We need your help in naming the impact levels for 2008. We’d like to have 8 levels, but if you have a great theme that uses more or less we’d still love to hear it. Share your ideas and we’ll put the top 5 to a vote! Post you ideas in the comments below, or join the conversation in the Storm Discussion Group.
Karl Rove (CRNC alumnus) has shared some insight into the electoral map with Fox News, and I have decided to share it with you here as I prepare to fall asleep assuming that Barack Obama is going to get a bounce out of tonight’s Democratic primaries in Indiana and North Carolina.
The news is good and bad when we look at the maps Mr. Rove has constructed using polling data for general election match-ups with McCain v. Obama (shown below) and McCain v. Clinton. The good news is that the Dems seem to have nominated (presumptively, but they say never count the Clinton’s out ’til their out) the electorally weaker candidate:
The bad news is for College Republicans in those yellow states above - get ready for some serious GOTV work and a lotta attention this summer and fall…
But hey, it’s why we’re here right?!
Some interesting state results to note, both good and bad:
NY - We’re down only 4%!
NE - Up by 3%…
TX - 4%…
MI - Moving to our column!
OH - This is awesome. The GOP in OH has had some rough years for the brand name up there, but we are holding strong in 2008.
FL - If it stays this strong (performing better than state like Montana, South Dakota, and Nebraska for instance) it will be hard to call this a “swing state” in 2008. This speaks to the amazing reputation of former Gov. Bush and current Gov. Crist.
MO - See FL above. Traditionally a bellwether state, with an 8% victory, it will allow us to focus resources elsewhere.
IA - My home state is under-performing.
NM - Up by 2% in a close state from ‘00 and ‘04 with an important congressional and US Senate races.
Well, I could go on here, but those are some notables. Of course, this is all really for naught as it is way too early to be measuring in-state general election polls, but it paints an interesting starting picture. I should note too that states like MO and FL will probably remain incredibly important in the general election even if polls show them at decent margins now. I’m very, very confident we will win both states, but Barack’s say-anything-do-anything campaign will surely contest them with force and CRs will need to be prepared to add a little truth to the madness in states such as these.
If you notice something really striking that I have failed to mention, send it to csmith at crnc dot org and I’ll be happy to include them in a future post!
We are pulling together our orders for the Fall 2008 chapter boxes and would love to hear ideas from you guys about what would help you get the job done. Email any suggestions to info@crnc.org with the subject line “Chapter Box” or leave a comment below.
More specifically, the talented, long-time practicer of the “black arts” of politics goes through the strategy to beat Barack Obama on Tucker Carlson’s show:
By the way, Roger Stone is another College Republican alumnus. He was also recently in the news for some…investigating involving Governor Spitzer.
Congratulations to Brendan Boyle of Roger Williams College for his new position as State Chairman of the Rhode Island College Republican Federation. Just moments ago, the people of his state voted, the votes were tallied, and Brendan was declared the winner….with no opposition!
The new leadership team for RI:
Brendan Boyle, State Chairman
Barry Lucier, First Vice-Chairman
Sean Quigley, Second Vice-Chairman
Marc Coda, Treasurer
Good luck to the Rhode Island College Republican State Federation!
And now for the amazingly awesome video that all of you have been breathlessly awaiting:
This weekend, Will Crosswell (National Field Director) and I spent our time with Missouri College Republicans at their State Convention! Its been an awesome time with a great group of CR’s. Almost 100 students were in attendance. Their incrdible lineup of speakers included Congressman Kenny Hulshof; Governor Blunt’s Chief of Staff Ed Martin; and John Hancock (he fired Karl Rove before Rove’s climb to fame!).
MOCR’s newly elected officers are:
Jeremy Hagen, State Chairman
Amy Kaufmann, Vice-Chairman
Kristen, Treasurer
Rachel Hassani, Secretary
Justin Smith, Executive Director
After a lunch of subs underneath the famous St. Louis Arch, Jeremy took a few minutes to share a little about MOCR’s upcoming year…
Charlie and I are in Albuquerque this week as guests with the RNC Chairmans Meeting. Up for discussion are potential plans to change the primary calendar schedule, as well as some presentations and speeches on the coming election.
The mood here is very positive. Party chairman and staff from all over the country are excited about Sen. McCain’s message. Enthusiasm about the campaign is palpable all over the hotel.
So far there has been a lengthy debate on a number of constitutional ammendments, including some changes to officer eligibility and the removal of National Committeeman as a an elected position and returning to an at will appointment.
Elections are scheduled soon hereafter, there have been rumors of contests but nothing overt thus far.
From the business meeting the group will move to a banquet dinner with NFL Hall of Famer Peter Boulware as its keynote speaker.
Update
Aaron Scott and his slate was elected unanimously. Congratulations!
Sorry for the camera phone, my sony is in need of repairs.
I touched in With Esther Clark this morning before my flight to get her take from last night, and thoughts on today.