Caucusing in Lansing on February 15, delegates from Michigan's 13th congressional district selected three delegates and three alternates to the 2008 Republican National Convention.

The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held in Saint Paul, Minnesota, at the Xcel Energy Center from September 1-4, 2008. Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, volunteers, members of the media and other guests are expected to participate in the convention. >>More here.

Edward J. Joseph, district chairman, presided over a convention of Republican 13th district precinct delegates and at-large delegates on February 7, 2008, at St. John's Episcopal Church, Detroit.

Chairman Ed Joseph opens District 13 Convention, February 7, 2008, in Detroit.

Elexus Brown, Catherine Costantino, Andrew Richner at District 13 Convention, Feb. 7, 2008

Elexus Brown and Catherine Costantino offer a snack to Andrew Richner at District 13 Convention, February 7, 2008.

Joseph explained, “The purpose of the State Convention will be to elect delegates to the 2008 Republican National Convention, and to elect our National Committeeman and Committeewoman.” In addition, the State Convention will elect 12 at-large National Convention delegates and alternates.

In Lansing, the delegates from Michigan's 13th congressional district will caucus to select three delegates and three alternates to the 2008 Republican National Convention. This district caucus will take place at 7 p.m., Friday, February 15.

The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held at Saint Paul's Xcel Energy Center from September 1-4, 2008. Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, volunteers, members of the media and other guests are expected to participate in the convention.

U.S. Sen. John S. McCain, at Andiamo Celebrity Showroom, Warren, Mich., on January 12, 2008

Sen. John McCain poses with eastsiders during a January 12 campaign stop in Warren. From left, Palmer T. Heenan, Andrew C. Richner, Charles S. "Terry" Davis III, McCain, unidentified, Gregory P. Theokas, John Stempfle and Thomas R. McCleary, Jr.

According to Maria Cino, National Convention president, the official convention website, www.GOPConvention2008.com, is live and serves as a one-stop shop for information on the four-day event.

Promoting the September event, Cino states, “The convention will showcase the unity and momentum of the Republican Party and our optimistic vision for America, as well as the vitality of the host cities.”

The first official Republican Convention was held on July 6, 1854, in Jackson, Michigan, following an earlier, informal meeting in Wisconsin. Anti-slavery activists and individuals who believed that government should grant western lands to settlers launched the new Party.

The name "Republican" was chosen because it alluded to equality. At that Jackson convention, the new party adopted a platform and nominated candidates for office in Michigan. >>Read a n Early History of Detroit GOP.

Richard Durant, 89, of Grosse Pointe Farms, a leader in local, state, and national Republican Party activities for more than 20 years, died January 17, 2008.

In 1950 and 1952, Durant ran spirited though unsuccessful races for a seat in the U.S. Congress to represent the 14th congressional district, a traditional democratic seat. At the time, the district included all of the Pointes and large sections of the eastside of Detroit, stretching to Hamtramck. Richard Durant

Durant popularized the case against inflation and for lower taxes with his famous "over the fence" talks using a bag of groceries to demonstrate the impact of the excessive spending, higher taxes, and inflation of the Truman years. He sought to lower taxes and increase freedom, at home and abroad.

Throughout the '50s and '60s, Durant remained active in politics, particularly working to broaden the base of the Republican Party and encouraging young people to understand and get involved in politics and the ideas underlying the workings of a free society.

For many years he was the chairman of the 14th District and a delegate to two national conventions. In 1964 he was one of the "rebellious 8" of Michigan's 48 national delegates at the Cow Palace in San Francisco who voted to nominate Barry Goldwater. In 1968 he supported Ronald Reagan's first try for the presidential nomination at the Republican National Convention in Miami.

"Richard Durant was the first real champion of the conservative movement in Michigan. Many entered and stayed in politics because of his work," said his brother-in-law Palmer Heenan, mayor of Grosse Pointe Park and a delegate to the 1968 Republican National Convention.

An added feature included a silent auction sponsored by the 14th district, and the collection of toiletries and other personal items being assembled for shipment to U.S. troops in Iraq.

