing our outreach to young and first time voters who will be making formative choices in the next few elections that will shape their voting habits for the rest of their lives. We cannot afford to continue to ignore an entire generation of voters. Ken also understands that we must increase our capabilities online if we’re going to inform and persuade voters effectively and remain competitive with Internet and email fundraising.

We believe that Ken Blackwell has the convictions to make him a great spokesman for our party and that he will drive us forward towards successes in elections at all levels of government. That belief is further strengthened after watching his performance in the debate yesterday. As the leaders of tomorrow’s Republican Party we respectfully ask that you consider supporting Ken and cast a vote for the next generation of Republicans.

Charlie Smith, CRNC National Chairman
Blake Harris, CRNC National Co-Chairman
Dan Carlson, CRNC National Secretary
Esther Clark, CRNC National Treasurer
Tom Jardon, CRNC Southern Vice-Chairman

Justin Zatkoff, Michigan College Republican Chairman
Taylor Hall, South Carolina College Republican Chairman
Lance Kennedy, Texas College Republican Chairman
Chandler Harris, Alabama College Republican Chairman
Ed Cox, Utah College Republican Chairman

Jeremy Hagen, Missouri College Republican Chairman
Rudy Perciful, Louisiana College Republican Chairman
Terence Grado, New Jersey College Republican Chairman
Matt Wharton, Arizona College Republican Chairman
Meagan Szydlowski, Illinois College Republican Chairman

Erica Castelo, Colorado College Republican Chairman
Richard Walters, Mississippi College Republican Chairman
Reece Hrizuk, Oregon College Republican Chairman
Brand Kroeger, District of Columbia College Republican Chairman

It is time for a change in ownership at the RNC. I am advocating a Shareholders’ Revolt.

This plan is how I intend to bring about fundamental change as Chairman and return power back to its rightful owners, the RNC members.

To succeed as a party, we must completely change the way the RNC does business. RNC members need to have a say in the operation and direction of the party they are elected to oversee.

As Chairman, I will flatten the RNC and push much of the decision-making out into the states and I will view the RNC members as Shareholders that have a stake in our success.

This will enable us to tailor the strategy applied in each state to the needs of that state. If I find an idea that works well in one state, I will share it around the country, but I will not force it on you. You know your states better than the Washington insiders do, so you should run your states.

Since I entered the race, I have earned the support of a diverse group of members from across the country that are ready to take our party back.

If you are ready to demand your ownership rights as a member of the RNC, I ask you to please support my Conservative Resurgence Plan and vote for Ken Blackwell for RNC Chairman.

Today, I am truly humbled.

An unprecedented group of conservative leaders united behind my candidacy this morning and announced their endorsement of my campaign for Chairman of the Republican National Committee.  I will let the release speak for itself but these are some of the finest leaders in the conservative movement and I am honored to have their support.

Please take a moment to read the important release below.  Together, we can lead a conservative resurgence across this country and bring our party back.

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CONSERVATIVE LEADERS ENDORSE
KEN BLACKWELL FOR RNC CHAIR

A broad cross-section of American conservative economic, social and foreign policy leaders has endorsed the candidacy of former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell for chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC).

The election will be at an RNC meeting in D.C. January 28-31.

A meeting of conservative leaders, gathered by the Council for National Policy on November 13, asked Virginia Republican National Committeeman Morton Blackwell (no relation to Ken Blackwell) to prepare and distribute a list of questions for the RNC chairmanship candidates.

All six active candidates, Saul Anuzis of Michigan, Ken Blackwell of Ohio, Katon Dawson of South Carolina, Mike Duncan of Kentucky, John “Chip” Saltsman of Tennessee, and Michael Steele of Maryland, answered the questions.  The 37 questions and the six candidates’ answers are posted on the website Townhall.com.

After a review on January 2 of the candidates’ answers and a discussion of their other qualifications, the conservative leaders listed below announced their support of Ken Blackwell and urged the 168 members of the RNC to elect him at their late-January meeting.

Their organizational affiliations are provided for identification only.

The conservative endorsers noted that there were other good candidates, but all agreed that Ken Blackwell is the best choice.  They intend to contact grassroots conservatives across the country and ask them to urge the three RNC members from each state and U.S. territory to vote for Ken Blackwell for RNC chairman.

