2008 Recap

Though we Republicans constitute a minority within Athens-Clarke County, the CCRC has quite a bit about which it can be proud for 2008.

We contributed to numerous GOP victories, helping to win the Peach State for the Republican presidential ticket of John McCain and Sarah Palin and contributing to the reelection victories of U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss, U.S. Representative Paul Broun (District 10), Georgia Public Service Commissioners Doug Everett (District 1) and Lauren McDonald (District 4), State Senators Bill Cowsert (District 46) and Ralph Hudgens (District 47), and State Representative Bob Smith (District 113).

We hosted a series of great speakers at our regular monthly meetings, including Georgia GOP chairman Sue Everhart, Georgia Public Service Commission chairman Bobby Baker, State Senator Bill Cowsert, State Representative Bob Smith., Superior Court Judge David Sweat, Probate Court Judge Susan Tate, UGA political scientist Charles Bullock, Clarke County Board of Education candidate Jim Geiser, Athens-Clarke County Commission candidate “Red” Petrovs, and WGAU newscaster Tim Bryant. Special thanks go out to CCRC treasurer Regina Quick and CCRC executive committee member Karen Schwind for organizing the refreshments for our monthly meetings.

We distributed more than 500 McCain/Palin yard signs and over 2500 bumper stickers; not to mention the yard signs, bumper stickers, and literature we distributed for the entire slate of national and state GOP candidates. Special thanks go out to CCRC first vice-chairman Ed Brown for organizing our headquarters office and coordinating volunteers during both the primary and general election campaign seasons. Ed also hosted a successful “precinct party.”

In September, CCRC Treasurer Regina Quick represented the 10th District well at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul. Upon her return, Regina treated us to a recap of her experiences, including the alternative energy presentation made to the Georgia delegation by T. Boone Pickins.

In October, former State Senator Brian Kemp hosted a successful pre-tailgate fundraiser at CCRC Headquarters for Saxby Chambliss.

In November, the CCRC, along with the Oconee County Republican Committee, cosponsored an election night watch party hosted by the Congressman Paul Broun’s campaign at the Georgia Center for Continuing Education.

In December, executive committee members Jean Blackstone and Karen Schwind organized the CCRC Christmas Party, a joyous event enjoyed by all.

Unfortunately, we also mourn the recent passing of Mary Moon, a stalwart Republican and friend to all, whose unflagging dedication, upbeat nature, and ready smile will be missed by all of those who knew her. Memorial gifts may be made to St. Mary's Hospice House.