Michigan Republican Party chairman Saulius "Saul" Anuzis, offered a report on the 2006 election cycle and some of the challenges encountered in several districts throughout Michigan. His bid for reelection as chairman has been challenged by at least one other hopeful, Dave Dishaw. Pictured, left to right, Ed Joseph, Saul Anuzis and Dave Dishaw

Pictured, left to right, Ed Joseph, Saul Anuzis and Dave Dishaw

Dishaw, who was first to speak to the group, outlined his views on the recent election and his credentials as a party activist. The Kent County real estate broker most recently served as finance chairman in the reelection campaign of Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land. [Update: >>Dishaw withdraws, endorses Anuzis.]

Meetings of the 13th district Republican executive committee are held at the Town Pump Tavern (behind the Fox Theatre), 100 West Montcalm, in downtown Detroit. All Republican precinct delegates are invited to attend.

Paul E. Sophiea, GOP candidate for Michigan Senate, district 3
>>More Sohiea

Campaign activities, endorsements, and volunteer opportunities led the agenda and the 13th district executive committee meeting held September 11 at the new Eastside Campaign Headquarters.

Ed Joseph, Republican chairman, introduced Paul E. Sophiea, Republican candidate for Michigan State Senate, district 3. “A strong Michigan economy means strong families and a secure future for us all,” said Sophiea.

The Dearborn resident said he has been a strong campaigner for the Dick DeVos gubernatorial candidacy because he will do more for the State's economic future. >>More Sophiea.

All Republican precinct delegates are invited to attend executive committee meetings. This district leadership group meets on the second Monday of each month. Any questions about meeting may be directed to Joseph at (313) 343-2900.

Chairman Ed Joseph and State Representative Ed Gaffney welcomed eastsiders at the official grand opening of the Eastside campaign office on Saturday, September 9, 2006. Left to right, Ed Joseph, Tom McCleary and Ed Gaffney at opening of Eastside Campaign office, 18495 Mack Ave., Detroit

Left to right, Ed Joseph, Tom McCleary and Ed Gaffney at opening of Eastside Campaign office, 18495 Mack Ave., Detroit

Located just below Moross at 18495 Mack Ave., Detroit (corner of Opal/Cloverly), the office has been provided by the Gaffney campaign with the assistance of the 13th Republican District and other supporters. Assisting Gaffney is Tom McCleary, who asks that potential staffers contact him to volunteer.

The office will be a distribution point for Republican candidate campaign material, other campaign activities, and a meeting place for the 13th District Executive Committee. Office hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 882-4550.

A very favorable reception was reported by Donzell Green, who recounted her experiences representing the Republican party at both the April 30 Detroit NAACP banquet and the 2006 Cinco de Mayo festival in Detroit's MexicanTown. De'Andre Anderson, prospective candidate for Wayne County Commission, District 1

De'Andre Anderson, prospective candidate for Wayne County Commission, District 1

Green's report was made at the May 8 meeting of the 13th Republican district executive committee meeting. In addition to Republican visibility at he NAACP banquet, Green reported that at the two-day MexicanTown event hundreds of pieces of literature were distributed and volunteers were recruited for future activities.

A similar success was reported by Cheryl Costantino on the April 26 “Pizza & Politics” event held in Detroit where a number of people volunteered to serve as GOP precinct delegates and workers. Shirley A. Lamar for State Representative, District 3

Shirley A. Lamar for State Representative, District 3

Ed Joseph, 13th district Republican chairman, introduced two prospective Republican candidates. Shirley A. Lamar will be running for State Representative, District 3, and De'Andre Anderson is a likely candidate for Wayne County Commission, District 1.

This district leadership group meets on the second Monday of each month. All Republican precinct delegates are invited to attend. Any questions about meeting may be directed to Joseph at (313) 343-2900.

With a focus on the future, Ed Joseph, 13th district chairman, presided over a discussion of candidate recruitment, precinct delegate recruitment, and other activities designed to reach deeper into the local community to identify voters who share Republican values. Bryan Strong makes his point

To facilitate outreach, participation in a number of upcoming events was encouraged. Guyla Dedinas, GOP field director, outlined the value of door-to-door solicitation and telephone canvassing.

