Monthly Archive for November, 2011

RIGOP Special Election Date: Wednesday, December 21

Posted on November 29, 2011 by The Ocean State Republican

Save the Date!

We have been informed that the Special Election to elect the new Chair of the Rhode Island Republican Party will be held on Wednesday, December 21st, 2011.

The special election meeting will be held at the RI Shriners, One Rhodes Place, in Cranston, where the prior two RIGOP meetings have been held — and where the upcoming RIRA 7th Annual Christmas Dinner Party will also be held (on Saturday, December 17th… register online at http://ri-ra.org/christmasparty/).

As usual, only RIGOP Delegates or their Designated Alternates may vote in this election, but anyone can attend to observe the fun. Questions concerning the meeting can be referred to the RIGOP office at (401) 732-8282.

Additional dates: The RIGOP Executive Committee will meet on Wednesday, December 7th. The RIGOP Nominations Committee will meet on Sunday, December 18th. Members of those committees will be notified of the meeting times and locations.

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Filed Under: 2011 Elections, Breaking News, Coming Events and Republican Party Closed

RIGOP Christmas Party Canceled

Posted on November 28, 2011 by The Ocean State Republican

It’s not the end of the world, but…

We have been informed that he previously anticipated December 13th RIGOP Christmas Party has been canceled due to the upcoming RIGOP special election for Chair. The RIGOP special election will likely occur the following week, just before Christmas. The specific date of the next RIGOP meeting will be publicized shortly.

That being said, if you’re a Rhode Island Republican — or just like hanging out with them — you are cordially invited to attend the RIRA 7th Annual Christmas Dinner Party on Saturday, December 17th! Adult tickets are $35.00 a piece and children are only $10.00!

For more information or to register online, please visit http://ri-ra.org/christmasparty/

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Filed Under: Holidays, Republican Party and RIRA Closed

Statement from RIRA President Raymond McKay

Posted on November 27, 2011 by Raymond McKay

As President of the Rhode Island Republican Assembly, I would like to take this moment to wish Ken McKay all the best in his new endeavors in Washington. I am sure that Ken’s talents will be of great use to Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin in helping overcome the issues that have been brought forth by the Obama administration.

Over the next thirty days, the RIGOP will select a new leader. We must all remain focused, energized, and be 100% supportive of the new leader whomever it may be. Ken’s moving on is but a bump in the road which the RIGOP will weather just fine.

I look forward to continue working with the RIGOP on issues of building an effective Party, an army of candidates, and addressing the issues that face us all in the State of Rhode Island, from taxes to illegal immigration to pension reform, to an out of control General Assembly, and as we all know, the list goes on.

Conservatively yours,

Raymond T. McKay
President, RIRA

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Filed Under: Commentary, Republican Party and RIRA Closed

A Message from RIGOP Acting Chair Steve Frias

Posted on November 27, 2011 by The Ocean State Republican

The following message was sent out to the members of the Rhode Island Republican State Central Committee on Sunday. It elaborates upon on Ken’s prior comments regarding his resignation as RIGOP Chairman; details some of the steps that will be taken shortly to choose Ken’s replacement; and anticipates a seamless transition of leadership. The highlights of the message are below:

… Based on my initial conversations with the Executive Director of the RIGOP, Patrick Sweeney, it appears that Mr. McKay has left the RIGOP in a stable financial condition with no major issues needing to be addressed in the next month.

Under the RIGOP by-laws, I, as the First Vice Chairman, am now the Acting Chairman of the RIGOP. Pursuant to Rule 2.3 of the RIGOP by-laws, we must hold a special election for Chairman within thirty days of Mr. McKay’s resignation.

As a result, a special election meeting for the RIGOP will be held during the week of December 19th. A meeting of the Executive Committee of the RIGOP will be held…  to finalize the details for the special election meeting…

I just wanted to let you know that I anticipate there will be a smooth transition in the RIGOP.