Gary Aldrich, Chairman, CNP Action, Inc.
Morton C. Blackwell, Virginia Republican National Committeeman
Phil Burress, Citizens for Community Values
Robert B. Bluey, Contributing Editor, RedState
L. Brent Bozell, Founder and President, Media Research Center

Kellyanne Conway, CEO and President, the polling company, inc./WomanTrend
T. Kenneth Cribb, Jr., Former Domestic Advisor to President Reagan
James C. Dobson, Ph.D., Founder and Chairman, Focus on the Family
Becky Norton Dunlop, President, Council for National Policy
Stuart W. Epperson, Chairman, Salem Communications Corporation

Steve Forbes, Chairman & CEO, Forbes Media
Dr. Ronald Godwin, Vice Chancellor, Liberty University
Rebecca Hagelin, Author and Conservative Columnist
Colin Hanna, President, Let Freedom Ring
David Keene, Chairman, American Conservative Union

Tim LaHaye, Founder and President, Tim LaHaye Ministries
Ed Meese, Past President, Council for National Policy
James C. Miller, Past President, Council for National Policy
Tony Perkins, President Family Research Council
Ken Raasch, Chairman & CEO, Creative Brands Group

Alfred S. Regnery, Publisher, The American Spectator
Phyllis Schlafly, President, Eagle Forum
Pat Toomey, President, Club for Growth
Richard Viguerie, Chairman, ConservativeHQ.com

Thanks Mark! Please see Mark Hillman’s endorsement letter.

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Dear Fellow RNC Members,

I know you are being flooded with information about the upcoming Chairman’s race, so I’m keeping this letter short.

The decision that you and I will make in January will have major implications for the future of our party and our country.

All of the candidates who are running are good people and in a normal election cycle would be fine choices. But in this critical climate, we must seek out the candidate with unique abilities and exceptional experience.

We must ask ourselves crucial questions:

Who can best communicate the effectiveness of our Republican policies?

Who has a proven ability to adapt to new technologies?

Who knows what it takes to be a successful candidate and to coordinate a successful campaign?

Have any previously spearheaded a nationwide redistricting effort?

Have they signed the front of a paycheck, managed staff and made tough budget decisions?

Whose life story exemplifies the American dream and inspires others to follow him?

Which ones will stand firm on key Republican principles - no matter what?

Can you know, beyond a shadow of doubt, that they will always conduct themselves with the utmost integrity, honor and humility?

I firmly believe Ken Blackwell best fits this description.

Even though he has been a fixture in the conservative movement for decades - he’s the kind of guy who always puts the cause out front and never tries to seize the spotlight for himself.

If you read Ken’s biography, you will be as impressed as I am.  You can find it at http://kenblackwell.com/biography.

Ken raised over 12 million dollars for his gubernatorial race.  As State Treasurer, he managed billions of dollars in investments and oversaw a large staff.

You probably know that he’s a self-made man with experience in real estate development and investing and owns part of a Major League Baseball team. But did you know that he grew up poor and in government housing?

I hope you’ll take a few minutes and thoroughly read through his biography. He’s led a remarkable life and has an amazing story to tell - one that makes him uniquely qualified to lead our party at this critical juncture.

Will you join me in supporting Ken Blackwell for Chairman of the Republican National Committee?  I firmly believe this critical decision will affect our party and our country for decades - and Ken Blackwell is the right choice!

Your friend,

Mark Hillman
National Committeeman, Colorado

As the holidays come to a close and we look forward to celebrating the New Year, Rosa and I wish to convey our sincere appreciation for the support that many of you have given to this campaign during our first three weeks. I am humbled when I consider our progress so far.

We started the race on December 5th, 2008 and quickly received the endorsement of one of America’s most prominent business leaders and fiscal conservatives, Steve Forbes, who agreed to serve as Honorary Chairman of our campaign.

Chuck Yob, longtime National Committeeman from Michigan and recent candidate for RNC Chairman, quickly departed the race and enthusiastically endorsed my candidacy. Tina Benkiser, GOP State Chairman from Texas, decided to forego the race for RNC Chairman and instead joined our ticket as a candidate for RNC Co-Chairman. Gary Jones, GOP State Chairman from Oklahoma, and Roger Villere, Jr., GOP State Chairman from Louisiana, signed on as Co-Chairs of our campaign.

Seven more RNC Members endorsed my candidacy…and I am very appreciative for every one of you.  Special thanks goes out to Debbie Joslin, Ralph Seekins, Ruth Ulrich, Ross Little, Jr., Cathie Adams, Bill Crocker, and Senator Holland Redfield!

While we were busy promoting fundamental change and building support, two of my competitors came under attack…and two others played into the racial hypersensitivity of the press.  Since I don’t think it is appropriate to score political points on these types of matters, I chose not to “pile on” my opponents because I believe they are all good Republicans and fine individuals.

More importantly, after our losses in 2006 and 2008, we can’t afford to “eat our own”.  Now is the time for unity, not division. And I refuse to throw bright young Republican leaders under the bus.

Now, the national media is starting to report that we are leading in the race for Chairman.  We have released more public endorsements from RNC Members who will be voting in the race for RNC Chairman than any other candidate.  Politico.com wrote yesterday that I “appear(s) to be leading in the race to become the next Chairman of the Republican National Committee”.