Corktown Memorial Service

Held for Connie McConnohie

A memorial service for the late Connie K. McConnohie who died February 15, 2005, was held April 22, 2006, at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Detroit.

Parish pastor Rev. Russell E. Kohler presided. The church is located in the near-Westside community known as "Corktown."

McConnohie was a Republican loyalist who sought public office as a Republican and faithfully attended GOP events throughout Detroit and Michigan. In August 2002 she was a candidate in the Republican primary for State Representative, 12th District. >>Read Detroit Loses a Loyal Republican.

Ed Joseph, chairman, introduced Matthew Golden, Michigan Republican Party vice chairman for youth activities, at the13th district Republican executive committee meeting February 13, 2006, in downtown Detroit.

He currently works as a communications specialist in the Michigan Senate. Golden has previously served as treasurer of the Michigan Federation of College Republicans, and is in his second term as vice chairman of the Isabella County Republicans. In addition, Golden is studying community development and public administration at Central Michigan University.

Golden, originally from Mount Pleasant, says he has always had an interest in politics. He became involved with his local Republican Party during high school and went on to serve as their campaign coordinator during the 2002 election. Since then Golden has also worked for Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land and State Representative Sandy Caul.

Also introduced at the meeting were Guyla Dedinas, Michigan GOP field director for Wayne County, and Edith L. Floyd, candidate for the Michigan House of Representatives, District 2, Republican nomination.

Chuck Gaidica
>>More about Gaidica's appearance

Chuck Gaidica Featured

At Detroit GOP Fundraiser

Michigan television and radio personality, Chuck Gaidica, was featured speaker at the 13th district's 2006 buffet dinner.

The March 2, 2006, event was held at Sindbads in Detroit. >>More.

This district leadership group meets on the second Monday of each month. The next meeting is scheduled for April 10. Any questions about meeting may be directed to Joseph at (313) 343-2900.

Meeting January 9 for their leadership meeting, district 13 Republicans were updated on legislation passed and pending in the Michigan House of Representatives by Representative Ed Gaffney, Grosse Pointe.

District chairman Ed Joseph introduced Darrin Moore, representing the DeVos for Governor campaign. He provided an update on the successful nominating petition drive and plans for stepped up activity in the weeks ahead.

In addition, on behalf of Dick DeVos, Moore publicly thanked Marti Miller, Grosse Pointe Woods, for her volunteer efforts on behalf of the campaign to elect a Republican governor. He presented her with a copy of the book, Rediscovering American Values, written by Dick DeVos. Rep. Ed Gaffney

State committeeman Thomas R. McCleary provided an update on the various alternatives under consideration for handling the 2008 Republican primary and made an appeal for active precinct delegate recruiting.

This district leadership group meets on the second Monday of each month. The next meeting of the committee is set for Monday, February 13, at the Town Pump Tavern (behind the Fox Theatre), 100 West Montcalm, in downtown Detroit. All Republican precinct delegates are invited to attend.

Ed Joseph, chairman, introduced Marlene Chockley, Michigan Republican Party vice chair for grassroots activities, who spoke to the 13th Republican executive committee November 14, 2005, in downtown Detroit.

She leaned grassroots activism from the ground up, becoming a precinct delegate in 1990, and soon serving on the Washtenaw County executive committee, the State Committee, and the Congressional District Committee in her area.

In 1994 she unseated an incumbent Democrat county commissioner and served three terms. She held influential positions at SEMCOG, the Michigan Association of Counties, and the Michigan Association for Local Public Health.

After leaving office in 2000, Chockley became chairman and executive director of the Washtenaw County Republicans. Two years later, she was re-elected to State Committee and chaired the Candidate Assistance Committee while also serving as vice-chair of the 15th Congressional District Committee. She was a delegate to the 2004 Republican National Convention. Carmen Hodges from Michigan GOP

During her four years serving Washtenaw County Republicans, Chockley doubled the county active Republican database, increased the number of precinct delegates, conducted training for them and many local candidates, trained election challengers, developed and managed an in-house database of tens of thousands of voters, and instituted a successful absentee ballot follow-up program.

