Katy's Conservative Corner

Merry Christmas from the Benningfields

With Love,

Rob, Katy, and Bobby

2008 New Year's Resolution: Work Hard - Elect Republicans!

The NC Democrats are working hard for the 2008 State and Local elections.  Will you? 

North Carolina Republicans cannot afford to sit home this year, simply because we are unhappy with what might be happening at the national level.  Your statewide and local candidates NEED YOU! 

In the statewide municipal elections in October 2007, roughly 6-7 percent of registered voters voted in Wake County, with that trend occurring across North Carolina.  We simply cannot afford this kind of apathy.

The letter below is from the state chairman of the Democrat party.  We can't let them make any more gains. It's time to take back the majority in both the North Carolina House and Senate!

To find a candidate to support, get involved in your local Republican party organization and sign up to help a Republican candidate.  You will find most of them listed here. 

Democrats actually believe the government should take care of its citizens!  I certainly do not want any government taking care of me!  Governments are inherently inefficient and wasteful.

I'd rather make my own decisions and let the government handle its traditional duties, such as fire and police protection, provide for our national security, strong military, disaster assistance, and the minimal social services necessary along with only the absolute necessary regulations on free commerce.  In short, we don't want Big Brother and Big Sister Democrats looking over our shoulder attempting to "help" us at every turn. 

In 2008, let's join together, work hard, and elect Republicans!  It's going to take us all.  Who's with me?

God bless you and have a Merry Christmas!

-Katy

Dear Democrat,

The holiday season is a sacred opportunity to connect with family, honor cultural traditions and count our blessings.

We have much to be thankful for.

I am thankful for the thousands of Democrats who work tirelessly to preserve and promote the values we hold dear.

I am thankful for the retiree who stops by the local party headquarters to answer the phones and check the mail; the college student who canvasses during spring break; and the poll worker who stands in the cold and rain to encourage their neighbors to vote.

I am thankful to be a member of a political party that believes that we are our brother and sister's keeper.

That's why next year's elections are so important. There is so much work to do.

Children deserve access to quality health care and education, regardless of where they live.

Our troops deserve to have the resources they need to do their jobs and a war strategy worthy of their sacrifices. We all deserve a humane immigration policy that moves beyond demagoguery and toward responsible, effective solutions.

We can only do that by reclaiming the White House and widening our majorities in the General Assembly and Congress.

Let's make 2008 the year we take back America.

Thanks for all you do for the Party and this great state.

With best wishes,
Jerry Meek
Chairman, North Carolina Democratic Party

North Carolina Media Launches Political Attack by Senator Elizabeth Dole

Yesterday morning, North Carolina’s largest newspaper used their editorial page to attack my position on illegal immigration. I’ve attached the editorial below so you can read it yourself.

This editorial is little more than a veiled political attack to try to soften me up with voters.

The Charlotte Observer doesn’t tell readers that this bill was so bad that a bi-partisan majority of 53 Senators eventually voted against it.

The editorial only singles me out.

Why?...Because the other Senators are not up for re-election in North Carolina.

This is just the beginning of what will be an onslaught of attacks by some in the media and from liberal special interests over the next 11 months.

That’s why I hope I can count on your continued support so my campaign can fight back.

I’m proud of my record on illegal immigration.

  Yes, I opposed Ted Kennedy’s (left) amnesty bill. It was bad legislation. It didn’t secure our borders – would have cost tens of billions of tax payers' dollars on government programs – and it provided amnesty to up to 20 million illegal aliens.

I opposed it then – and worked diligently with other key conservative Republicans in the Senate to defeat it. I’d do the same thing today.

But defeating bad legislation isn’t enough. We need to find a resolution to the challenge of border security and illegal immigration.

The Charlotte Observer editorial doesn’t mention my successful efforts to do just that.

It doesn’t mention my amendment that passed the Senate to add billions to securing the borders…

…for more border agents – electronic security – barriers – and internal security.

The article doesn’t mention my efforts to help create a program in North Carolina that gives local Sheriff departments the training and tools to begin the deportation process for illegals that commit crimes. A program that the Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency believes can be a model for other states to apply.

But telling the whole story isn’t what this editorial was about.

It’s about politics.

It’s about helping my Democrat opponents.

Please stand with me and my campaign so I have the resources to fight back.

