Though still not responding to any of Mike Spence’s questions, earlier today CRP Chairman Duf Sundheim did at least acknowledge the CRP’s debt. Though not exactly the best kept secret in politics, even stating the obvious is refreshing as it represents a level of forthrightness that frankly I’m not accustomed to from this Chairman. In a letter which in words and in tone Duf claimed to want to "set the record straight," he still managed to avoid ANY specificity as to how the Party’s financial status came to be.
However, Duf did at least say that starting in the Spring, at least something is scheduled to be done about the situation. A couple of fundraisers are set, with the Governor and Steve Poizner have signed on to help bring in the bucks… As perferable as action is to inaction, it still would’ve been nice had those fundraisers been able to have been used to put the Party actually into the black, rather than just back to ZERO, but oh well…
From our Mighty Leader:
Dear Fellow Republican,
Over the last few days, there has been some discussion in blogs and among CRP members regarding the state of the California Republican Party’s finances. There has been speculation about the Party’s debt and how it will be retired. Let me set the record straight.
It is true that we incurred debt during the 2006 campaign to finance our unprecedented efforts on behalf of our candidates. Some of the money was an investment in building the infrastructure that will be vital to our work in future elections.
Governor Schwarzenegger and his team know that our efforts were critical to his successful re-election and he has pledged to ensure that this entire debt is retired as quickly as possible so we can begin preparations for the 2008 cycle on sound financial footing.
The Governor, together with Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner and the Republican Legislative leadership has agreed to appear at two fundraisers this Spring so that we can do just that.
Many of you have expressed your concern about the CRP’s finances. I hope that this note addresses those concerns.
Duf Sundheim
Chairman, California Republican Party