Co-Chairman Jo Ann Davidson: GA and MN Updates

While in many states Republicans are preparing to enjoy Thanksgiving with their families and friends, in both Georgia and Minnesota they are still tirelessly working to be sure that the Democrats do not have a 60-vote filibuster proof majority in the United States Senate.

Earlier this week Chairman Mike Duncan and I visited the Victory Centers opened in Georgia to work on voter turnout for the runoff election next Tuesday between Republican United States Senator Saxby Chambliss and his Democrat opponent. We talked with enthusiastic volunteers who were well aware of the importance of this runoff election.

In Minnesota, the recount continues in Senator Norm Coleman’s race against Al Franken. Coleman has consistently remained ahead in the recount by approximately 200 votes. Working with the Coleman Campaign and the Minnesota Republican Party, 2500 volunteers have been recruited to serve as observers in each county to challenge any ballots which they have reason to believe should not be counted.

We are very fortunate that we have dedicated Republicans, not just in Georgia and Minnesota but other states as well, who have responded to the call to help out in both the runoff election and the recount.

We recognize the blessings that we have as Americans. As we gather on this Thanksgiving Day, let us recognize all those who work to ensure our freedoms continue, especially the women and men who serve so honorably in our Armed Services.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Jo Ann Davidson
Co-Chairman
Republican National Committee

Co-Chairman Jo Ann Davidson: We Want to Hear From You!

Newspapers, TV news stories, radio talk shows and blogs are brimming with discussions of what the Republican Party needs to do to as a result of losing in the presidential campaign as well as some congressional races.

The Republican National Committee wants to hear from you. Tell us your thoughts about why you are a Republican and what you believe the party needs to do.

Go to RepublicanForAReason.com and let us hear from you.

Remember that the 2008 election cycle is not over. A recount started today in the US Senate race in Minnesota between Senator Norm Coleman and Al Franken. A runoff election will be held on December 2nd for the Georgia US Senate seat now held by Senator Saxby Chambliss. While Chambliss won the election, Georgia state law requires a runoff election if the winning candidate does not receive over 50% plus one of the votes cast.

Recounts are also pending in several US House races. Additionally, two congressional races in Louisiana will be held in December.

You don’t need to be a Georgia resident to help in the Georgia runoff election. Just go to www.gop.com/phonebank sign up for a MyGOP account, go the link titled “Make Phone Calls” to access a list of 20 voters to call and encourage them to vote on December 2nd. This and the Minnesota race are critical to ensuring that the Democrats do not have a 60 member fillister-proof majority in the US Senate.

Victory 2008 Bus Tour Update

Today the Victory 2008 bus is in Southeastern Ohio and Northern West Virginia. Chairman Duncan and I are visiting Victory Centers to thank and encourage our volunteers many of whom are Pink Elephant members.

In Zanesville, Ohio one woman has personally made over 8,000 calls!

This election is far from over and every call and door knock you make will help.

I know you realize across America women are managing the Victory Centers, coordinating the door-to-door efforts and planning the rallies. You are making it happen.

Co-Chairman Jo Ann Davidson - Victory 2008 Bus Tour

RNC Chairman Mike Duncan and I are on a Victory 2008 bus traveling across Ohio and West Virginia. It is so encouraging to meet so many of our Pink Elephants working in our Victory Centers to be sure John McCain and Sarah Palin are elected to lead our country.

Last night a Pink Elephant volunteer from Alabama was helping in Ohio and told me how she has been able to put the Talking Points to good use.

Five days to go -- your efforts will make a difference.

Keep up your good work!

Jo Ann Davidson

Co-Chairman
Republican National Committee

Kristen Kelly Fisher, NY Women for McCain Co-Chair

Hi! My name is Kristen and I am a Co-Chair of New York Women for McCain-Palin and a member of the Women's National Finance Council for Victory 2008. The last year and a half has been very exciting as I have had the opportunity to participate in the most democratic of experiences in the United States – the election cycle. It has been my honor to work to help elect John McCain President of the United States of America.

I am a firm believer in volunteerism and the positive impact it makes in our communities and our country. John McCain has always put his country first and he has inspired me to do the same. Over the course of my experience, I have been blessed with many opportunities to learn new things and to meet incredible people.

In New York we have focused our efforts on creating a dynamic network of women who support the McCain-Palin campaign. We have spent much of our time focused on voter to voter contact, rallies and the sharing of information regarding volunteer opportunities. My experiences with the campaign have taken me all over the great state of New York and across the country. At each place I have visited, I have encountered fabulous, energized and exciting supporters. The opportunity to meet and work with such dedicated and talented women has been life altering.

