Dear Fellow Idaho Republicans,
2009 is off to a great start! Here are some of the highlights of the past couple months:
Record attendance at the Governor's Ball and GOP Legislative Gala.
Over 900 people showed up at the Grove Hotel in Boise on the evening of January 30 to celebrate with their Republican friends and elected GOP officials. There were a lot of young, new faces there; a fact that was not lost on Governor Otter as he addressed the crowd. Despite his recent shoulder injury, the Governor stayed well into the night to greet the GOP faithful that attended the Ball, as did our GOP Legislative leadership and Constitutional officers.
State Central Committee Meeting.
The GOP State Central Committee met in Boise on January 31 to conduct official party business, including consideration of proposed rules and resolutions, present awards in recognition of outstanding Republican achievements, and hear reports on the State Party's activities. We appreciated having both Governor Otter and Lieutenant Governor Little address the group. The next State Central Committee meeting will be held in Pocatello on June 20. Please contact your County or Legislative District Chairman for details as we get closer to the meeting.
RNC Chairman Michael Steele visits Idaho.
Michael Steele made his first official speech as the new Republican National Committee Chairman on February 18 -- and he did it in Idaho at the Ada County Lincoln Day Banquet. Chairman Steele electrified the crowd of more than 800 people with his message -- standing tall for our core Republican principles. While he was here, the State Party also hosted a roundtable discussion and fundraiser with Chairman Steele to discuss his vision and his plans for the Republican Party at the national level. As a long-time friend and former Georgetown law school classmate of Michael Steele's, I was very glad that we could get him to Idaho so early in his tenure as our new national chairman.
Idaho GOP Congressional Delegation Stands up for Idaho Values; Votes Against "Stimulus".
Senator Crapo, Senator Risch and Congressman Simpson all know that the so-called stimulus bill is nothing but a massive, pork-barrel tax-and-spend boondoggle by the federal government. Our children and grandchildren will now be saddled with over one trillion dollars in additional debt with no end in sight to the Obama-Reid-Pelosi plan to grow the size and scope of government. Idahoans -- and Americans -- have every right to be outraged.
Celebrating Lincoln.
All around the State, Republicans are celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, the first Republican President, at banquets, luncheons and breakfast events. We encourage you to join us. For the complete schedule, including the Lincoln Day celebration in your area, check the State Party website at http://www.idgop.org/ or call 343-6405.
Victory in 2010.
We are working on building up our war chest for the 2010 Election. Raising money is crucial for this election as our current representative to the 1st Congressional District outspent us with his own money. Please look for your 2009 Idaho GOP membership card in the mail and activate it with your donation as soon as possible. Also, we are building up our Sustaining Monthly donor program this year, so please consider going online and signing up to be a monthly donor. Click here to sign up now! Even 10 or 20 dollars a month will help us win back the 1st Congressional District and give us the extra push we need to win some of the tight legislative races we will face in 2010.
Please keep up the good work. Our continued success depends on Republicans like you. I look forward to seeing or hearing from you soon.
Victory in 2010!
Norm Semanko, Chairman
Idaho Republican Party
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Congratulations, Chairman Steele!
Fellow Idaho Republicans,
Last week, a good friend of mine - Michael Steele - was elected as the new Chairman of the Republican National Committee. As an early supporter, and part of his leadership team -- one of his twelve whips nationwide -- I couldn't be happier or more proud of where our party is headed.
Michael Steele has the perfect combination of skills -- charisma, optimism and common sense conservative values -- to lead a national resurgence of the Republican Party among the rank-and-file grassroots, as well as everyday Americans.
Michael and I have known each other for almost 20 years, since we went to law school together at Georgetown. In fact we ran against each other for vice president of the evening division in 1990 -- a race I won be a scant 3 votes. I am glad today's race was not that close!
Michael called me soon after the November elections and I told him that I would be proud to support him. He later asked me to be on his leadership team as one of a dozen whips across the country, helping to garner votes among the 168 members of the RNC.
Michael came to Boise to visit and strategize with me over breakfast at the Grove Hotel on January 18. We discussed the success that Republicans enjoy in Idaho and how to make that happen in other states. Now that vision is set to become a reality.
On behalf of Idaho Republicans, I have already thanked former RNC Chairman Mike Duncan for his service to our party, He visited our great state this fall, prior to the general election, and I also had the opportunity to sit down with him again in Boise earlier this month. In my email communication this afternoon, I also thanked him for the class and dignity that he has shown during this important transition for the party.
Michael Steele is scheduled to come to Idaho next month -- he is the featured speaker and guest of honor at the Ada County Lincoln Day Banquet on February 18 -- something I also was also proud to play a role in arranging.