Also on the program was Carmen Hodges from the Michigan GOP. She explained that her task is to mobilize the faith communities of the state by identifying centers of influence and issues of common interest.

Ed Joseph, chairman, first introduced Jerry Zandstra, candidate for the Republican U.S. Senate nomination. Zandstra has served five years as director of programs at the Acton Institute, a Grand Rapids-based think-tank, and holds a PhD in public administration.

Zandstra said, “This election is about economic policy.” He added, “We can't win the election based on social issues alone, and I'm the best qualified person to make the economic case.” >>Zandstra for U.S. Senate.

The other notable was Gerry Mason, Coalitions Vice Chairman of the Michigan Republican Party. Mason stressed, “We're all Americans. We have the same values.” He encouraged the committee to conduct focused events aimed at encouraging broad participation in Party affairs.

He said, “We need to be reaching out to people, especially black people, and the Hispanic community. There is room for you in the Republican Party.”

Mason recently ran for the GOP nomination for the University of Michigan Board of Regents. He is a St. Clair, Mich., attorney, and has been active in a number of GOP campaigns, including the successful 2002 Terri Lynn Land campaign for Secretary of State.

The next meeting of the committee is set for Monday, October 10, 2005, at the Town Pump Tavern (behind the Fox Theatre), 100 West Montcalm, in downtown Detroit. All Republican precinct delegates are invited to attend. Any questions about the committee may be directed to Joseph at (313) 343-2900.

Cheryl Costantino, a representative from the 13th district to the Wayne County Republican Committee, has announced the County group will sponsor its annual fundraiser on Monday, April 25, in Detroit.

Speaker for the event will be Keith A. Butler, a former Detroit City councilman who now serves as pastor to a Southfield congregation. The $50 per person event will be held at the new Congress Restaurant, 211 West Congress, in downtown Detroit. For more information, Costantino invites people to contact her at (313) 371-6333.

Keith Butler is said to be exploring a 2006 race for the U.S. Senate seat presently held by Michigan's junior Senator Debbie Stabenow. >>Pastor considers Senate Run.

Butler is founder and senior pastor of Word of Faith International Christian Center, Southfield. When the church opened its doors in a Detroit storefront in 1979, 60 people were in attendance. Today, the church has an international ministry, sits on 110 acres in Southfield, and has membership of over 18,000.

He ministers in churches, conferences and seminars throughout the U.S. and abroad with an emphasis on instruction, and practical application of the Bible. His television outreach, “The Word of Faith,” is seen weekly on stations around the world.

District delegates to this Convention were elected at the district's January convention in downtown Detroit. That session named Republican delegates who represent communities from throughout the 13th district.

Delegates made a number of important decisions at the State convention, including election of Saulius “Saul” Anuzis as chairman of the Michigan Republican State Committee. The Detroit-born Anuzis was unanimously elected during the February 5, 2004, session.

District chairman, Thomas R. McCleary, Jr., has issued the official call for the 13th District Republican Convention set for Thursday, January 13, 2005. Detroit Downtown YWCA

The session will begin at 7:30 P.M., at the Downtown YWCA (former University Club), 1411 East Jefferson Ave. in Detroit. Doors will open for registration beginning at 6:30 p.m. Free, on-site parking is available.

McCleary's announced, “The purpose of this meeting shall be to elect Delegates and Alternates to the 2005 Republican State Convention to be held in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on February 4 and 5, 2005.” He said that due to this convention, the regular January district executive committee meeting has been canceled.

He urges all Republican duly elected precinct delegates and at-large delegates to attend the January 13 convention. Any questions about the convention may be directed to McCleary at (313) 882-2709.

Andrew "Rocky" Raczkowski, first vice-chairman of the Michigan Republican State Committee, spoke to the 13th district executive committee at its November 8, 2004, meeting in Detroit. Chairman McCleary, right, welcomes Raczkowski to the 13th district

Chairman McCleary, right, welcomes Raczkowski to the 13th district

Home only two weeks from active duty serving as a U.S. Army major in Operation Enduring Freedom, Raczkowski explained that he has been approached to run for chairman of the State Committee. The current chairman, Betsy DeVos, has announced that she will not seek re-election when her term of office ends in February 2005.

