We began 2010 with several goals including the re-election of Senator Burr, holding two State House seats while gaining a third; and to gain control of our County Commission and Sheriff’s office.

Jason Falls had a very strong showing, finishing number one against two entrenched incumbents. Phil Brafford made an excellent showing in his first attempt; drawing the same percentage of the vote as did Falls in his first run two years ago. We were also successful in each of the House races. The Sheriff’s race proved much more difficult, due to the abundant financial resources of Alan Norman, and the strength of his long-planned campaign. I’m sure you join me in thanking Don Allen and Phil for their efforts.

I am excited about the growing strength of our local party. This is due to a number of factors; we certainly must recognize our best single source of Republican votes, President Obama and cohorts Pelosi and Reid.

That aside, it is you, the Republican volunteer that make the difference. Those of you are to be credited for making the difference are those who made some of the 7,000 phone calls to Cleveland County voters, those who manned the fair booth and the Shelby and Boiling Springs headquarters, participated in the Halloween and other door-to-door efforts, put out signs, handed out slate cards at the polls and to friends and neighbors, and those of you who financially supported your party and your candidates. On behalf of all of our candidates, thank you.

I join you in thanking our Vice-Chairman Neal Hodges who ran the fair and Shelby headquarters, Secretary Sasha Beam, Treasurers Darrell and Pam Keller, and Janet Jau who ran the Boiling Springs headquarters and coordinated much of the door-to-door.

To truly gauge your success this year, consider the growth in Republican vote in key races from the campaigns of 2006, 2008 and 2010, the trend is obvious:

Congress: 60%, 54%, 66%
House 110: 63%, 59%, 68%
House 111: 61%, Moore unopposed, 65%
House 112: 37%, England unopposed, 64%

Another interesting measurement of the rising Republican tide in Cleveland is the judicial races. In the last cycle, Justice Bob Orr won the county with 51.27%, while this cycle, Barbara Jackson captured 54.2%. Of 6 GOP-backed judicial candidates, only one lost in Cleveland County this year, our best record ever.

Now the work begins in earnest. We must recognize that a majority on the Commission or in Raleigh does not guarantee that we activists will see every change we want, nor does it mean we have more jobs in Cleveland County overnight. What it does ensure is a more conservative government that is accountable to the people with the fiscal restraint to lead us through the current budget economy, and the legislative restraint to protect individual liberty. Let us now support them with our prayers as we focus on the big picture, and not mindless detail.

Our next meeting will be a Christmas Party & Victory celebration on December 13, at J Oliver’s in Kings Mountain, at 6PM. The cost will be $10/person at the door, with cash bar. I look forward to seeing you then.