REPUBLICANS GATHER IN SAVANNAH

Thursday, May 21st, 2009 - The GA State Republican Convention took place in Savannah, GA this past weekend, amid national media speculation of how the Republican Party would re brand itself after crushing defeats in 2006 and 2008. The mood was defiant and spirited as set by Keynote speakers J.C. Watts, Michael Steele, and Herman Cain. Here is a brief synopsis of the convention:

I skipped the preliminaries on Friday and attended the Victory Dinner on Friday night with the keynote speaker being former Oklahoma Sooner J.C. Watts. Watts is a man of conviction who served in various GOP leadership positions during his time in Congress.

Saturday I attended the Breakfast which featured Michael Steele, the National RNC Director. Like Watts, he emphasised his humble background and the virtues of hard work. Both men espoused strong conservative principals.

The convention opened up at 10:00 AM and was called to order by Convention Chairman Randy Evans. This was Evan's last convention in an official capacity as he will be joining Governor Sarah Palin's Political Action Committee in Alaska as she gets ready for a national run at the White House.

Toby Carr was introduced as the new executive director of the State GOP. Ann Lewis is replacing Randy Evans as general counsel.

Debbie McCord of Columbia County received the AA Richardson Award.

Randy Evans received the Pioneer Award.

Michael Steele took the stage once again as the RNC Chairman.

J.C. Watts spoke on his time as Republican Conference Chairman in 2004 and of his 5 children.

J.C. Watts will be speaking at the Church of the Apostle on July 19th. He also heads up the J.C. Watts Foundation.

Cobb County had a total of 124 out of a possible 172 delegates show up for the Convention.

11:40 Saxby Chambliss spoke on the re-election campaign of JohnnyIsakson. I expect Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin to be his Democratic opponent in November of 2010.

11:50 Johnny Isakson Spoke.

Sue Everhart is elected to a second term as GA GOP Chair without opposition.

12:00 Rob Doll defeats Debbie Gronginger for 1st Vice Chair.

B.J. Van Gundy defeats Gloria Alread for 2nd Vice Chair.

12:15 Secretary of State Karen Handel, candidate for Governor, addressed thew 1206 Delegates at the convention. She was followed at 12:30 by her main competition, Insurance Commissioner Jon Oxendine.

12:40 Bobby Baker speaks

1:00 PM Congressman Phil Gingrey

1:10 Congressman and candidate for Governor Nathan Deal.

1:20 6 Resolutions are introduced out of Committee.
1. Recognition of Sue Everhart
2. Recognition of Randy Evans
3. Government Reform Resolution.
4. Preservation of Values Resolution
5. Tax Reform Resolution
6. Defending Our Freedom Resolution

All passed on a voice vote.

1:35 Herman Cain spoke. He will be in Marietta Square tomorrow night at 7:00 PM.
1:45 Speaker of the House Glen Richardson (Candidate for Governor?) spoke.
1:50 Tommy Williams spoke on behalf of Casey Cagle (Candidate for Lt. Governor).
2:00 Sonny Perdue Spoke, farewell as a Governor.
2:20 Convention Adjourned.

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