2007 Organizational Update

A "Wireside Chat" from Chairman Adam Puharic
01/08/2007

On June 13, 2006, the Monmouth County Republican Committee honored me with the great responsibilities to serve as County Chairman. I campaigned on a platform to unify the party based on three guiding principles: (1) professionalize the organization; (2) raise campaign funds ethically; and (3) concentrate our energies on defeating Democrats—not each other.
With the new year upon us and the dawn of another election cycle, we take the next step in this process through the development of new policies for candidate selection and conventions. As the Asbury Park Press quoted me upon becoming your chairman on June 14, 2006: “Puharic pledged not to abolish the practice of holding county conventions to pick the Republican candidates. He proposed creating... a screening committee for candidates before they are put to a vote of the committeemen and women.”
A Chairman will be measured by his record of wins and losses. I take the loss of Andrew Lucas’ seat personally, and the buck stops here. With this tough experience behind us, I am even more convinced about the need to reform the candidate selection process.
We must make sure no future Republican candidate ever faces a divided base of powerbrokers and convention fanatics – angry that their candidate did not win. Many of the loud convention voices fell silent during the campaign trail, not raising money, not putting up signs, not interested in anything other than their own self-aggrandizement.
This weekend, therefore, I have briefed Republican elected officials throughout the county of my intention to implement a screening committee prior to any county convention. Based on their input, I will modify my original plan design to accommodate their concerns. I have briefed my executive committee, and explained my intentions to the council of chairs during our December meeting.
In the coming days, I will explain the process, including:
The structure of the screening committee and the procedures for dealing with vacancies and incumbents;
The deadlines for interested parties submitting letters of intent;
The process for thoroughly vetting all candidates and forwarding the most qualified;
The schedule for screening potential candidates; and
The schedule for the next convention.
You will also undoubtedly hear from voices of disunion, intent on smearing any plans for reform. Critics will charge that we intend to limit the democratic process. This is not true. I intend to restore a representational Republican form of leadership to this county party that will help ensure victory in future elections.
My fellow Republicans, you know my values. I told you the current convention system was a cancer. My opponents thought they would defeat us by attacking this position. We defeated them, overwhelmingly. This was a clear mandate. Now is the time to stick together and reform this process. I am counting on your support for victory in 2007.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Adam Puharic, Chairman
Monmouth County Republican Party
http://www.MonmouthRepublican.org
info@MonmouthRepublican.org
732.431.6664