Raczkowski said he is meeting with people throughout Michigan to obtain input regarding his future. He noted that in addition to energizing the grass roots, fundraising would be one of the new chairman's responsibilities. He said the fundraising aspect requires particular attention from the chairman at the present time because Michigan doesn't have a Republican Governor to lend assistance.

Thomas R. McCleary, Jr., District 13 chairman, thanked the many district volunteers who worked in the 2004 election campaign. With reference to scores of volunteers who manned phone banks, prepared mailings and addressed friend-to-friend cards during the recent general election campaign, he said, “These are the things that pay off.”

Bill Lucas, candidate for Wayne County Sheriff, expressed his thanks for volunteer support during the recent campaign. In his unsuccessful race Lucas out-polled President Bush by more than 3,000 votes in the City of Detroit, and received 224,163 total Wayne County votes. Lucas said, “Your efforts on behalf of my candidacy were very encouraging.” Looking to future Wayne County Republican campaigns, Lucas said, “It is something to build on.”

Cheryl Costantino, candidate for Wayne County Commission, received 22,972 votes (43%), coming within 8,000 votes of the beating the incumbent in her first try for the District 1 County Commission seat. She said, “I'm proud of my campaign, because we did reach out to quite a few people.” Costantino said that as a result of her neighborhood canvassing efforts, “More people respect Republicans now. It was a first step for what is to come.”

LaNell Buffington, candidate for Wayne County Clerk, was also recognized for her efforts as a 2004 Republican candidate. Buffington, who received 189,795 votes in her bid for County Clerk, described her motivation saying, “I want to make a difference.”

Curt Jacobson, district secretary, presented an analysis of Detroit votes, noting there was considerable “ticket splitting.” He said that while only 8,200 straight party GOP votes were cast in the City, Bush received a total of 18,329 votes in Detroit.

The next meeting of the committee is set for Monday, January 10, 2005, at the Town Pump Tavern (behind the Fox Theatre), 100 West Montcalm, in downtown Detroit. All Republican precinct delegates are invited to attend. Any questions about the committee may be directed to McCleary at (313) 882-2709.

At the committee's October meeting, Thomas R. McCleary, Jr., chairman of the 13th Republican executive committee, announced that John Keogh addresses the value of trained poll workers

John Keogh addresses the value of trained poll workers

John Keogh of Grosse Pointe Farms has been selected as coordinator of the district's polling place integrity effort.

Anyone interested in assisting with this effort is asked to contact Keogh at (800) 440-7189. He explained that training would be provided, as well as transportation for workers to and from various polling locations.

Also on the evening's agenda were presentations from a number of candidates. Urging active participation in grass roots efforts leading up to the November 2 election were Bill Lucas, candidate for Wayne County Sheriff; Cynthia Cassell, running for U.S. Congress; Ed Gaffney, seeking reelection to a second term as State Representative; and Cheryl Costantino, campaigning for election to the Wayne County Commission.

Thomas R. McCleary, Jr., chairman of the 13th Republican executive committee, has announced the next GOP district “Super Saturday” event Saturday, October 2, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Volunteers will meet at the Eastside campaign office, 18495 Mack Ave., Detroit. October 3, 2004

Workers will join teams to distribute campaign lawn signs and conduct neighborhood surveys. McCleary said, “Volunteers are encouraged to spend from one to three hours, or whatever time you can spare.” The Mack office is located at the corner of Opal/Cloverly, across from the Mongolian Grille

DEVOS, 'THESE BOOTS

WERE MADE FOR WALKIN'

Michigan Republican chairman Betsy DeVos says, "I'm scheduled to do some door to door and phone calls in the next few days. Are you?"

She said, " We need you. Give your closest Victory Center Director a call, and get plugged in."

See details and contact info on this page.