As always, thank you so much for your help and support,

Elizabeth Dole

Editor's Note: You can read the aforementioned editorial by clicking on the link below.  You may make a contribution to Mrs. Dole's re-election campaign here. 

Additionally, the photo of Senator Kennedy was inserted by your blogger and not by the Dole campaign. Mrs. Dole has far too much grace for that. Therefore, your blogger takes all credit for any laughter that ensues.

Big Thieves, Little Thieves: Why not tougher penalties for bigger crimes? by Sen. Fern Shubert

Representative Thomas Wright has been indicted. Just like Jim Black, Wright seems determined to hold onto power as long as possible. While many think he should have been asked to leave long ago, I must admit that watching his political allies try to ignore the obvious provides great entertainment for those of us who think Black should have a lot of company in prison.

Listening to Black's political heir, current Speaker Joe Hackney, talk about Wright is painful. Hackney's comments prompt the following question: Which is worse, stealing a few dollars or stealing the power to steer millions of dollars by stealing votes?

A couple of weeks ago, in Gerrymandering 101 (November 30, 2007 edition of The County Edge), I explained how the Black/Hackney team gerrymandered North Carolina to retain power. To me, what they did was a far greater crime than any of the charges against Wright that are  getting so much attention.

Perhaps if the Black/Hackney team hadn't gerrymandered NC, Wright wouldn't even be in the House. Pender County Commissioners brought the case challenging the current gerrymander, but Wright s county, New Hanover, was part of the illegal gerrymander. (Not just my opinion that what was done was illegal. . . the NC Supreme Court has officially ruled that it was illegal.)

Of course, if the Black/Hackney team hadn't gerrymandered, Hackney might not be in the House. Clearly someone had the staff conceal the correct census numbers, so Orange County could have 3 reps rather than being part of a 2-member district. Since Hackney is elected from the Orange-gerrymander district, you have to suspect he knew what was happening.

So here's the question: What did Hackney know about the inaccurate census numbers used for Orange County and when did he know it? If Hackney plans to preside over a session seeking Wright's dismissal, someone needs to ask him about the bigger theft.

Editor's Note: Fern Shubert served North Carolina from Union County.  She stepped down from the North Carolina to run for Governor in 2004.  Previously she served three terms in the North Carolina House before being elected to one term in the NC Senate, according to the not-always-reliable Wikipedia. 

Your blogger and her husband, Rob, voted for Sen. Shubert in that 2004 GOP primary and feel that North Carolina lost a great chance at an excellent governor. 

Raleigh Man Urges Mark Cuban to Cease Funding Anti-American Movie

Wake County conservative activist, Dennis Berwyn (right), says Americans should avoid the movie "Redacted ". 

Funded by Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, Berwyn says that the movie depicts the rape of a 14-year-old girl in Iraq. 

He filmed his video in front of the art-house theater, The Colony, in Raleigh.  Apparently, not many people cared to see it, as it left that theater shortly after Berwyn filmed his video. 

Your blogger wonders what theater management thought of Berwyn and his accomplices standing in front of their old, little theater, with signs.   Hopefully, Cuban, and the Colony, lost big bucks on this one.

Conservative reviewer Michael Medved says it portrays the U.S. Marine Corps as corrupt and rapists. 

From the IMDB website: Magnolia Films requested that Brian De Palma blacked (sic) out the faces of dead Iraqis in the disturbing photo montage at the end of the film. It was feared that families of the dead could sue. 

Your blogger wonders about the United States Marine Corps.  Shouldn't they be able to sue for false portrayal?  Both reviews are posted below.  Support our troops and honor the United States by not seeing "Redacted".

Politically Correct Greetings for the "Holiday"

To my Liberal Acquaintances:

"Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all.

I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2008, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great.

Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphere. And without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishee.

By accepting these greetings you are accepting these terms. This greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal. It is freely transferable with no alteration to the original greeting. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for herself or himself or others, and is void where prohibited by law and is revocable at the sole discretion of the wisher.

This wish is warranted to perform as expected within the usual application of good tidings for a period of one year or until the issuance of a subsequent holiday greeting, whichever comes first, and warranty is limited to replacement of this wish or issuance of a new wish at the sole discretion of the wisher."

To my Conservative Friends: Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!

Editor's Note: The author is unknown, but this was forwarded to me by fellow conservative, Melissa Mitchell.

