93 Counties

Last night I traveled to Fairbury, Nebraska in Jefferson County for the only convention of the day, which also happened to be the last convention of the 2010 county convention season. Chairman Ron Schwab and his wife coordinated the evening's activities, electing 2 delegates and alternate to state, including Ralph Knobel, former chairman of the NEGOP. Jefferson County will have a fair booth this year staffed by the Republican Women and will also be holding a fundraiser later this fall.

It has been a delight traveling around the state, visiting, in my case 11 counties. The people of Nebraska as always are extremely hospitable and welcoming, and I am delighted to have been a citizen of the greatest state in the Union. While there is still much to do as we prepare to "give Ben the boot" in 2012, we are well on our way to having a solid 93 county structure to serve him a clear defeat when he runs for reelection.

If you didn't get elected as a delegate or alternate to state convention or just didn't have time to participate in the county convention process, please consider registering for state convention. There will be many opportunities for anyone, delegate or otherwise, who attends the state convention. Speakers from across the nation will be teaching voter and candidate training workshops. Stay tuned for a special announcement about a keynote speaker shortly!

- Taylor

York and Seward County Conventions

The York County Republican Convention convened on June 7th in the county courthouse at 7:00 p.m. About a dozen were in attendance, including former State Senator Elaine Stuhr. County Chairman Kurt Bulgrin introduced Governor Dave Heineman who spoke to the audience about upcoming budget deficits and the need for fiscal responsibility even when it is not the easy choice to make. The delegates elected a new county chair, Kenneth Thorne, and resolved to become more active by resurrecting their tradition of bi-monthly meetings with a 12-member central committee.

The Seward County Republican Convention was gaveled in at 7:00 p.m. on June 8th at the Seward Civic Center. Interim County Chairman Lloyd Sommerer was formally elected as the county chair, along with a full slate of leadership, including a brand new vice chair, an office which had lain vacant for years. State Senator Tony Fulton from Lincoln addressed the convention, stressing the important of involvement in the party process, and impressing upon the attendees that lack of involvement in 2010 could possible lead to end of America as our political policies uniformly take on the character of Obama's progressive liberalism.

- Taylor

Lincoln and Dawson County Conventions

The Lincoln County Republican Convention was held at Margie’s in a meeting room overlooking the golf course at the Country Club in North Platte. The convention was called to order at 6 p.m. this evening. It began with the introduction of various local school board and city council candidates leading to the key note speaker Don Stenberg, republican candidate for State Treasurer. Once Don was done speaking, dinner was severed. They then elected county party officers and Delegates to represent Lincoln County at the State Convention.

Dawson County Republicans also held their convention tonight in the county court house. After being inactive over the past few years, they elected new county party officers as well as Delegates to represent their county at the State Convention. Throughout the meeting they produced numerous ideas, which are now in the works, including starting a facebook group and web site for Dawson County Republicans. Don Stenberg was also the key note speaker at this convention. He addressed numerous issues our state and nation as a whole are facing. Both county conventions were a success tonight and I am exciting to see what they do next.

-Jenna

Sioux and Keith County - June 7

Yesterday, I traveled to Harrison in Sioux County for their Republican Convention. The Sioux County Republican Convention was held in a meeting room inside their courthouse.


Congressman Adrian Smith was in attendance and spent a majority of his time answer questions and hearing concerns from the people in attendance. Sioux County re-elected their chairman and chairwoman and will also be represented by one delegate at the state convention.


Last night, Keith County Republicans also held their county convention. It was held in a Valentino’s meeting room. The room was decorated with campaign signs and an array of red, white and blue décor. State Senator Ken Schilz was the key note speaker. He did an amazing job at updating attendees on the legislature and what they will be focusing on once back in secession. There was also your choice of cheese and crackers or vegetables and dip. The Keith County Republican Convention was a success. The re-elected their chairman Herb Knudsen and elected chairwoman, secretary and treasurer. Keith County will also be represented by two delegates at the state convention.

- Jenna

Douglas and Dodge Conventions - June 5

The Douglas County Republican Convention convened at 9:00 a.m. at Mercy Hall in Omaha. County Chairwoman Nancy McCabe gaveled the convention in, announcing the presence of about 108 delegates. Dawn Krogh sang the national anthem after City Councilwoman Jean Stothert offered the invocation. Congressman Lee Terry warmed up the crowd, speaking about fiscal responsbility and his upcoming battle for reelection in the 2nd Congressional District which encompasses all of Douglas County and portions of Sarpy.

Governor Heineman spoke about his upcoming reelection campaign, and the importance of campaigning like he's down thirty points even when success seems inevitable at the moment. The convention then took a break for district causes where delegates and alternates were elected to the state convention along with State Central Committee members and Douglas County Central Committee members.

Held in Fremont--home to the State Convention this year--the Dodge County Republican Convention was preceded by a social hour starting at 2:00 p.m., after which constitutional scholar and professor Glenn Freeman (pictured left) spoke on the current state of the Constitution in American politics. After the convention elected 7 delegates and 7 alternates, the convention was gaveled out, and several of the attendees retired to J's Steakhouse and Winery down the street for appetizers, drinks, and conversation.

- Taylor

(Building) Bridges in Madison County - June 3

The Madison County GOP is one of Nebraska’s strongest county parties and the convention on Thursday June 3 reflected their momentum. Turnout was more than 75 strong, nearly double the turnout of the last county convention in 2008.

The convention program featured speeches from County Chairman Mike Long, who made a strong case for the value of party unity and working together to elect strong Republicans throughout the state, and Speaker of the Legislature Mike Flood. Speaker Flood shared his thoughts on the accomplishments of the most recent legislative session, which included legislation for the expansion of Nebraska’s wind energy industry, and the passage of Speaker Flood's priority bill to prohibit abortions after 20 weeks.

In addition to the election of delegates to the state convention, the agenda also included passage of a county constitution, which included a healthy and spirited discussion, and the election of a 23-member county central committee, which should help the county party there stay very active and organized for several elections to come.

- Jordan McGrain

Clay County GOP Convention - June 6

This evening I attended the Clay County Convention at the Clay County Courthouse in Clay Center. Interim Chairwoman Sallie Barbee led the meeting, and very appropriately used parlimentary procedure might I add. Nearly 20 attended the meeting - a success compared to the only 5 who attended the Clay County Democrat Convention. Michael Boyd was elected as the new county chair, and all 3 other offices were re-elected to their position. Michael is currently a city councilman and a candidate for Mayor of Harvard, bringing experience and motivation to the table to help keep Clay County solidly Republican. Unfortunately the 2 keynote speakers who planned to attend were unable to make it, so Sallie asked that I fill in. The meeting ended with tea, cookies, and 2 new delegates from Clay County to attend the State Convention.

-Rebecca