John Stempfle of the City of Grosse Pointe was selected in official voting August 27 for the honor of serving as the 13th Congressional district's Republican Electoral College designee.

Stempfle's election by district 13 delegates to the Michigan Republican State Convention took place at the Compuware Sports Arena in Plymouth, Mich. Also elected was Thomas R. McCleary, Jr., of Grosse Pointe Farms who will serve as the district's alternate elector.

The 17 Michigan electors whose

Delegate John Stempfle at the State convention with district chairman, Thomas R. McCleary, Jr.
>>More photos

candidate wins the State's popular vote will participate in the Electoral College on December 13, 2004, in Lansing. Each elector pledges to support the candidate he represents and may not vote otherwise, ensuring Michigan's electoral votes automatically go to the presidential candidate winning the popular vote in Michigan.

The fall convention focused on nominating candidates for the State Board of Education, candidates for the leadership boards of Michigan institutions of higher education, and candidates for two positions on the Michigan Supreme Court.

Nominated for re-election to the Supreme Court was Justice Stephen J. Markman of Mason, Mich. Also nominated was Judge Brian Zahra, Dearborn Heights, who presently serves on the Michigan Court of Appeals. >>See the full fall 2004 GOP ticket.

In addition, the convention served as the formal sendoff for national convention delegates, who headed immediately to New York City to endorse George W. Bush as the party's candidate for re-election as President. >>See convention photos.

Precinct delegates from throughout the 13th district met August 12 in downtown Detroit to elect 43 delegates to the August 27, 2004, Michigan State GOP convention and to indicate their preference for the district's presidential elector.

Elected to preside at the meeting and as chairman of the district's State delegation was Thomas R. McCleary, Jr., while Gloria Rocha was selected to act as secretary of session. Judge Kirsten Frank Kelly (right) swears in officers for the 13th district session: John Stempfle as parliamentarian, Thomas R. McCleary, Jr., as chairman, and Gloria Rocha as secretary.

Judge Kirsten Frank Kelly (right) swears in officers for the 13th district session: John Stempfle as parliamentarian, Thomas R. McCleary, Jr., as chairman, and Gloria Rocha as secretary.

Subject to election by delegates at the August 27 State convention, John Stempfle of the City of Grosse Pointe was the winner in balloting as the meeting's preference for the honor of serving as the district's Electoral College designee.

Yvette L. Robinson, director of the Dearborn Victory Center, explained a number of initiatives and volunteer opportunities, including new voter registration and the July 15 “Party for the President.”

Several local office holders and aspiring candidates made presentations. Introduced were Nancy Danhof, candidate for State Board of Education; Bill Lucas, candidate for Wayne County Sheriff; Cynthia Cassell, candidate for U.S. Congress; Ed Gaffney, State Representative; Cheryl Costantino, candidate for Wayne County Commission.

Costantino outlined her experience and vision for the post of County Commissioner. Gaffney announced the opening of his Detroit campaign office, located on Mack Avenue near Moross.

May's 13th District Republican executive committee meeting featured a host of aspiring candidates. Introduced were Bill Lucas, candidate for Wayne County Sheriff; Cynthia Cassell, U.S. Congress; Ed Gaffney, State Representative; Cheryl Costantino, Wayne County Commission; and Audrey Monaghan, Wayne County Circuit Court Judge.

In addition to the May 10 candidate introductions, Thomas R. McCleary, Jr., committee chairman, reviewed the list of delegates to the May 21 Michigan GOP Convention in Grand Rapids, as well names of those in the running for the position of district delegates to the National Convention in New York.

Thomas R. McCleary, Jr., introduced Sharon Wise, Michigan Republican National Committeewoman, who spoke to the 13th Republican executive committee meeting at 6:30 P.M., Monday, April 12, 2004, at the Town Pump Tavern (behind the Fox Theatre), 100 West Montcalm, in downtown Detroit.

Wise, National Committeewoman for Michigan, was elected to the post in 1997, and won reelection in 2001. She serves on the Board of Directors for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan. She is one of four Board members representing the general public.