This is politics, and it means some of my competitors and their friends in the political consulting world may now focus on attacking me, just as they have done to at least two other candidates.

This is unfortunate, but be assured that I will not be deterred.  As they say, this is not my first rodeo. (Actually, it’s my 18th!) I have been through 17 campaigns and won 13 of them.  I will continue to fight until we win a majority of the votes and bring the type of fundamental change that the RNC sorely needs.

We must have a national party that involves RNC Members, has a revenue sharing plan that returns 10% of net fundraising proceeds to state parties, and legitimately rebuilds our infrastructure from the ground up with unprecedented investment in precinct organization across the country.

With your help, we will be successful in this campaign for RNC Chairman and will put our party back on track for victory in 2010.

Thank you for your consideration and support.

Happy New Year!

Please take a moment and read the endorsement letter below that Cathie Adams, the National Committeewoman from Texas, sent to Texas Republicans.  Thank you, Cathie, for your early and strong support!

A special thank you is in order as the year comes to a close to all the RNC Members who endorsed our candidacy in 2008.  Politico reported over the weekend that we “appear to be leading in the race for Chairman of the Republican National Committee”.  Thank you for your support!

We will be releasing several additional endorsements as we open the New Year so please stay tuned.

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Dear Friends,

I hope your Christmas was blessed and that your New Year is spectacular!

My year begins with an extraordinary opportunity as Republican National Committeewoman for Texas to cast one of the 168 votes for the chairman of the Republican National Committee at the upcoming meeting the end of January. I very much appreciate the input that some of you offered via emails and telephone calls concerning that election. After careful consideration of your input, personal communication with each of the candidates and delving into the records of the seven candidates, I have decided to cast my vote for Ken Blackwell of Ohio.

I invite you to read Blackwell’s responses to 37 questions posted on Townhall.com. You will also find responses from RNC chairman candidates Saul Anuzis of Michigan, Katon Dawson of South Carolina, Mike Duncan of Kentucky, John “Chip” Saltsman of Tennessee, and Michael Steele of Maryland.

One candidate chose not to respond to the questionnaire, but you can find more about Jim Gosselin here: http://www.gosselingopchairman.com/

Ken Blackwell is not new to the political arena. As a matter of fact, I have observed Ken’s principled political career for years and was thrilled that he would run for RNC chairman. Of the 17 campaigns he has run for public office, he was elected 13 times by voters in Ohio. Blackwell correctly states that his experience as Ohio State Treasurer, Secretary of State, Republican nominee for Governor, Mayor of Cincinnati and board member for many leading conservative organizations would allow him to hit the ground running.

Most recently, I was honored to work with Ken Blackwell as a Vice Chairman of the 2008 Republican National Platform Committee. Blackwell has not only read the 2008 Republican National Platform, he says that he is proud of the document that many claim is the most conservative GOP platform ever. He also believes that the RNC “should recruit candidates who support the platform adopted by the Republican National Convention.”

Regarding media communications Blackwell states, “We will structure our communications department to be not only reactive, but proactive.” For his personal abilities he states, “I would also bring the ability to represent our party in the media and be a strong, conservative, aggressive counterweight to the Obama Administration. I have significant experience on Fox News, CNN and MSNBC. I have written for the Washington Times and Townhall.com.”

Blackwell is rock solid on Republican issues and believes that, “we must stand firm for our core beliefs: Limited government, traditional values and a strong national defense. If we become the ‘Obama-lite’ party, we will not be able to recruit the substantial number of volunteers needed for such a massive effort” to build what he calls “a nationwide ground game.”

Concerning immigration and national sovereignty Blackwell believes, “Our strategy to win the bulk of the Hispanic vote cannot involve granting amnesty for illegal aliens or foregoing our national sovereignty and failing to secure our borders.”

As a political activist for more than 20 years, I am most excited that Ken Blackwell agrees that, “It is absolutely the job of the RNC Chairman to stand up against the use of public funds for liberal political purposes, and I will lead in taking on these efforts with a vigor similar to that which has been so admirably shown by Tom Coburn, Mark Sanford, and Jeff Flake on the issue of earmarks.”

Ken Blackwell is pro-life and says he “will support keeping the pro-life plank in the Republican Party platform in 2012.”
The Republican brand is succinctly stated by Blackwell as “conservative on social issues, conservative on fiscal issues, and aggressive in opposing, rather than appeasing, the liberal agenda,” which he believes “will inspire a new generation of conservatives to take a role in the Republican Party. By taking strong stands, we will energize and grow our base.”

Concerning claims that the Republican Party has “lost its brand,” Blackwell states, “That means Republicans must stop growing government and spending taxpayer money. We have to stop worrying about receiving the love and affection of the liberal media and stick to our guns. The American people want a party that stands for fiscal responsibility, defending our nation at home and abroad, and fighting for a culture of life. For too long, many in our party have acted too much like the Democrats. When the American people are faced with the choice of ‘Democrat-Lite’ or the real thing, they choose the authentic article every time. So the passing of time coupled with a commitment to principle and a clear, concise, positive, practical message will solve this problem.”