Congressman Jones Should Reimburse Taxpayers for Push Poll Calls by Joe McLaughlin

This past Saturday, I (left) was humbled to participate in the “Wreaths Across America” ceremony at New Bern’s National Cemetery.   Each branch of the Armed Services was represented and I was asked to place the wreath representing the United States Army. 

This moving ceremony and my subsequent quiet moments paying respects to those who have passed on reinforced my gratitude to those who have given so much to insure our freedom.   I thank the hosts of the event for the opportunity to participate.

This weekend, I received several emails from supporters who are keeping an eye on this race and the voting record of Walter Jones.  Yes, the House was back in session so we had what has come to be an almost weekly vote by Jones against the Republican leadership.  This time, Walter was one of just 5 Republicans to vote against the Intelligence Authorization Act.   

As your Congressman I won’t vote with the Republican leadership on all issues, but I will not become a tool of the Democratic Party, siding with them on key issues that undermine the GOP and the nation.  If you consistently vote with the Democrats on issues ranging from taxes to national security, why call yourself a Republican?

When Congressman Jones (left) makes one of his rare public appearances in eastern North Carolina, he talks about fighting to control wasteful spending, but as with so many other issues, his record doesn’t match his rhetoric.   

Today, I’m calling on Walter Jones to practice give the taxpayers of the Third District an early Christmas present by righting a wrong that has wasted tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars. 

Many of you remember receiving an automated phone call late this summer, a push-poll for Walter Jones.  It included his voice, leading voters through a series of very one-sided questions that encouraged voters when they agreed with him on key issues. 

I received numerous phone calls about the poll and became curious when many of my Democrat friends told me they also had received the call.   I couldn’t figure out why Walter would spend his dwindling campaign dollars to poll Democrats, when all experts agree that his most serious challenge is trying to defeat me in the Republican primary.   Well I recently got the answer to that question and unfortunately, it involves another serious waste of taxpayer dollars. 

The recently released Statement of Disbursements of the House, documents the spending of members of the House of Representatives from July through September of this year.  This is a record of spending by their Congressional offices, not their campaign accounts. 

On page 1360 of book 2 of 3, you will find an expenditure of
$26, 9961.60, from the office of Walter Jones to a company called CC Advertising.  What does CC Advertising specialize in?  You guessed it: automated phone polls. 

In fact, on their website there is a sampling of their work that includes a poll that is almost identical to the one Congressman Jones conducted over the summer.  Almost $27,000 of your hard-earned money being used so he can conduct a poll for his reelection campaign.  Are you as outraged as I am?

I’ve attached a letter I’ve sent to Congressman Jones’ office, asking that he take a stand and do the right thing.  He should reimburse the taxpayers for this blatant misuse of funds.  However, if he feels that the automated call came under the category of a “constituent call”, then release both the questions asked and the results so we can all decide for ourselves.  If the taxpayers paid for it, why shouldn’t they have access to it?

After reading the attached letter, I hope you will call Congressman Jones’ office and ask for an explanation. Furthermore, demand that the results of the poll be released or that Congressman Jones reimburse the taxpayers for this poll from his campaign account, where the funding should have come from in the beginning. It’s time Walter Jones started practicing what he preaches and quit wasting YOUR money.   His Washington DC number is 202-225-3415.

See you on the campaign trail!
                 -Joe

Download phonepollletter1.doc

Editor's Note: Joe McLaughlin is a candiate in the Republican primary in North Carolina's Third Congressional District, running against Congressman Jones.  Katy's Conservative Corner does not make endorsements in primary races, but provides articles such as this one for your information.

Weaver, Candidate for NC House District 35, Speaks with Katy's Conservative Corner

Eric M. Weaver, Sr, GOP candidate for NC House District 35, is off and running, mounting a strong campaign against Rep. Jennifer Weiss.  Weaver, a real-estate broker, small business owner and former police officer, is campaigning on traditional values but with new ideas. 

On his campaign website, Weaver lists his Top Ten issues, and then explains what he will do when elected.  Eric grew up in Raleigh and understands the needs of the Capital city and beyond.  His district also covers Cary, where he works in real estate.  He knows the district well and works closely with the people here.

Your blogger lives in NC House District 35 and has gotten to know Eric, his wife Michelle, and their two sweet children. 

Katy's Conservative Corner gives Weaver our highest endorsement.  Weaver is what we need in the North Carolina House, to turn back the liberal tide of constant tax increases and ever-expanding government. 