This has been an incredible journey. One I will always treasure. I look forward to the day Senator McCain is President McCain and Governor Palin is Vice President Palin.

I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the efforts of my dear friend and co-chair in this initiative, Elizabeth Mahoney. Elizabeth has been instrumental in working with me to create the framework from which we have organized ourselves. Her knowledge and insight to the political process and her willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty is awe-inspiring. We have had great fun working together.

Also a special thank you to RNC Co-Chairman Jo Ann Davidson whose insights have enlightened me and whose Pink Elephant talking points have kept me going each week!

Kristen Kelly Fisher is the Co-Chair of New York Women for McCain-Palin and a member of the Women's National Finance Council for Victory 2008.

Katy Johnson

As a college student in our nation’s capital, I am blessed with many unique opportunities. During this Presidential election especially, I am able to witness and participate in events that will shape our country’s future at this pivotal time. In looking towards my own future at this uncertain time, I place my trust in the Republican Party to ensure that our country is strong and secure in the years to come.

Through the War on Terror, President Bush has worked to safeguard our nation and protect the opportunities available to young people today. Without a strong stance on national security, the other freedoms and liberties of our nation are compromised and weakened. With John McCain as President, our security will remain the primary concern, and thereby everyone’s futures will be brighter.

As we place our trust in the Republicans to keep our nation secure, they also place in the American people confidence to take the many opportunities our nation presents us, and control them how we see fit. I believe that in America, hard work should be rewarded, and that the government should never punish success. In this sense, the Republican Party supports the hard working Americans who form the backbone of this country, and promote a freer and stronger America.

Katy Johnson is a sophomore at The George Washington University, majoring in Political Science. She is currently interning in the Co-Chairman’s Office of the Republican National Committee.

RNC Co-Chairman Jo Ann Davidson

Over the last two weeks I have spent a few days on the Victory 2008 Straight Talk Bus visiting Victory Centers, touring small businesses, holding roundtable discussions with community leaders, enjoying some community festivals and talking with many voters on why this is such a critical election for the future of our country.

The enthusiasm and excitement in the Victory Centers is contagious and clearly shows that Republicans are energized and dedicated to doing what needs to be done to be sure our supporters – Republicans, Democrats and Independents – cast their votes.

Those riding on the bus change each day and include veterans who have been prisoners of war with John McCain, Olympic medal winners, professional athletes, coaches, members of the McCain family, state and local office holders, community leaders and Democrat Women for McCain. Each speaks about why they are supporting the McCain-Palin ticket. Many times their remarks bring tears to the eyes of those in the audience.

Last week we participated in the parade at the Woolly Bear Festival in Vermillion, Ohio. Governor Linda Lingle of Hawaii was on the bus and wanted to see a real “woolly bear.” Urban legend claims that a woolly bear caterpillar depending on the width of the colorful band around it, can forecast the severity of approaching winter.

The Governor saw a young girl with a woolly bear and the attached picture will help you all see what a woolly bear looks like.

Also, late last week the Victory 2008 bus stopped at McCain-Palin Campaign Headquarters in Arlington, Virginia to talk with the volunteers manning the phones and painting signs for rallies in Virginia. Former Governor and first Secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security Tom Ridge gave a rousing speech as did Roberta McCain, John’s mother. Roberta then hopped on the bus for a two-day swing through Virginia. We’ll be sure to post more photos from the bus tour soon.

As we post this blog, there are three weeks before the final decision is made on the 2008 presidential election. Don’t be fooled by the polls – as John Zogby, a national pollster, said in a Boston Herald article October 9th, “It still can break one way or the other.”

Thanks for everything you are doing. You can and will make a difference in the election breaking for John McCain and Sarah Palin.

PS. If urban legend is correct we are going to have a mild winter!

Jo Ann Davidson was re-elected Co-Chairman of the Republican National Committee in Washington D.C. on January 19, 2007. She reaffirmed her commitment to growing the Party and developing a strong grassroots political organization. She was first elected Co-Chairman in 2005. Davidson was a member of the Ohio House of Representatives for 20 years and served as Speaker of the House from 1995-2000. As Chairman of the Ohio House Republican Campaign Committee from 1986-2000, she spearheaded the successful effort to return the Republicans to the majority in the Ohio House of Representatives in 1994, for the first time in 22 years.

Robin Smith, Tennessee Republican Party Chairman

The motivation that stirs the passion I have for politics is to leave a legacy of a good government based on the principles that founded our nation and serve as guideposts of that which is good and decent. I frequently explain that “I’m a Christian, first, an American, second, and because of those two distinctions, I choose to be a Republican since the party best represents my faith and my country.”