Steven Frias,
Acting Chairman of the RIGOP

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Filed Under: Republican Party Closed

Text of Resignation Letter from Ken McKay

Posted on November 27, 2011 by The Ocean State Republican

This e-mail was sent to the RIGOP Executive Committee on Friday, and to the full RIGOP membership on Sunday:

Rhode Island Republicans, like Republicans nationwide, are upset with the way President Obama and his Democrat allies are ruining our economy. Truly, Rhode Island Republicans have a unique view on this because we live every day with the disasterous economic results from long term Democrat rule. Rhode Island is Obama’s national economic model.

I do not want to leave the RIGOP as Chair. It is an honor to serve and fight with all of you, but the battle of our time is happening in Washington right now and I have to go try and be a part of that. After serious,thoughtful deliberation and discussion with my family this is a difficult decision yet one I have to make. Accordingly, I am resigning from the position of Chair of our state Party.

I am truly sorry to those who disappointing may be disappointed with me. Again, this is not something I do lightly. Nevertheless, it is something I must do. I would like to thank you for your support and patience with me.Importantly, I want to mention one person in particular, our Executive Director, Pat Sweeney. Pat’s dedication, energy and efforts are invaluable. His work with the Young Republicans energizes the Party and helped significantly with wins in recent special elections and fundraising. It is really upsetting to me that I may be letting him down. He believes we can make significant gains and that we are poised for growth and I agree with him. He is a true believer in our cause and I thank him personally for his support.

I’m going to do my part, do everything I can to stop and reverse the disastrous left-wing policies that the Obama Administration has imposed upon our country. Please also know that I will continue to volunteer my efforts, providing strategic and fundraising assistance to further the Republican Party here in Rhode Island. While I will no longer be your Chairman, I will continue to labor along side each of you as we do all we can to get Rhode Island in position to prosper.

Thank you,
Ken

Source: Rhode Island Republican Party

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Filed Under: Republican Party Closed

Breaking News: Ken McKay steps down as RIGOP Chair

Posted on November 27, 2011 by The Ocean State Republican

This isn’t exactly breaking news to us…

Kenneth McKay resigned as Chairman of the Rhode Island Republican Party late last week in order to pursue a substantial job offer. We wish him all the best. Therefore, First Vice-Chair Steve Frias is now Acting Chairman of the RIGOP.

Chairman Frias notified the members of the RI Republican State Central Committee that pursuant to the RIGOP bylaws Rule 2.3, he will be convening the state committee for a special election to elect a new RIGOP Chairman, to be held within the next 30 days. This should put the date of the next RI Republican State Central Committee meeting very close to Christmas.

We will notify you of any additional developments as they occur.

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Filed Under: Breaking News and Republican Party Closed

Registration Open: RIRA 7th Annual Christmas Party!

Posted on November 26, 2011 by The Ocean State Republican

The Rhode Island Republican Assembly – our state’s largest conservative organization – cordially invites our fellow R.I. Republicans, friends, and families to attend our SEVENTH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DINNER PARTY, which will be held on SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17th, 2011, at the R.I. Shriners – Imperial Room, at One Rhodes Place, in historic Pawtuxet Village, Cranston, RI 02905.

Join us for a “family friendly” evening of fun, food and drink, live music, award presentations, and special guests, at the biggest and best local GOP party this holiday season! Hors d’ Oeuvres and Cocktails will be available from 6:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.; with a great Buffet Dinner beginning at 7:00 P.M., with festivities continuing until at least 10:00 P.M. There will be Live Entertainment, as well as a Cash Bar throughout the evening.

An RSVP is required for dinner. Tickets are only $35.00 per Adult; and only $10.00 for Children 10 & Under! The buffet features Chicken Montello and Baked Stuffed Sole, along with salad, roasted potatoes, a vegetable medley, and chocolate cake. The children’s menu features Chicken Fingers and French Fries. Special dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice.

To REGISTER BY MAIL, please send your ticket request along with your check (payable to “Rhode Island Republican Assembly”) to: RIRA, 19 BAKERS CREEK ROAD, WARWICK, RI 02886. You may also easily and securely REGISTER & PAY ONLINE by Credit Card or E-Check directly through the RIRA web site at http://ri-ra.org/christmasparty/ .