I look forward to having the opportunity to introduce our new Republican Chairman -- and my good friend -- to Idahoans.
Norm Semanko, Chairman
Idaho Republican Party
Last week, a good friend of mine - Michael Steele - was elected as the new Chairman of the Republican National Committee. As an early supporter, and part of his leadership team -- one of his twelve whips nationwide -- I couldn't be happier or more proud of where our party is headed.
Michael Steele has the perfect combination of skills -- charisma, optimism and common sense conservative values -- to lead a national resurgence of the Republican Party among the rank-and-file grassroots, as well as everyday Americans.
Michael and I have known each other for almost 20 years, since we went to law school together at Georgetown. In fact we ran against each other for vice president of the evening division in 1990 -- a race I won be a scant 3 votes. I am glad today's race was not that close!
Michael called me soon after the November elections and I told him that I would be proud to support him. He later asked me to be on his leadership team as one of a dozen whips across the country, helping to garner votes among the 168 members of the RNC.
Michael came to Boise to visit and strategize with me over breakfast at the Grove Hotel on January 18. We discussed the success that Republicans enjoy in Idaho and how to make that happen in other states. Now that vision is set to become a reality.
On behalf of Idaho Republicans, I have already thanked former RNC Chairman Mike Duncan for his service to our party, He visited our great state this fall, prior to the general election, and I also had the opportunity to sit down with him again in Boise earlier this month. In my email communication this afternoon, I also thanked him for the class and dignity that he has shown during this important transition for the party.
Michael Steele is scheduled to come to Idaho next month -- he is the featured speaker and guest of honor at the Ada County Lincoln Day Banquet on February 18 -- something I also was also proud to play a role in arranging.
I look forward to having the opportunity to introduce our new Republican Chairman -- and my good friend -- to Idahoans.
Norm Semanko, Chairman
Idaho Republican Party
Monday, January 5, 2009
Chairman's Corner -- 2008 Recap/Moving Ahead in 2009
Happy New Year!
I hope you enjoyed the Christmas season. It has been a busy time here at Idaho GOP headquarters. After a successful 2008 election, we immediately turned our focus to 2009 and preparing for the 2010 elections.
Here are some highlights:
2008 Election Recap. As a State Party, we were able to contribute over $150,000 directly to State Legislative candidates and the House and Senate caucuses. We increased our majority in the House to 52-18 and maintained our 28-7 advantage in the Senate. By any measure, this is a vast improvement over 2006 when we lost seven seats in the House to the Democrats. We raised nearly $50,000 in support of independent expenditure radio ads for our U.S. Senate and Congressional candidates, as well as tens of thousands of dollars to support our absentee and get-out-the-vote efforts. John McCain and Idaho native Sarah Palin won Idaho by a huge 26-point margin. Comparing notes with my fellow State Chairmen across the country since the election, it is apparent that Idaho Republicans continue to lead the way as the reddest of the red States.
New Executive Director. We bid farewell to our Executive Director, Sid Smith, at the end of the year as he was given the opportunity to run U.S. Senator Jim Risch's Coeur d'Alene office. After reviewing numerous resumes and receiving advice from the State Executive Committee, State Officers and other Idaho Republicans, I was pleased to offer the position to Jonathan Parker, Young Republican State Chairman and District Director for Congressman Bill Sali. He started the job on January 5 and I know that he will do a great job working with all Idaho Republicans. He can be reached at jparker@idgop.org or (208) 343-6405.
Governor's Ball and Legislative Gala. Our highlight event of the year will be held at 8:00 pm on Friday, January 30 at the Grove Hotel in Boise. This is a great way to kick-off the new year, celebrating in style with friends, fellow Republicans and our elected officials. Invitations will go out soon and the cost is $25 per person or $40 per couple. For further information, including how to get tickets for the Ball, contact State GOP headquarters at (208) 343-6405 or email info@idgop.org.
State Central Committee Meeting. The semi-annual meeting of the State Party's governing body will be held on Saturday, January 31 at the Center on the Grove convention center in Boise. Consideration of proposed resolutions, rule changes, reports from elected officials, and other party business will be conducted, along with the presentation of special awards to deserving Republicans. We will also entertain proposals and select a site for the 2010 State Convention. If you are interested in attending, please contact State Party headquarters.
Standing Committees. Working with the seven Regional Chairs, I have completed the process of appointing members to our standing committees, including chairs and vice chairs. This is the team that will help lead us at the upcoming State Central Committee meeting. If you are interested in learning who represents your area of the State, please let us know.
Lincoln Day Banquets. We will again celebrate our first Republican President at dinner banquets, luncheons and breakfasts around the State in February, March and April. The Statewide schedule is currently in the process of being finalized. Contact your County GOP organization or the State GOP office for more information.
