I could not be more thrilled than I am right now about the news former State Senator Ray Haynes has announced his candidacy for Treasurer of the California Republican Party!  I have already enthusiastically endorsed Ray, and I encourage you to do the same (CLICK HERE).

A great many of you on the committee already know Ray.  After all, he has a track record of conservative activism going back over two decades.   Ray’s involvement as a grassroots leader in the party has been exemplary.  The list of the various causes he has championed is long, but my favorite anecdotal example is the "Haynes Amendment" to our CRP Bylaws.  Ray correctly identified that in California, Republican Presidential campaigns were not focusing in local areas — only on a statewide effort.  Ray authored an championed the passage of a change in our party bylaws that now awards 3 delegates to the RNC convention to the top vote getting in each Congressional seat — instead of based on the statewide results.  Because of his efforts, next year we are likely to see a lot of pre-primary activity as the many GOP candidates work to pick up delegates from your neighborhood and mine.

Of course the office of Party Treasurer is a critically important one.  Just ask our current Treasurer Keith Carlson, who is retiring due to term limits.  It takes a lot of time, due diligence and experience.  Like Keith, Ray is a practicing attorney who understands how to understand complex financial documents.  He has the ability to bring a great deal of relevant experience to the job.  Keith Carlson has enthusiastically endorsed Ray, saying that, "There is no one he can think of who would do a better job for the party."

Of course Ray will also be able to serve as a bridge of sorts.  At this convention there will be lot of debate about party’s future in a Proposition 14 world.  Ray’s support is broad and comes from all parts of the parties, despite differences on internal party issues.

Integrity and honesty are critical attributes for a party officer — especially one that signs the check book.  Experience, and proven leadership are also important traits for party leaders.

I hope that you will take a moment and join with me in endorsing Ray Haynes for CRP Treasurer (CLICK HERE).  If you know Ray, I need say no more.  But if you haven’t met Ray, take my word for it — we are lucky that he has decided to run, and he will be a great Treasurer for our party.

I look forward to seeing you at convention, and THANK YOU for all you do for the cause of freedom and liberty!

/s/Jon Fleischman
Vice Chairman, South – California Republican Party