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I wanted to take this opportunity to update you on a few important events at the CRP.
With my background serving as a county chairman for more than five years, I take the role of state party chairman with enormous seriousness, and feel a great sense of personal responsibility for ensuring the party’s success.
As a county chairman, I was accustomed to working in a fairly tight circle, keeping things moving rapidly in a campaign environment where we had more than 10 elections in just five years. Although I was Chairman of a large county party, the CRP is much, much larger, requiring a wider circle of people and adjusting expectations of how quickly things can happen accordingly.
As a result of this, and a short timeframe to fill the position, we moved too quickly in the hiring of our previous COO, and certain assumptions were made that proved not to be correct. For that decision, it is only right that I, and not the Board of Directors, accept full responsibility. I should have recognized that an organization of this magnitude requires an even greater level of thoroughness and diligence, even if new or expanded processes and procedures need to be established for this purpose.
Recognizing the situation, the CRP’s Operations Committee and Board of Directors acted decisively, meeting three times within 24 hours on Sunday and Monday, accepting the resignation of our previous COO and immediately naming a new COO, Bill Christiansen, who will serve on an interim basis.
Bill Christiansen is a first class Republican campaigner with a wealth of regional, state and county experience.
Additionally, I will insist that all applicants for positions at the CRP submit to a rigorous background check and complete detailed questionnaires similar to those required for political appointment by the Governor or the President.
Over the past four months, we have built tremendous momentum toward improving our party’s 2008 election prospects. The progress demonstrated at our recent Leadership Conference, plus expansion of our voter registration and political programs, have contributed greatly to that momentum.
As a volunteer, I give my time and energies to our party for the same reason you do: it’s a passion, and one which can contribute to further improving the state, and the country, in which we live. I look forward to working with you closely to achieve this in the months, and the campaign, ahead.
As always, please contact me with any questions, and I thank you for your leadership.
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