My background, education and experience in health care and sales and marketing shows that my interest and volunteer spirit that have brought me to the role in which I currently serve. Hard work and a servant’s heart does go a long way in politics.

Politics has been a lifelong interest of mine, with my first campaign resulting in victory for my Tennessee Girls' State Governor candidate, followed by my own victory as a Senator in the University of Tennessee's Student Government.

Returning to Hamilton County to pursue a career in sales and marketing after graduating from UT and working in critical care medicine for almost 3 years, I immediately got involved in Republican politics. Whether placing yard and road side signs for local candidates, writing letters to the editor or running the countywide campaign for trustees, I am a living example of grassroots politics.

While I served as Chairman of the Hamilton County Republican Party from 1998-2002, the TN GOP made gains with the only GOP legislative victory- unseating an incumbent Democratic State Representative. That same year, the local county GOP also won the local Sheriff's race by upsetting the Democratic Deputy Sheriff. During this tenure, the local party established a sustainable fundraising program, began an annual golf tournament, launched a website and was honored by the local NAACP and City of Chattanooga for its work and commitment to the inner city children of Chattanooga.

Active in the U.S. Senate campaigns of Senators Frist, Thompson, Alexander and Corker along with leadership roles in both presidential campaigns of George W. Bush, I served as a surrogate speaker and as an organizational contact for the candidates and the Tennessee and National Republican Party Organizations.

In 2004, I worked directly with Cathy Gillespie, Chairman of “W Stands for Women,” to increase the voter turnout of women in Tennessee and the Southeast. I, additionally, served as an elected delegate for the 2004 Republican National Committee Convention in New York City.

Currently, I serve on the RNC Women's Advisory Committee as a panelist for Women's Leadership Conferences and hosted a regional forum hosted in Nashville, better equipping activists with campaigns, election law and media knowledge.

On August 4, 2007, Robin Smith was unanimously elected Chairman by the Tennessee State Executive Committee.

Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land

Ever since I first attended the 1976 Republican National Convention in Kansas City, I’ve been hooked on politics. Up until that point, I was planning a career in education. But being among so many energetic, enthusiastic people yearning to make a difference made me realize that the political world was the place for me.

For years, I stayed active in the party as a County Chairman, member of the State Committee, precinct delegate and volunteer. In 1992 I decided to make a run for the office of County Clerk. I applied the lessons I had learned, starting back in 1976, and put to work all of the friends and supporters we had met along the way. Our campaign was successful, and I made government efficiency and transparency a cornerstone of my administration during my eight years there.

In 2002, I made a run for Secretary of State. Again, with the help of friends, supporters and involved citizens, we were successful. We were reelected in 2006 with more than 2 million votes, and I’ve been working since then to ensure that our office is as user-friendly and accessible as possible.

In all my travels, I’ve found that hard work always speaks for itself. Of course, it’s easy to brag about our success, but it requires diligence and discipline to demonstrate it. Respect is earned when your work can stand on its own.

Finally, I’ve found that whatever our goals are, we must follow the advice of Sir Winston Churchill who once advised us to never, ever, ever, ever give up. We will always encounter obstacles and challenges, but in order to be successful, we must view those setbacks as opportunities for growth.

Terri Lynn Land has served as Michigan's 41st Secretary of State since 2003. She earned re-election in November 2006 and began her second four-year term January 1, 2007. Prior to her election, Secretary Land served as Kent County clerk from 1992-2000, at a time of tremendous change and growth in Michigan's 4th largest county. In that position, her focus was on making county government more open and convenient for the public.

Former Ohio Attorney General Betty Montgomery

The convention is over, but its powerful messages and messengers have energized our party -and America-remarkably. Phone lines, internet mailboxes and campaign headquarters have been swamped with citizens across the country who want to be part of this campaign. It is truly amazing to hear the outpouring of support for the history-making GOP ticket.

One story reflects the almost immediate effect this convention and our candidates have had on America. As we were celebrating at a Thursday evening closing party for Ohio's delegation Ellen, from Northeast Ohio, came up to me. I didn't know her. She told me she was a lifelong Democrat, a Hillary supporter, and had come to the convention as a guest. She had been teased by her siblings-all of whom were Republicans- who told her that she would return from the convention as a Republican. Well, she wasn't ready -yet- to switch parties she said, but she WAS ready to make her own principled stand. She told me she wanted to volunteer to help the ticket. She wanted to form a "Democrats for McCain" committee in her local, Democrat leaning community. She was impressed with the sense of duty McCain expressed, and the principles both McCain and Palin had not only spoken about, but had lived. Here was a ticket that had experience. Here, she said, was a ticket that related to the needs of ordinary Americans. Here was a ticket that hadn't just voted "present" when tough issues arose. Here was a ticket she wanted to support.