For more information, please contact RIRA President Ray McKay at president [at] ri-ra [dot] org or (401) 487-2514. As seating is limited, your timely RSVP and payment is greatly appreciated.

P.S. Two important reminders: As is our custom, due to the Christmas Party, there will not be a “second Thursday” RIRA general membership meeting in December. Additionally, we are asking that dinner guests bring at least one canned or other non-perishable food item to the Christmas Party, to benefit the RI Food Bank. A collection bin will be located at the door.

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Filed Under: Holidays and RIRA Closed

Protected: RIRA Bylaws Committee Meeting | Saturday

Posted on November 25, 2011 by The Ocean State Republican

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Filed Under: Coming Events, Meetings and RIRA Closed

Night of 100 Stars and 1000 Laughs | November 30

Posted on November 23, 2011 by The Ocean State Republican

Rhode Island Republicans are Throwing a Gala Event… And You’re Invited!

RIGOP National Committeeman, Representative Joseph Trillo and the Trillo Campaign Committee is putting together a fund raising event to help all Republican City and Town Committees as well as the state GOP raise money. This will be a great event, a stage show featuring the Famous Edwards Twins, celebrity impersonators who deliver flawless renditions of the world’s greatest performers. The Edwards Twins have entertained sell out crowds all over the world: Vegas, NYC, the Caribbean. To start the evening off Charlie Hall and the Ocean State Follies will be making one of their last performances here in Rhode Island. The date is November 30, 2011 at the Park Theatre in Cranston and the show will begin at 7 PM and finish about 10 PM.

Now for the easy part the way to make $! The general admission tickets are only $50. Each ticket your city or town committee sells will get add $25.00 to your individual committee fund. The remaining $25.00 will cover the event expenses. Any remaining profits will then go to the State Party. This is a tremendous opportunity for your committees to earn money with no investment. The newly renovated Park Cinema’s capacity is 1200 seats. We are also expecting a Nationally known Republican headliner which will be announced very soon.

The tickets ARE READY! CONTACT YOUR CITY OR TOWN CHAIR FOR YOUR RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS OR CONTACT EILEEN AT: eileenggrossman [at] aol [dot] com. Eileen is the event coordinator and can answer any questions or concerns. To reach her by phone: 401-338-4504. Remember you are not limited on how many tickets you sell but once the 1200 seats are sold that will mean a sold out show! So you must: Sell your tickets at once. Please visit the web site www.starsandlaughs.com.

PS If you would like your ticket profit to go to the Rhode Island Republican Assembly PAC, please indicate that when ordering.

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Filed Under: 2012 Elections, Coming Events and Republican Party Closed

Loughlin ‘Support the Troops’ Event | December 3

Posted on November 20, 2011 by The Ocean State Republican

LOUGHLIN CAMPAIGN VOLUNTEERS TO HOLD SUPPORT THE TROOPS EVENT

Michael Napolitano, the official spokesperson for the John Loughlin campaign, issued a statement today regarding an upcoming event to support the troops in Afghanistan. Said Napolitano, “We are elated that the troops are coming home from Iraq but we still have thousands of troops deployed in Afghanistan and other locations all over the world who need our support. We will be collecting items and assembling care packages to ship to our soldiers in Afghanistan.”

The event will take place on Saturday December 3, 2011 at the Manville Sportsmen’s Rod and Gun Club, 250 High Street, in Manville. From the hours of 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. John Loughlin for Congress campaign volunteers will be collecting items such as snacks, toiletries, batteries, T-shirts and socks, just to name a few. Free coffee and donuts will be provided.

Said Napolitano, “We have fantastic group of campaign volunteers and many of them have family and friends deployed overseas and thought this would be an excellent idea especially with the upcoming holiday season. The care packages are great morale boosters for our troops.”

John Loughlin is assigned to the Iraq Training & Assistance Mission – Army Aviation Division. He is expected to return sometime in December.

Source: Friends of John Loughlin

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Filed Under: 2012 Elections, Loughlin for Congress, Military and Press Releases Closed