WISCONSIN CRs DESCEND ON MADISON

By Scott Schneider

Energized by an awakened electorate and a drive to elect a new CR president, members of the Republican Party's youth movement amassed State Street and the Capitol as delegations of Wisconsin College Republicans descended upon Madison this past April 23rd and April 24th for the annual Wisconsin Federation of College Republican Convention. The festivities kicked off officially on Friday, April 23 at 7:30 PM with a reception and social event at Brocach's Irish Pub, a short walk from the Best Western Inn on the Park Hotel, where the group had set up accommodations for the event. Wisconsin Attorney General JB Van Hollen addressed a packed, standing-room-only crowd on the second floor of Brocach's, giving inspiration and encouragement as well as an update on the process he has been undertaking to enact legal action to repeal ObamaCare in the State of Wisconsin, action that has recently been denied by Doyle Administration. Van Hollen appeared on Greta Van Susteren at another location shortly after giving his speech, much to the delight of the many who had gathered at Brocachs. On Van Susteren, as he had told the CRs at Brocach’s, the likelihood of a shift in the House, Assembly, and Governorship in 2010 would give the Republicans a renewed chance to quickly pass through this legislation starting in January 2011.






Members of the Eau Claire College Republican Group (top) and the Riverfalls and Beloit College Republican Groups at the dinner Saturday afternoon.



After a night of fun and acquaintanceship, the Wisconsin CRs turned their attention to the State Capitol where a continental breakfast was served at 7:30 the next morning in the Assembly conference room. The important business of the day ensued at 9 AM in the Assembly Chamber where the Federation came to order for the day. Candidates David Westlake and Terrence Wall, both running against Russ Feingold in the November 2010 Senate race, addressed the chamber; official executive board reports were given, nominations and votes were taken for "Big Tent Republican" and "Old Guard Republican". Lora Rae Andersen, University of Wisconsin Eau Claire member and also outgoing chair, won the Big Tent Award; Bobby Hamill, also of UW-EC, won the "Old Guard Republican". Speakers for the Log Cabin Republicans, Campus Reform, and Young America's Foundation introduced their groups, several amendments were debated and cantankerously voted down, while groups caucused together to discuss the implications of each decision. Elections were also held for Vice Chairman, Treasurer, and Secretary. But the most important business of the day was the election of a new Chairman. In a spirited and competitive battle, Charlotte Evans, from Marquette, beat hometown UW-Madison CR member Johnny Koremenos to replace outgoing chair, Lora Rae Andersen.



Members of the UW-Whitewater CRs











After business in the Capitol was finished, the last major event of the weekend was a banquet luncheon held at Zander's Capitol Grill. Gubernatorial candidate Mark Neumann, Lt Governor candidates Brett Davis and Rebecca Kleefisch each spoke to the CRs just before the buffet dinner. CR of the Year award was given to Bobby Hamill from UW-Eau Claire, and UW-Milwaukee won Chapter of the Year. Once decadent chocolate cake slices were served for desert, the weekend wrapped up as various groups said their goodbyes and proceeded to return to their real lives. After nearly 24 hours of fun and fellowship, the Wisconsin Federation of College Republican Convention adjourned, and students returned to their respective schools to once again carry on the vital process of spreading the conservative message across the State of Wisconsin.

A SPECIAL THANKS TO THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN MADISON COLLEGE REPUBLICAN GROUP FOR PUTTING ON SUCH AN AMAZING CONVENTION!



Crystal Lee (Chair of the Madison CRs) and candidate Johnny Koremenos








Chair: Crystal Lee
1st Vice Chair: Emily Monske
Second Vice Chair:
Lexi Meleski
Secretary: Lucas Moench
Treasurer: Brian McCulliss
Public Relations Chair: Stephen Duerst
Social Chair: Lauren Peterson
Fundraising Chair: Neil Isono
Community Service Chair: Jerad McHenry
Alumni Relations Chair: Joe Antolik
Director of Web Development: Johnny
Koremenos

News Release: South Dakota Republican Gubernatorial Debate

You are invited to join the SDSU College Republicans for a Gubernatorial debate on April 13^th, 2010 7:00pm-9:00pm in the Volstroff ballroom on the SDSU campus.

Details of the debate:

7:00 pm- South Dakota College Republican officer’s introductions
7:05 pm- Presentation of colors
7:06 pm- National Anthem
7:10 pm- Introduction of moderator (TBA)
7:15 pm- Opening statements by candidates- 3 minutes each
7:30 pm- Start of debate questions

Question topics: Budget, Healthcare, Education, Horse Slaughter, Agriculture, and Jobs.

9:00pm- Closing statements

Mark your calendars to be in Brookings, SD on April 13^th, 2009 at 7:00pm. The event is a free will donation. We will also be raffling off tickets for a signed Sarah Palin book! Come learn the differences between the republican candidates for Governor. Governor candidates include: Dennis Daugaard, Gordon Howie, Dave Knudson, Ken Knuppe, and Scott Munsterman. Have questions contact Joseph Bryant, SDSU College Republicans Treasurer, sdsugop@gmail.com.

Karl Rove - From the Midwest to the Top

I apologize for the delay, in getting this weblog underway... Just as we helped, in the major GOP victories in Virginia (and New Jersey) last fall, the Midwest College Republicans are working hard, this Spring semester, and will be a key part of "The GOP Comeback," in this vital year.

Several CRs, in our Midwest Caucus states, are signed up to post at this site, and will soon be posting region-based news, state updates, event recaps, important perspectives, and other pertinent material, insofar as our efforts, throughout the states of our CRNC Region.

Speaking of Midwest CRNC politics: One name that has been in the news a great deal lately is that of a GOP leader who rose to national prominence, specifically as a result of his involvement, in the Midwest Caucus of the College Republican National Committee.