This is just one story which has been replicated in hundreds of communities around the country. This ticket will win because ordinary Americans want to be led by those they trust and those who are not afraid to take a stand for America's future. Ellen says the convention underscored the values which made this country great. She said that it's time to get back to our "true values". I agree.

Betty Montgomery was Ohio's first female Attorney General. During her term, she increased state support for local law enforcement and upgraded the state's crime labs. Her top priority as Attorney General was the protection of Ohio's seniors, youth, and crime victims. In addition to serving as Attorney General, Montgomery was Ohio's first female auditor of state and served as a state senator.

Congresswoman Michele Bachmann

I never had a life-long mission to become a politician, as many do. I had a good career as a federal tax litigation attorney. I had a wonderful family, with a loving husband, five fantastic kids, and 23 foster children. But the time for action presented itself in 2000. Many friends, neighbors, and local Republicans urged me to challenge our sitting State Senator at our GOP convention. Despite some reservations, I did so and came out on top. And, I was later elected to the Minnesota State Senate first in 2000 and again in 2004. When my Congressman and friend Mark Kennedy ran for the U.S. Senate in 2006, his Congressional seat opened up and the circumstances seemed all too right to overlook. In a very tight race, I pulled out the victory and never looked back.

Politics is not something you pursue to fulfill your own sense of accomplishment or self-worth. It’s a position that feeds from within, with a steadfast dedication to those you represent. You work for the people; they do not work for you, and I guarantee that if all 435 Representatives remembered that each day, Congress would be a better steward of your hard-earned tax dollars.

If running for office is in your future, I wish you the best of luck. Congress needs more good, conservative women Representatives. If you choose to run honestly on your principles and for a greater good, you’ll be happy with yourself at the end of the day - win or lose. But if elected, never sacrifice those principles for short-term political gain. There’s nothing more important to me than being a loving wife and mother, but serving as a United States Representative who remains true to her principles sets a pretty nice example for the family.

Michele Bachmann is the Republican Representative of Minnesota's 6th congressional district. Prior to her election, Bachmann had served in the Minnesota State Senate, beginning in 2001. She is the third woman and first Republican woman to represent Minnesota in Congress.

Lt. Governor Becky Skillman - Mentors

It’s up to us to be prepared to take all the opportunity that is coming our way. I can’t imagine being ready to walk through any of the open doors I’ve encountered in my life’s journey if it weren’t for the incredible network of friends, family and colleagues who have surrounded me and supported me over the years. From my friends in county and state government to my husband, my son, and my parents, I have the love and support of a tremendous network of people. Without them, I’m sure I would have missed many opportunities.

One person above all has played a critical role in my life. I’m sure you each have stories about the influence of a special person who helped you gain the confidence you needed to succeed. For me, that person was my grandfather. I was the firstborn of five granddaughters, and Grandpa and I had a very special relationship. He always taught me that I was a capable person and that I could take on any challenge.

From the time I was very young, Grandpa always spoke to me on his level, like an adult. He had a keen interest in politics and government. He was a disciplined, loyal man, godly and smart. I learned to expect respect from him, and I learned to expect respect from other people. It never occurred to me that I couldn’t or shouldn’t run for public office at the ripe old age of 25. My grandfather taught me that I was just as qualified as anyone else. When I was getting my start in politics and government I was largely on my own. There simply were not many other women there at higher levels to mentor me. My grandfather was really the person who helped shape me and the direction I’ve taken as a leader. I’ll forever be grateful for the influence he had on my life.

Indiana’s Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman has devoted her life to public service. She was first elected to office at the age of 25 and held county offices for 16 years. She went on to serve 12 years in the Indiana Senate, quickly rising to a position of leadership as the first female elected to Senate Leadership as Senate Majority Caucus Chairman. In 2004 Becky joined Mitch Daniels in his bid to become governor. Together, they sought to renew Indiana’s economy and move the state forward. Upon election, Becky became the state’s 50th lieutenant governor.

Welcome!

Soon we will be welcoming our “Guest Blogger of the Week” to our website. We have invited a number of outstanding Republican women across the country who are serving in elective or appointed positions to share their stories of how they got involved.

Also, we will be welcoming other Republican women to tell us about themselves, the issues they care about and why they believe Republican candidates will address these issues better than their opponents.

We encourage you to send us your stories (and pictures) to PinkElephantBlog@gop.com which we will also consider featuring on our “Guest Blogger of the Week” site.

Be sure to check back soon!


Jo Ann Davidson
Co-Chairman
Republican National Committee