More on Eric Weaver and his race soon, as well as those of other state house and senate candates.

In the interview below, KCC spoke with Eric M. Weaver, Sr at the Move America Forward event in downtown Raleigh.  More on that event here.

 

Boston Tea Party Anniversary is Ron Paul "Money Bomb Day"

Libertarian and registered Republican Presidential candidate, Ron Paul has set today as another of his "Money Bomb" days.  That's when supporters are encouraged to get together, and raise money for his campaign.

Katy's Conservative Corner assumes this will mean more money for homemade signs on exit ramps and on highway overpasses. But, what else could it mean? 

Today, in Durham, a Ron Paul Tea Party is being held to commemorate anniversary of the Boston Tea Party.  Such events are being held across the state and nation by Ron Paul Meetup groups. Your blogger was interested in going and learning more, but had a personal commitment (Christmas Party).

The real test will be how this money adds up.  From this blogger's perspective, it's hard to tell if Paul has an actual shot at the presidency on the Republican ticket.  Though she doubts it, she understands that it is hard to argue with a large war chest. 

Yes, Paul agrees with many of our conservative principles, but he is actually more Libertarian in his social views, which plants him squarely in that camp.  Further, he paints himself as an isolationist, which alienates many in the GOP.

One cannot argue with money, however.  I'm sure many of his opponents wish that they could raise this type of money on one day, as Paul has shown he can do.

Paul's candidacy has brought people to the political process that have never before been involved. He has also picked up some traditional Republican leadership along the way.

For example, the Wake County Young Republicans held a Presidential straw poll at their annual Christmas Party, and the Paul supporters came out in droves, ensuring victory for their man.  They had to join the club to vote, by paying the $24 club dues. 

Will these people stay involved in the political process after Paul's day is done, whenever that might be?  Will they stay registered Republicans if Paul does not capture the nomination?   

Either way, it will be interesting to see how much money the campaign generates today. Stay tuned...

For More Information:

The Man Behind Ron Paul's Fundraising Curtain -  Trevor Lyman, who has never voted, used his Internet savvy to bring in millions in pledges for his candidate.

Move America Forward Brings Message of Support The Troops to Raleigh, Fayetteville

Move America Forward brought their traveling group to Raleigh last Thursday, to spread the message that we Americans do indeed support our overseas troops.  Despite what is often said on the so-called "Drive by", mainstream media, we are winning the war, and we want our troops to have a Merry Christmas. 

The group encouraged everyone to bring Christmas cards to the event at the NC Capitol.  These cards will be mailed to or personally delivered to our fighting men and women in Iraq.

Katy's Conservative Corner was one of the few media on the scene and took plenty of photos and video of the event.  Two such videos are below.  Click on the link at the bottom of the page to see the photos. 

See photos of the Fayetteville event on the NC Gathering of Eagles website.  (Thanks to Ross "Bubba" McDowell for helping to promote both events in NC.)

Popular WPTF talk show host, Bill LuMaye, was also on hand to share in the festivities and thank our troops. 

Christian singer Diana Nagy entertained with selections from her new CD: The Journey of Life.  KCC will write more about her and her CD in an upcoming post.

Henderson County GOP To Host Gubernatorial Debate, March 26th

The Henderson County Republican Men's Club & the Henderson County Republican Party will host a Gubernatorial Debate on March 26th. 

The Details are as follows:

What:  Gubernatorial Debate featuring the three announced GOP announced candidates.

When:  March 26, 2008, 8:00 a.m. (Editor's note: that's right, a.m.)

Where: Blue Ridge Community College, Bo Thomas Auditorium

Contact: Henderson County Republican Party Headquarters
PO Box 2552
Hendersonville, NC 28793
828.693.6040
[email protected]

NC 11th Congressional District's Golden Elephant Awards - Jan 7th

The 11th Republican Congressional District Announces their annual "Golden Elephant Awards Banquet".

Details

When: Monday, January 7, 2008
5:30 Reception, 7:00 Dinner

Where: The Crest Center and Pavilion in Asheville

Why: To Kick Off the 2008 Election Year and Reclaim Western North Carolina.  Read more information about Heath Shuler's record in Congress here.

Contact: Stephen G. Duncan, e-mail or call 828-777-5718 or visit the 11th District website.  Download the reservation form.

