Jim Greer Removed From RPOF

Republican Party of Florida Chairman John Thrasher removed former Chairman Jim Greer from all offices that he holds within the Republican Party of Florida, including his association with the Seminole County Republican Executive Committee.

The decision of the board was unanimous.

Section 103.161 (2) of the Florida Statutes grants a party Chairman sole discretion to determine whether a violation of party rules warranting removal has occurred.

Chairman Thrasher responded by saying:

Based on the information that has come to light during the recent Party audit, I have determined that Mr. Greer has engaged in activities that have injured the name and status of the Republican Party of Florida, and has grossly interfered with the activities of the Republican Party.

Effective immediately and in accordance with section 103.161 of the Florida Statues and the Rules of the Republican Party, Mr. Greer is hereby removed from any and all offices that he holds within the Republican Party of Florida, the Seminole County Republican Executive Committee, and any other organization operating under the authority of the Republican Party of Florida

I would ask that Mr. Greer please govern himself accordingly for the best interest of our effort to restore the integrity of our party, the faith of our membership and the public’s trust

Unto Death Do Us Part

Former RPOF Chairman, Jim Greer’s political career may be over, but his loyalty to Crist runs deep. He supported him for Governor, and he supports him in his campaign for US Senate.

It is strange considering, he is losing support from the party at an alarming rate. Greer’s support is eerily similar to that of a spouse. If I didn’t know better, I would have thought they were married. Here is what he said:

“Charlie Crist has always put the people first before partisan politics and that has always upset those who put partisan politics before the people. If putting the people first once again requires him to run as an independent he should do it!’”

But Greer has his own problems. He and his personal assistant, Delmar Johnson are currently under investigation for misappropriation of party funds. The matter is being investigated by Attorney General Bill McCollum.

Politics sure does make strange bedfellows. Just don’t tell Crist’s wife.

New Year…New Challenges

As we begin the new year we reliquish control of the House and Senate to the Democrats for the first time in 12 years. The path laid out before us is not easy.. but it is one that we must walk if we wish to regain control.

As a party we must return to our conservative roots. Running to the center in the previous election did not help our chances. In fact, it was the so-called “blue dog” democarats that ultimately won because they chose to run on a conservative principles like fiscal responsibility. Not to mention the fact that Republicans were fed up with their own party’s spending and allegations of corruption. As a result we decided to clean house.

Now we have an opportunity to show people who we really are by sticking to our conservative principles and by running true conservatives, not fiscally conservative moderates or democrats.

There is no doubt that the Presidential campaign will begin and end in Florida, especially with our own Mel Martinez as RNC Chair and Seminole County’s Jim Greer as RPOF Chair.

As young Florida Republicans we have a unique opportunity to not only vote for but also to have the ear of the next President of the United States.

There is no doubt that this year 2007 will bring new challenges. The question is are you ready?

Republicans United

Last night I attended the Seminole County Unity Dinner. It was a good showing. We had so many people there at Luigino’s it was standing room only. Jim Greer, campaign chair for Crist in Seminole County, was the master of ceremonies. Crist was not in attendance again, though he did make an appearance at the rally downtown with Jeb earlier in the day. Some of the other speakers of the evening included: Our Chairman, Jim Stelling, Tax Collector Ray Valdez, and our own Alex Setzer who was named co-chair of the Crist campaign in Seminole.

Jim and Alex both stressed the importance of a united front in the upcoming election, especially if we want to get good Republicans elected to office. It was a good start to the next election cycle.

So lets all try to get along and get out there and get Republicans elected this fall!

Video of this event coming soon!

Greer Named Public Servant

By Joe Hendricks
Staff Writer for The Oviedo Voice

During the Lincoln Day dinner, held on Friday, August 18th, Jason Brodeur, President of the Seminole County Young Republicans, stood at the podium and talked about the rebirth of the club in Seminole County. He talked about having to reintroduce the club and its members to the community and then said, “After the rechartering of the club in December, with about 10 members, I’m pleased to announce that we now have over 40 active members and 20 associate members.” This news drew a loud round of applause from the enthusiastic Republican crowd.

Brodeur then said, “I’m also pleased to announce that our club has voted to award Oviedo Vice Mayor Jim Greer our Public Servant of the Year for 2006.

“Jim stepped up to the plate when our club was reorganizing by promoting our club membership, serving as a guest speaker, coordinating some needed financial assistance, and on one Saturday afternoon in May, with our guest Tom Gallagher, actually served as our third basemen at our softball game.”

Standing beside Brodeur, REC Chairman Jim Stelling joked about Greer’s skills on the softball field: “Great glove, no arm,” he said, earning a hearty laugh from those in attendance.

Brodeur continued his speech, saying, “Jim has a long history of public service and dedication to this community. He’s recognized as a successful businessperson and is called upon regularly to provide guidance and leadership in Republican campaigns. His devotion to his family and service to the citizens of the City of Oviedo and his community are known throughout the county.”

After receiving the award from Brodeur, Greer said, “Thank you Jason, it’s a great honor to receive this award. I can tell you as a teenager I was always interested in government and I’ve always been committed to pubic service. With my dear my wife, who helps me on a regular basis, and my dear family, I accept this award and I thank the Republican Party for promoting your goals and your objectives throughout the country.”

photos and story courtesy of Joe Hendricks, Staff Writer for The Oviedo Voice

Just Getting Started…

This has been a busy week in the election cycle but we are just getting started. With the primary only about 2 weeks away, the YRs have been out in force attending Hob Nobs, Dinners and other events where we can interact with the candidates. You just never know where we’ll show up next.

Thursday’s Hob Nob was packed with people. While I didn’t get a chance myself to go around and greet all the candidates, I did manage to shake a few hands and recruit some potential members. It was a good evening. Though we were rushing to get over to the Executive Meeting for the final candidate debate between Blake and McLean. Before the debate even started McLean had already cleaned up at the Straw Poll. I suppose Blake was a little rattled from that. He came off as unprepared and found himslef reacting to McLean’s comments never really getting the upperhand. Although, I was a bit worried when I arrived and saw all the Blake signs and volunteers in the parking lot. It was overwhelming. But apparently, still not good enough.

Friday’s Dinner was great. We had another great showing of YRs. Alex introduced tonight’s speaker Tom Gallagher, current CFO and candidate for Governor. And later got my pix with Tom.
I was honored to meet Representative John Mica at the dinner as well.

A few weeks ago, the YRs named Jim Greer the Public Servant of the Year. Tonight, our president Jason Brodeur presented Jim Greer with a plaque for all the hard work he has done to help get our club up and running this year as well as his continued support. Thanks Jim! You are truly a Great Republican!

Another full week. And we are just getting started…