Many of us have had the chance to #meetkarl, this Spring (or earlier), at events such as County Lincoln Day Dinners.

Former White House Chief of Staff (and former CRNC Executive Director, and CRNC National Chairman) Karl Rove's new book, Courage and Consequence: My Life as a Conservative in the Fight has quickly climbed onto the bestseller lists, and helps dispell many of myths, about Mr. Rove himself, as well as insofar as the presidency of George W. Bush.



Mr. Rove's Wikipedia encyclopedia entry specifically mentions the CRNC Midwest Caucus. The chapter (#2) of his book, which deals with his CR activities, is available online, for free.

Chapter 2: King of the College Republicans

- Midwest Voices: Left’s one-sided ‘civility’ exposed as Karl Rove is shouted down, Kansas City Star

News Release: Illinois College Republican Federation

The last entry here contained a press release from the Missouri College Republicans, for Independence Day 2009. Below is a release issued the following day, by Matt Zimmerman, Chairman of the Illinois College Republican Federation:


News Release
July 5, 2009
Contact:
Matt Zimmerman, Chair
Illinois College Republican Federation
217.493.5530
matt.zimmerman.icrf@gmail.com


The past week and a half has been an eventful one as concerns the direction of our nation. The Illinois College Republican Federation would like to take the time to address the future.



"Cap and Trade" legislation was narrowly passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on June 26. Under this bill, industries that produce the most carbon emissions will be heavily taxed for their emissions. Industries such as agriculture and heavy industry will be forced to either lay off numerous employees to pay the increased taxes or go out of business. In good economic times, this legislation would be disastrous. In today's economy, this legislation is borderline insanity. Some estimate that this legislation would increase the average family's energy bill by thousands of dollars a year and will drive up the price of all consumer goods.

While this bill is being sold by the Obama Administration that it will decrease our dependence on foreign energy sources, many argue otherwise. Domestic producers of oil and natural gas will more than likely be forced to close down increasing our dependence on foreign supplies of energy.

One would think that legislators should take time to think this legislation through. Instead, at the last minute, a 300 page amendment, was added to the bill at three in the morning the day before it was voted on. After its passage through the House, reports have surfaced that the bill was not at the Well of the House when it was debated and voted on. The legislators could not have read the bill or the amendment if they wanted to.

With Norm Coleman's concession, Harry Reid will have another crucial vote in passing radical legislation such as this through the U.S. Senate. Forget the questionable ballots discovered in the trunks of cars for weeks after the election -- The Democrats now have complete control of the Executive Branch and both chambers of Congress. One only needs to look at the current state of Illinois government to see what one party rule can do.

The Democratic Party controls every statewide office in Illinois along with near-supermajorities in both chambers of the General Assembly. In under eight years, they have proved that they are incapable of running the state. They refuse to look at ways of reforming our pension systems, education, and social service programs, and instead blame Republicans for refusing to vote for a tax increase.

If the recent history of Illinois is a guide, the future of our country is unappealing at best.

###


--- The Illinois College Republicans are working with candidates at all levels of government across the State of Illinois. We will fill a crucial piece of the puzzle in taking back Illinois and our Country.

On this day...

Statement from the Missouri Federation of College Republicans, issued yesterday by MOCR Chairman Jonathan Ratliff:


As we gather this Fourth of July to celebrate our Independence Day, let us not forget the principles our forefathers held to steadfastly in their fight for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Today, 233 years since the signing of our Declaration of Independence, the Missouri College Republicans continue to fight for these very same principles. We do so by helping to elect candidates who understand that life begins at conception, that liberty is the cornerstone of our great republic and that a free market is the best mechanism to lead the nation to economic prosperity and greater freedom for all. We are doing our part in the fight to preserve the ideals that make America great. The Missouri College Republicans seek to ensure that America's standing as an economic and military superpower, but most importantly as a beacon of hope in an otherwise dark world, continues to exist. Thank you all for your continued support. This weekend, take a moment to reflect upon the principles that have guided America to greatness and remember why our country means so much to so many people.

Independence Day

"Republicans believe every day is the Fourth of July, but the Democrats believe every day is April 15." - Ronald Reagan

Commentary Round-up: (TownHall.com, WorldNetDaily, past pieces)

Government Growth Challenging Liberty this July 4th, Carrie Lukas
Let Freedom Ring - Again, Richard Olivastro
Freedom Never Takes a Holiday, Paul Jacob
The People’s Declaration of Independence, Jackie Gingrich Cushman
A Revolutionary Idea: Tea parties from sea to shining sea
AND
Tea partiers counterattack 'bad guys on bad mission', Joe Kovacs
Top tea party speech chosen, WorldNetDaily
Free Men and Free Markets, J.T. Young

And via RenewAmerica:
233 Years Later, a New Independence Push, Michael Reagan
The American Creed, Breakpoint, Chuck Colson
Remembering What the Declaration of Independence is Not, Bruce Walker
Happy Upside-down Day, America, Ted Nugent



Past Pieces:
Educate citizens with the Constitution, Kyle Williams
An independent republic still?, Pat Buchanan

Welcome to the Weblog!

Started Independence Day Weekend 2009, this will be the blog of the Midwest Caucus of the College Republican National Committee (CRNC). Members of our Caucus will use this site to publish updates from the State Federations and chapters within our CRNC Region, and also for news, commentary, analysis, and other material related to College Republicans and contemporary politics, and to our states, our Midwest Region, and beyond.

NOTE: This is a collaborative weblog. Although some of those posting here may be regional or national officers of the CRNC, the entries posted here reflect the views of their individual authors only, and not those of the CRNC organization.


Thanks for visiting... The Midwest is the best!!