Finally, Ken Blackwell has experience in battling the Democrats’ gerrymandering tactics, which is vital as we face a new census in 2010 followed by redistricting by state legislators.

Thank you again for your input on this very important decision. I very much look forward to continuing our work for a stronger America, a stronger Texas and stronger Texas families.

Sincerely,

Cathie Adams

Dear Colleagues,

As the Republican National Committeeman, and former six term Senator from the Virgin Islands, and liaison to the White House, I am pleased to endorse Ken Blackwell who is seeking the position as National Chairman.

I have been closely watching the race for the RNC Chairmanship.  Needless to say, this is a critical race with far reaching implications for the future of the Republican Party.  Our Party is at a historic crossroads.  Who we select could very well determine the survival of the Republican Party.

Our nation faces significant social, political and economic challenges as we have never faced before.  I believe that Ken Blackwell has a unique combination of qualities that will project this Party forward.  He has the sensitivity and political acuity that will bring us together as a Party.  It is my belief that all of our views will be respected. His record clearly demonstrates these unique qualities.    He has served as Mayor of Cincinnati, Treasurer of Ohio, Secretary of State of Ohio, and he knows how to rebuild our party from the grassroots.

There is no question that this is going to be a highly contested race so it is essential that we vote wisely.  It is my hope that you strongly consider Ken Blackwell to lead us.   If you have any questions about my views on this vital decision, please feel free to contact me at 828-719-5966 or by email to joliver911@aol.com.

Respectfully,

Holland L. Redfield II
National Committeeman
Republican Party of the Virgin Island

Thank you for the tremendous response to the “Fundamental Change” email that I sent yesterday with specific ideas to rebuild our party and implement a 50-state strategy.

Holding a quarterly conference call with the three members from each state, transferring 10% of the RNC’s net fundraising proceeds from each state back to each state party, securing top speakers for states to hold annual fundraisers and investing millions into precinct organization are the types of specific, fundamental changes we need.

Our comprehensive plan will be published after the holidays.

Today I am pleased to announce that three additional RNC Members are publicly endorsing our campaign.

Senator Holland Redfield, the National Committeeman for the US Virgin Islands, Bill Crocker, the National Committeeman for Texas, and Cathie Adams, the National Committeewoman for Texas, have endorsed my candidacy.

Our campaign has now received more public endorsements from RNC Members who will have a vote in the election for RNC Chair than any other campaign.

I continue to travel the country and will visit two more states today to meet with RNC Members before returning home to Cincinnati late tonight to celebrate Christmas with Rosa and my family.  Please respond to this email and let me know if you would like to meet after the holidays when I travel to your region.

Thank you for your consideration of my candidacy. I look forward to talking with you soon.

Merry Christmas!

Dear RNC Member:

After Christmas, you will make an extraordinarily important decision that will affect the future of the Republican Party and the country.

Among the candidates for Chairman, I am proposing the most comprehensive reform of the way the RNC operates.  I will be releasing my Conservative Resurgence Plan shortly after the New Year.  In the meantime, please allow me to offer some specific ideas about how we can make the fundamental changes that we need to implement a genuine 50-state strategy and rebuild our party:

1. Once each quarter, I will hold a 4-person conference call with each state. The calls will be for the three members and me only-no staff, except that I may have a secretary listen in to make detailed notes for me. We will discuss what is going on in your state and how the RNC can help.
2. I will implement an aggressive revenue-sharing plan to help fund state party organizations.  Each quarter, the RNC will transfer 10% of its net fundraising proceeds to state party organizations, divided according to the amount received from donors in each state.
3. I will secure a major speaker for each state party once per year to appear at a fundraising event, with all proceeds going to the state party. This is something relatively easy for the RNC to do and relatively difficult for many state parties to do.
4. I will allocate millions of dollars to the precinct organizations in our party to rebuild from the ground up.  The Obama campaign learned in the Wards of Chicago how to organize at the precinct level and we cannot allow them to hold that advantage nationwide.  It will take a substantial investment of resources at the local level that is unprecedented in our party’s recent history.  We will invest the resources in recruitment, training, and development of precinct organizers across the country so that we have the grassroots base required for a successful ground game.

As you enjoy your holidays, if you are like me, your mind may occasionally drift to politics.  If so, please consider these ideas for a dramatic overhaul in the way the RNC operates.  If you like these ideas you will love our plan.  Small cosmetic changes are not adequate.

If you agree, please consider joining our efforts to completely rebuild the RNC with an emphasis on the states.

I look forward to speaking with you soon.