County Republicans ready for the future

   Fourteen months ago, the 700-person Central Committee of the El Paso County Republicans elected and charged a new leadership team with great responsibility for this crucial 2008 election year. We are on track for the most aggressive growth we have ever experienced both financially and in terms of volunteers and infrastructure. Our funding and expenditures last year were approximately $130,000; our budget this year is more than $400,000, and we are on track to meet our goals.

   Looking beyond the bickering and challenges that come with a tough primary season, I challenge all Republicans in this community to invest their time and treasure in their local party. El Paso County is the largest and fastest growing county in Colorado. In addition to the various local and state races, we are committed to seeing Bob Schaffer elected to the U.S. Senate. We're also committed to preserving a Republican presidency. We cannot accomplish these goals without unity within this local Republican organization. While there are always naysayers and disgruntled individuals in a volunteer organization, we must put aside selfish differences and focus on the goal of united victory in November.

   In Colorado, our election process and the bond of trust between voters, the party, and the candidates starts with the caucus. Many of you heard some of our radio commercials or received some mail or e-mail from the party in the days leading up to the caucuses. Compared to the next several largest counties in Colorado, we saw a 30 percent higher turnout and I believe significant credit is due to the incredible efforts of the volunteers who worked on the marketing program, manned phone banks, and walked their precincts inviting people to the caucus.

   While no one could have anticipated the incredible volume of people attending the caucuses, delegate and alternate information was monitored and tracked extremely well and candidates received quality data just 21 days later.

   There are many exciting things happening within the El Paso County Republican Party. Here are a few highlights: 

   - Developed and conducted caucus training for hundreds of precinct persons; 

   - Supervised 387 caucuses with increased participation from an average of 2,200 participants to well over 12,000 this year; 

   - Conducted the firstever Colorado presidential straw poll with results collected and reported to the media and state party within two hours; 

   - Held the County Assembly with close to 3,000 participants 

   - Updated the old Republican brand with a new logo and a bold attitude 

   - Developed a six-year business plan including an aggressive communication strategy 

   - Raised nearly twice as much money in an off-election year than in past cycles

   "Because it matters to me that she grows up in a country free and safe from terrorism . . . Because it matters to me that my family and the values we believe in are protected from those who seek to destroy them . . . Because it matters to me, I will vote. And I will vote Republican."

   This is one of the scripts accompanying a picture of a woman and a young child on the new El Paso County Republican Web site (www.gopelpaso.com). There are other panels describing economic, social and national security ideals of the Republicans in El Paso County. The conservative and moderate voices of this county have a renewed determination about aggressively educating and winning the hearts and minds of the families in our county and state.

   The current executive committee of the El Paso County Republicans includes people from many political camps and agendas; no special interest group within the organization dictates the agenda. The divisions caused by bitter battles over the years can be mended with the strong bond of victory, a selfless outlook, and team drive. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes of divisive party politics, the leadership of the party wants to open the flaps of the Republican tent and invite all who think it's time for change to come in, to participate, and to make a difference. Because it matters.

Garcia is chairman of the El Paso County Republicans.