2008 has come and gone; another successful year for Idaho Republicans. We now have a great challenge before us -- upholding our core, Republican principles while working to elect our Republican candidates in 2010. The hard work has already begun. I know we are up to the challenge and I look forward to continuing our work together in the days and months to come.
As always, I value your thoughts, ideas and questions so please don't hesitate to contact us here at Idaho GOP headquarters.
Victory 2010
Norm Semanko, Chairman
Idaho Republican Party
I hope you enjoyed the Christmas season. It has been a busy time here at Idaho GOP headquarters. After a successful 2008 election, we immediately turned our focus to 2009 and preparing for the 2010 elections.
Here are some highlights:
2008 Election Recap. As a State Party, we were able to contribute over $150,000 directly to State Legislative candidates and the House and Senate caucuses. We increased our majority in the House to 52-18 and maintained our 28-7 advantage in the Senate. By any measure, this is a vast improvement over 2006 when we lost seven seats in the House to the Democrats. We raised nearly $50,000 in support of independent expenditure radio ads for our U.S. Senate and Congressional candidates, as well as tens of thousands of dollars to support our absentee and get-out-the-vote efforts. John McCain and Idaho native Sarah Palin won Idaho by a huge 26-point margin. Comparing notes with my fellow State Chairmen across the country since the election, it is apparent that Idaho Republicans continue to lead the way as the reddest of the red States.
New Executive Director. We bid farewell to our Executive Director, Sid Smith, at the end of the year as he was given the opportunity to run U.S. Senator Jim Risch's Coeur d'Alene office. After reviewing numerous resumes and receiving advice from the State Executive Committee, State Officers and other Idaho Republicans, I was pleased to offer the position to Jonathan Parker, Young Republican State Chairman and District Director for Congressman Bill Sali. He started the job on January 5 and I know that he will do a great job working with all Idaho Republicans. He can be reached at jparker@idgop.org or (208) 343-6405.
Governor's Ball and Legislative Gala. Our highlight event of the year will be held at 8:00 pm on Friday, January 30 at the Grove Hotel in Boise. This is a great way to kick-off the new year, celebrating in style with friends, fellow Republicans and our elected officials. Invitations will go out soon and the cost is $25 per person or $40 per couple. For further information, including how to get tickets for the Ball, contact State GOP headquarters at (208) 343-6405 or email info@idgop.org.
State Central Committee Meeting. The semi-annual meeting of the State Party's governing body will be held on Saturday, January 31 at the Center on the Grove convention center in Boise. Consideration of proposed resolutions, rule changes, reports from elected officials, and other party business will be conducted, along with the presentation of special awards to deserving Republicans. We will also entertain proposals and select a site for the 2010 State Convention. If you are interested in attending, please contact State Party headquarters.
Standing Committees. Working with the seven Regional Chairs, I have completed the process of appointing members to our standing committees, including chairs and vice chairs. This is the team that will help lead us at the upcoming State Central Committee meeting. If you are interested in learning who represents your area of the State, please let us know.
Lincoln Day Banquets. We will again celebrate our first Republican President at dinner banquets, luncheons and breakfasts around the State in February, March and April. The Statewide schedule is currently in the process of being finalized. Contact your County GOP organization or the State GOP office for more information.
2008 has come and gone; another successful year for Idaho Republicans. We now have a great challenge before us -- upholding our core, Republican principles while working to elect our Republican candidates in 2010. The hard work has already begun. I know we are up to the challenge and I look forward to continuing our work together in the days and months to come.
As always, I value your thoughts, ideas and questions so please don't hesitate to contact us here at Idaho GOP headquarters.
Victory 2010
Norm Semanko, Chairman
Idaho Republican Party
Friday, November 21, 2008
For "young" folks in Boise...
...I'll be at the Boise Young Professionals Happy Hour today at Chandler's Steakhouse downtown - it's part of Hotel 43. Runs from 5-7 pm. Swing by and say hello.
Sid Smith
Executive Director
Sid Smith
Executive Director
Obama Transition Team's Puzzling Gun Question
President-elect Obama's transition team is asking potential cabinet members about their gun ownership. Considering Obama's troubling views on Second Amendment rights, one has to wonder what the purpose of the question is...
Sid Smith
Executive Director
Sid Smith
Executive Director
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Don't Call It a Comeback
After several newspaper reports about his death had been published, Mark Twain famously said “Rumors of my demise have been greatly exaggerated.” Remember what the media said about the Idaho Republican Party this past summer? They said we were in “disarray” and hopelessly divided. They labeled us as out of touch. And they tried to overwhelm us with negative press coverage. Above all, they said Idaho Republicans had lost their edge and couldn't win. Funny thing is they forgot to check-in with the voters.
