Chairman’s Corner Column

When I became Chairman, one of my priorities was to make our website the go-to source for the conservative viewpoint on Durham news.  In the past week alone, four different media outlets have contacted me wanting to know where the Durham County Republican Party stood on various issues.  A brief segment of one of these interviews made it onto News 14 Carolina.  All of these contacts were generated through our website. This speaks volumes for our initial efforts, but in order for us to realize our goals, we need more folks writing articles on local issues. Currently, we only have a handful of folks submitting items for publication.

One of these authors is William Reach, Chairman of the Duke College Republicans.  Will wrote an article for the Duke Chronicle regarding the proposed transit tax and allowed us to repost the article on our website.  Heather Moore, a News 14 Carolina reporter, found the article and gave us a call to get our position.  Articles like these help educate Durham voters on the conservative perspective and help generate the media attention which magnifies our voice.

In addition to needing more contributing authors, we also need to attract more financial contributions.

Take a look at this brief article written by Chris Bagley of the Triangle Business Journal.  Note that the transit tax campaign committee is trying to raise $50,000 to promote the tax.  While they are still far from their goal, we need to make sure that their funds do not allow them to swamp other voices.  Money helps!

So my question is this: If the transit tax campaign committee wants to raise $50,000 simply to promote this one tax, how much do you think we need to raise to oppose all of the tax increases threatening Durham property owners, citizens, and shoppers?  More importantly: how much have you personally donated to the Durham County Republican Party?  If anyone reading this article has the ability to write a check for $50,000 to donate to the Durham County Republican Party, let me be the first to point out that your contribution is very much appreciated.  For all the rest of us, can you afford a $50 donation? Perhaps there are a few readers who can afford a $500 donation or even a $5,000 donation?  Even $5 donations are helpful.

Folks, I am proud to report to you that the Durham County Republican Party is moving forward at lightning speed. I am very pleased with the progress that we have made in only six short months. We have made improvements in every category imaginable in the last six months, including fundraising.  The Mary Katharine Ham event was a success.  We’ve also seen general donations coming in – perhaps as a result of the Proud Durham Republican car magent that we are sending out as a thank you gift.  However, as your Chairman and as a fiscal conservative, it is my opinion that we have not seen enough contributions in order for us to effectively fight the proposed tax referenda on this November’s ballot.

So, I implore you.  If you want the Durham Republican Party to fight these tax initiatives, please make a financial contribution today. No amount is too small. … And certainly there’s no amount too large either.  Remember, financial contributions to candidates are limited.  Financial contributions to the political parties are not.