Sep

Summary of GOP Chairman Forum

Summary of GOP Chairman Forum

By Matthew Hindin

On Tuesday, September 1, 2009, the New York Republican County Committee (“NYRCC”) hosted a forum for the candidates to succeed Joe Mondello as Chairman of the New York Republican State Committee. In attendance were district leaders, state committee members, club presidents, candidates and media.

After introductory remarks from the executive director of the NYRCC, Jason Weingartner, the candidates for Chairman spoke. First, Daniel Isaacs announced that he was withdrawing his name from contention, and said that both of the remaining candidates, Ed Cox and Henry Wojtaszek, were excellent choices. Ed Cox, who has served Presidents, Governors and the Republican Party for decades, spoke first. Cox discussed his strategy for fundraising, campaigning and communication. Henry Wojtaszek, the dynamic Niagara County GOP Chairman, then stressed the failures of the party, and outlined his plan for relentlessly revitalizing the party.

After the opening statements, the candidates took questions from the audience. The questions included how each candidate would give young Republicans and minority groups more of a voice in the statewide party, and how the statewide party would support local candidates. Both Cox and Wojtaszek demonstrated their unique experiences and abilities. Cox explained his contact with influential Republicans nationwide, his efforts statewide, and his intimacy with New York City. Wojtaszek displayed his knowledge of new communication technologies and guerilla campaigning, and his relentless passion for revitalizing the party.

Cox and Wojtaszek then mingled with the audience. The next Chairman will be elected at the meeting which must be called within fifteen days after the September 15 primary.

This post and the contents thereof are the views of only the author identified immediately above and do not necessarily represent the views of the New York Young Republican Club, Inc. (the "NYYRC"), its officers or its members. The NYYRC expressly disclaims responsibility for the contents thereof and by its charter documents may not, and does not, endorse any candidate for any office, except in a general election.