All the while, Idaho Republicans stuck to their traditional values: limited government, less spending, lower taxes and a basic respect for private property, personal liberty and the sanctity of life -- as well as a strong commitment to national security and our troops.
Nothing fancy. Nothing difficult to understand. Just time-honored, Constitutional principles that have kept our nation strong – and a lot of hard work out on the campaign trail. We believed in Idaho voters, instead of browbeating them or suggesting they were backward or behind the times, as some liberals did.
After a long, difficult campaign season, the win-loss record is certainly gratifying, especially given the media's gloom-and-doom predictions following the GOP State Convention in June. Turns out that competition is good. It actually strengthened our party. Rather than resting on our laurels, Idaho Republicans dared to be better. And it paid off this fall.
Bucking the national swoon over Barack Obama, Idahoans gave John McCain and Idaho native Sarah Palin a huge 26-point margin of victory in Idaho. Also, the Idaho GOP actually gained a state legislative seat this year – a vast improvement over the seven legislative seats lost to Democrats just two years ago.
The House totals are now 52 Republicans and 18 Democrats. In the Senate, the margin remains 28-7 in favor of Republicans. While we were unable to maintain an all-GOP Congressional delegation – the direct result of Congressman Bill Sali being heavily outspent by national Democrats and their liberal out-of-state allies – Jim Risch ran a nearly flawless campaign to become our next U.S. Senator and join Senator Mike Crapo in representing Idaho.
And don't forget the overwhelming re-election of Mike Simpson to Congress.
Aside from losing more ground in the State Legislature, Idaho Democrats also lost out in the courthouses. Most notably, the Democrats' much-trumpeted plan to take over the Ada County Courthouse was thwarted. Republican Sharon Ullman defeated incumbent Paul Woods, while incumbent Republican Rick Yzagguire easily fended off a challenge from David Langhorst, giving Ada County an all-Republican Commission.
Ada County voters knew where to go to keep their property taxes down, and traditional stronghold counties like Canyon, Kootenai and Bonneville all stayed in the hands of Republicans. Even more important than wins and losses, however, the Idaho Republican Party increased its strength and vitality, adapting to the needs and demands of the future. Change was the clarion call of this year's elections. Leading the way, Idaho's GOP was up to the challenge and all of Idaho will be the better for it.
Norm Semanko, Chairman
All the while, Idaho Republicans stuck to their traditional values: limited government, less spending, lower taxes and a basic respect for private property, personal liberty and the sanctity of life -- as well as a strong commitment to national security and our troops.
Nothing fancy. Nothing difficult to understand. Just time-honored, Constitutional principles that have kept our nation strong – and a lot of hard work out on the campaign trail. We believed in Idaho voters, instead of browbeating them or suggesting they were backward or behind the times, as some liberals did.
After a long, difficult campaign season, the win-loss record is certainly gratifying, especially given the media's gloom-and-doom predictions following the GOP State Convention in June. Turns out that competition is good. It actually strengthened our party. Rather than resting on our laurels, Idaho Republicans dared to be better. And it paid off this fall.
Bucking the national swoon over Barack Obama, Idahoans gave John McCain and Idaho native Sarah Palin a huge 26-point margin of victory in Idaho. Also, the Idaho GOP actually gained a state legislative seat this year – a vast improvement over the seven legislative seats lost to Democrats just two years ago.
The House totals are now 52 Republicans and 18 Democrats. In the Senate, the margin remains 28-7 in favor of Republicans. While we were unable to maintain an all-GOP Congressional delegation – the direct result of Congressman Bill Sali being heavily outspent by national Democrats and their liberal out-of-state allies – Jim Risch ran a nearly flawless campaign to become our next U.S. Senator and join Senator Mike Crapo in representing Idaho.
And don't forget the overwhelming re-election of Mike Simpson to Congress.
Aside from losing more ground in the State Legislature, Idaho Democrats also lost out in the courthouses. Most notably, the Democrats' much-trumpeted plan to take over the Ada County Courthouse was thwarted. Republican Sharon Ullman defeated incumbent Paul Woods, while incumbent Republican Rick Yzagguire easily fended off a challenge from David Langhorst, giving Ada County an all-Republican Commission.
Ada County voters knew where to go to keep their property taxes down, and traditional stronghold counties like Canyon, Kootenai and Bonneville all stayed in the hands of Republicans. Even more important than wins and losses, however, the Idaho Republican Party increased its strength and vitality, adapting to the needs and demands of the future. Change was the clarion call of this year's elections. Leading the way, Idaho's GOP was up to the challenge and all of Idaho will be the better for it.
Norm Semanko, Chairman
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