Currently, she spends much of her time pursuing concerns over educational issues in the State of Michigan as a member of the State Board of Education. Wise was elected to the Board for an eight-year term in 1994.

Thomas R. McCleary, Jr., chairman, convened the 13th Republican executive committee meeting on March 8, 2004, at the Town Pump Tavern in downtown Detroit.

He provided updates on candidate and precinct delegate selection,

and introduced Gerry Mason, candidate for the Republican nomination for the University of Michigan Board of Regents.

Mason was enthusiastic in his support of his alma mater and solicited support for his nomination. He is a St. Clair, Mich., attorney, and has been active in a number of GOP campaigns, including the successful 2002 Terri Lynn Land campaign for Secretary of State.

Victor Diaz, Sixth Vice-Chair of the Michigan Republican State Committee, addressed the 13th district executive committee at its February meeting in Detroit. Victor Diaz addresses the 13th

Diaz passionately encouraged the group, saying, “I believe that we as Americans will, by enabling the American Dream, forever protect the future of our

children. Let's get out there and work in our communities to make a better life for our fellow Americans. Join a board, volunteer, mentor, these are the keys to outreach.” Carl Meyers talked about his race for U of M Regent

Carl Meyers talked about his race for U of M Regent

He cited efforts such as civic essay contest sponsorship, community event participation, and significant Hispanic presence in official White House VIP welcoming groups.

With respect to the various cultures that makeup the nation, he said, “First and foremost, we are Americans!” He called on each one to put aside differences and work for the benefit of the union. The goal of his office is, “Getting our candidates elected,” he said.

Also making a presentation to the committee was Carl Meyers, candidate for the Republican nomination for the University of Michigan Board of Regents. Meyers, a Dearborn resident and senior vice president for Raymond James & Associates, stressed his civic involvement and 25 years of activist work.

Thomas R. McCleary, Jr., chairman of the 13th Republican executive committee, conducted a successful GOP district “Super Saturday” event Saturday, February 7, from noon to 3 P.M. at the Town Pump in Detroit.

Thomas R. McCleary, Jr., chairman of the 13th Republican executive committee, with Jim Miller and part of their Super Saturday Team

Offering free pizza and colas, McCleary, with the help of organizer Jim Miller, invited Republican volunteers to participate in the phone bank designed to identify new voters, enlist team leaders and mobilize inactive voters. In lieu of land lines, participants were encouraged to bring their personal cell phones. He saw to it that those without phones were utilized on other assignments.

McCleary said, “Volunteers were encouraged to spend from one to three hours, whatever time they could spare, and pizza and colas were served free to all workers.”

Thomas R. McCleary, Jr., chairman of the 13th district Republican executive committee, has announced formation of a candidate search team to assist the Michigan Republican State Committee in identifying qualified GOP candidates to run in the 2004 general election for offices in Michigan's 13th congressional district.

Kevin Fobbs, Second Vice-Chair of the Michigan Republican State Committee, addressed the 13th district executive committee at its January 12, 2004, meeting in Detroit. He outlined how promoting sound policy can strengthen urban coalitions among those not traditionally identified as Republican.

Gaffney outlined the status of a number of his legislative initiatives, resolution of the state budget shortfall for the current year, and elimination of “stealth elections” beginning in 2005.

Fobbs serves as president of National Urban Policy Action Council (NuPac), a nationwide civic and citizen action organization focusing on community empowerment. According to Fobbs, “NuPac promotes fiscally responsible, compassionate conservative public policies, and stands firm on its theme of universal issues and colorblind solutions.”

He explained the recent social phenomenon of the “grand family,” in which a child is raised by one or more grandparent. Fobbs said there are 17,000 such families in Detroit, alone.

Fobbs said, “NuPac works with local, state, regional, and national urban leaders, communities of faith, as well as community and civic organizations.” He said that its goal is to streamline communications with government to ensure policies and funding for programs that work every day to improve people's lives. >>Read Fobbs on the Bush immigration plan.

Sarrach also serves as president and founder of Hollywood-Hero. Sarrach said, “The national organization was formed to create a vehicle for conservative actors, producers, screenwriters to advocate for the president, as well as other conservative causes, and to serve as a counterbalance to the very vocal voice of the Hollywood Left.”