Speakers: 11th District Republican Congressional Candidates, but also there will be a number of statewide candidates on hand to meet and greet.  Your blogger is told this is a must attend event.

Wake County Huckabee Meetup Group Plans Kickoff Dec 18th

As a public service to fans of Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, and to those wishing to learn more about him, Katy's Conservative Corner is passing along the following information.

What: Raleigh Likes Mike Huckabee for President 2008 Meetup Group (Your blogger is sure that folks in surrounding areas are invited, also.)

When: Tuesday, December 18th, 7:00 p.m.

Why: Kickoff meeting to socialize and formulate strategies for the coming weeks and months of this election year.

How To Attend: Visit the group website at http://mikehuckabee.meetup.com/243/ and sign up there.  Follow the instructions.

If you have any questions, e-mail sponsor Dick Gray.

Editor's Note: If you have information you wish to send out about your candidates (at any level) meetings, fundraisers, etc, please e-mail your blogger.  KCC makes no official Republican primary endorsements.

RINO Drubbing Continues on T.A.P. Blog

The Talking About Politics blog continues to generate comments about former State Rep. David Miner (R-Wake).  With few apparent friends left in the NCGOP, Miner endorsed Democrat Richard Moore for Governor, over three Republicans.

The debate and commentary continues on a myriad of topics relating to Miner, Bush fundraiser Jim Culbertson, Presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani, former co-House speaker Richard Morgan, power-house political consultant Paul Shumaker, and others who are accused of attempting to tear apart the North Carolina Republican Party.

Topics range from Miner's use of President Bush's voice in calls to voters of NC House District 36, to his days as National Chairman of the College Republicans in the 1980s. 

Miner, who started his political career as an unabashed conservative, ended his tenure in the North Carolina General Assembly by promoting and endorsing gay rights causes. 

Unfortunately, most posts are unsigned and thus unverifiable.  Read them here.

Urgent: State Auditor Les Merritt Needs Your Help by December 18th!

Les Merritt is in an unusual situation this election cycle.  The General Assembly passed a law last summer that requires his campaign to participate in public financing. 
Les is a great Auditor and he needs our help, immediately.  He's exposed lots of corruption in the past 3 1/2 years and the North Carolina Democrats have painted a virtual bull's eye on his back. 

Despite what the Democrats think, Les is not out to get anyone.  He's a fair man and he is ridding North Carolina of waste in government.  Those in power don't feel comfortable at all, for reasons obvious to your blogger.

Let's all get together and help him out as he is in a unique position this year!  He needs our checks, much like the judicial candidates do, only he needs more of them.

Please read on:

Friends,

I am writing because I need your help before the end of the year.

During the recently concluded legislative session, the General Assembly passed a public financing bill which applies to my re-election campaign. This bill has now been signed into law. It is imperative that I participate in the public financing program created by this new law. I need your help to ensure that I qualify.

If I am to qualify, I must receive donations averaging $40 per person from at least 750 registered North Carolina voters. Qualifying contributions must be made by personal check or money order, and they must be between $10 and $200 per person.

If you want to help me win re-election in 2008, the single most important thing you can do today is mail your contribution using the donor form linked below. If possible, please respond between now and December 18.

Please take a moment to download the form and main your contribution today. If you have already made a qualifying contribution, please encourage ten of your friends to join you in this cause.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Les

Link to donor form: http://www.lesmerritt.com/donate.html

Katy's Conservative Corner strongly endorses Les Merritt for re-election and hopes that you will do so, too. 

This time, he needs more than just your vote. He needs your personal check of $40 or more. 

Special Session Needed to Expel Democrat Wright, says Hackney

Embattled State Rep. Thomas Wright (D-New Hanover), a former close associate of incarcerated former Speaker Jim Black (D-Mecklenburg), is refusing to step down from his office.  This is prompting many, including Speaker Joe Hackney (D-Orange) to call for a special session of the General Assembly. 

Wright's story, a long and sordid affair, has been chronicled in state newspapers for months.  Yesterday, a grand jury finally handed down indictments on five counts.

News and Observer  chief blogger, Ryan Teague Beckwith, reported today:

On Monday, Wright was indicted by the Wake County district attorney on five counts of obtaining property under false pretenses and one count of obstruction of justice after a lengthy criminal investigation.

