Doug McKinney, Chairman of West Virginia Republican Party, sent a newsletter asking for thoughts on improving the WVGOP. He asks specific questions. Since readers of this blog are interested in a two-party system in our State I thought I would share my respond to Chairman McKinney.
My compliments on your newsletter and effort to reach out for input. You may recall I offer several ideas in my June 20th blog phillipsbillboard Many which directly relate to your questions. However, I will provide my input as requested. I hope you will find a method to share what is learned from your effort.
I will repeat the question to make this response easy to follow.
1) What is the number one thing you would change about the state party?
My recommendation would be to tap the knowledge of successful candidates, those who have run campaigns, and current and former party leaders. I would use this resource to craft a party development plan.
2) What should the state party do to attract more people to the Republican Party?
First, I believe we must get current members of our party to believe we can make a difference. By offering good candidates starting at the county level and winning a few elections will go along way to establish belief.
3) How can the state party better recruit candidates?
The state party should lead an effort at the county level to conduct an inventory of potential candidates. A VIP recruitment effort should follow.
4) What should the state party do to better help our Republican candidates in November 2010?
We need a leader in every precinct. Develop a grassroots training program and take it to every precinct. We can no longer leave registered Republicans at home not voting.
5) Should the state party move the headquarters to a location closer to the Capitol in Charleston?
What matters is having a party development plan, recruiting good candidates, having leaders in every precinct and getting Republicans engaged and voting. I don’t think it matters where the headquarters is located.
6) Provide any other thoughts, suggestions, or gripes that you may have.
We need to get beyond gripes and get about the business outlined in the answers above.