Sarrach explained, “Conservatives in Hollywood have never had an organized voice with which to advocate and support conservative causes, and Hollywood-Hero now provides that voice.”

Fobbs is also a journalist and currently authors a weekly column, “Community Concerns,” in The Detroit News. In addition, he is a national political commentary columnist for the Republican National Committee. U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Collins

Jeffrey G. Collins, U.S. Attorney, was guest of honor as the 13th and 14th Republican Congressional Districts held a joint Holiday Party November 30 at the Detroit Yacht Club.

Michael Hennigan of Grosse Pointe Park who is treasurer of the 13th district noted, “This season marks the second year of our new congressional district boundaries. Let's usher in this new era welcoming members, friends, and Republicans from the entire metro-Detroit area.” >>See map of 13th and 14th districts.

Jared Maynard, Third Vice-Chair of the Michigan Republican State Committee, addressed the 13th district executive committee at its meeting in Detroit on October 13, 2003. His focus was GOP efforts to attract Michigan youth to the Republican Party. Jared Maynard, GOP Vice Chair

Maynard explained the strategy for two Republican “Super Saturdays” set for early November and designed to register new voters, enlist team leaders and mobilize inactive voters.

“Republican youth can make a difference in many statewide and local campaigns as an energetic volunteer base,” Maynard said. He detailed his responsibilities as coordinator of three different youth organizations, encouraging members to “become part of a generation of future Republican leaders.”

The GOP youth initiatives include Teen Age Republicans for ages 13 to 19. This group provides Republicans with a source of volunteers that help make a difference in campaigns across Michigan.

GOP Chairman Calls for Leadership Betsy DeVos, Michigan GOP chairman
>>More photos

DeVos Labels

Gov a “Punter”

With an Active

PR Machine

Taking dead aim at the lack of leadership in Lansing, Michigan Republican chairman, Betsy DeVos challenged Governor Granholm to step forward and act.

“It's not just that the Governor is doing the wrong thing, in many cases she just isn't doing anything. In football, it's called punting,” said DeVos, speaking in Detroit at the GOP's 13th district annual fundraiser on October 9, 2003.

Through the Teen Age Republicans, high school students are exposed to the political process, learn political philosophy, and meet with government and civic leaders. Presently, Michigan TAR's have home school and high school chapters in seven of Michigan's counties with three more in the process of organizing.

A second group, comprised of College Republicans, is the leading political and intellectual source of conservatism on college campuses. Maynard reported that 1,000 new Michigan College Republicans have been enlisted in the last few months, and chapters have recently been launched on six Michigan college campuses never before hosting a college GOP group. These clubs provide a forum for the development of conservative thought and provide an alternative to the strong liberal leanings of most colleges and universities. College Republicans also provide the single largest source of campaign workers and campaign managers. The Michigan College Republicans play a vital role in the election of Republicans to office. >>Read related article, “Secret Weapon.”

District Events

Michigan's 13th Congressional District

Monday, April 21

6:30 p.m. 13th District Republican Executive Committe meeting

St. John's Episcopal Church,

50 Fisher Freeway, Detroit, Mich.

>>ERC Events

The largest political youth organization in the country, The Young Republican National Federation, is open to those from age 18 to 40. Maynard said the Michigan Young Republican contingent consists primarily of post-college young professionals and new party activists under the age of 40. The Young Republican organization provides a structure to train up-and-coming leaders in the Republican Party. Many new Republican activists learn about the political process and gain valuable leadership skills in the Young Republicans before embarking on their own political careers.

Also addressing the group was Krista Haroutunian, chair of the Wayne County Republican Committee, to promote the Annual Eisenhower Dinner set for November 10. >>See event calendar.

With the swearing in of the new Congress in January 2003, Michigan's 13th Congressional District reflects the 2000 census and reunites the five Grosse Pointes, Harper Woods and portions of Detroit and four Downriver communities. The district extends from Eight Mile Road to Wyandotte. >>See maps.


13th Officers