In a statement posted on the North Carolina Republican Party website, Chairwoman Linda Daves accused Speaker Hackney for doing too little, too late. 

"If Democrat Speaker Joe Hackney and Majority Leader Hugh Holliman were serious about transparency and reforming the culture of the state legislature, they would have taken stronger action long ago."  She also referred to the as being "known for their uncompromising nature, back-room deals, and strong-arm tactics."

View Speaker Joe Hackney's Statement below.  Beneath the video, click on the link to read the NCGOP statement in full.

NC Americans for Prosperity to Host Free Dec 18th Workshop on Appealing Property Tax Hikes

 

What:  Americans for Prosperity will host a free property tax appeal workshop. The event will assist members of the community, who are concerned about recent property tax revaluations learn how to file an appeal.

The workshop will include training from real estate, property tax and appraisal experts.  Wake County Commissioner Paul Coble will also address the attendees.

Cost: Nothing.  Pre-register at www.afpnc.org  or by clicking here.

When:  Tuesday, December 18, 7:00 PM

Where:  Cardinal Gibbons High School.  1401 Edwards Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607. The event will be held in the Cardinal Gibbons Theatre

Why:  Property owners only have until Jan. 1 to file an appeal of their new revaluation. All owners have the right to appeal the appraised valuation of their property.

Your blogger's husband will be there.  Will you take advantage of this excellent opportunity?

See also...   

Taylor will not run for seat, Huckabee appears at annual Christmas Party

Former Congressman Charles Taylor (R-11th) hosted his annual Christmas Party on Saturday night.  The crowd, with over 1,000 in attendance, featured an appearance by former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, along with many other political notables.

During the event, Taylor stated that he would not run for his old seat.  He was defeated for re-election in 2006 by Democrat Heath Shuler.  Three Republicans, including Dr. Carl Mumpower, have signed on to challenge Shuler.

Read the full story, here.

NC's Strongest Sentinel Against Terrorism, Myrick, Hosts Christmas/Hanukkah Party on Dec 17th

Cong. Sue Myrick (R-9th District) invites you to her annual Christmas/Hanukkah Party on December 17th in Charlotte.

Myrick is one of the few in Congress on either side that actually "gets" the reality of the terrorist threat.  Your blogger had the chance to hear her and and terrorism-expert, Steve Emerson, speak at a Civitas-sponsored event on the subject, recently, and was extremely impressed.  We must return her to Congress for another term.

The event details are as follows:

MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2007
THE MOREHEAD INN
1122 EAST MOREHEAD STREET
CHARLOTTE, NC 28204

5:30-6:00 PM: HOST COMMITTEE AND SPONSOR PHOTOS
6:00 PM: GENERAL RECEPTION WITH SUE
6:30 PM: SUE TO SPEAK FOLLOWED BY Q&A

LIVE MUSIC PROVIDED BY BLUE CHIP JAZZ BAND

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP ONLINE
http://www.suemyrick.com/site/R?i=zvnX1MLm5WstOZXK8YG1kA..

Or, RSVP by December 15 to 704-332-5200

General Reception:
$50 Per Person / $75 Per Couple (Online Special)

Business Casual
Heavy Hors D'oeuvres

Paul, Orr win Wake YR Straw Poll

Nearly one hundred young people came out to the Big Easy in downtown Raleigh on Thursday evening for the Wake County Young Republican's Christmas Party and Straw Poll. The political group, which targets young professionals in Wake County, has tripled membership in the last two years by hosting fun and educational events.

"Very few of our members had taken part in a straw poll before and we thought it would be interesting to see who they were likely to support," said Dave Reynolds, Chairman of the Wake County Young Republicans, "Typically, we'll get Rudy, Mitt and Huckabee supporters at our events. Thursday night, Ron Paul supporters wanted to make a statement, and they did."

The event had a rush of Ron Paul supporters in attendance, as the group took a very strong interest in the Young Republican Straw Poll that was held during the party. The poll covered Republican candidates for both Presidential and NC Gubernatorial races.

Results of the Wake County Young Republican Straw Poll were as follows:


Republican Presidential Candidates
Ron Paul: 53%
Rudy Giuliani: 21%
Mike Huckabee: 13%
Mitt Romney: 11%

Republican NC Gubernatorial Candidates
Judge Bob Orr: 48%
Fred Smith: 23%
Undecided: 21%
Bill Graham: 5%