SCGOP CHAIR PICKS UP ENDORSEMENT FROM NEW MEXICO COUNTERPART

The political pundits have billed South Carolina GOP Chairman Katon Dawson as the “southern” candidate in the race to head the Republican National Committee.

And while that is true, Dawson is quickly proving that his appeals extends far beyond Dixie. Today, Dawson picked up a major endorsement from Allen E. Weh, the Chairman of the New Mexico Republican Party.

In a few short weeks we have to elect someone to help lead us “out of the wilderness.” [...] That takes a special person at, what very few of should disagree is, a critical point in our nation’s political evolution in a complicated world becoming increasingly interdependent. [...]

It would be helpful if new Chairman are invited (strongly encouraged) to attend an RNC sponsored workshop specifically tailored for new chairmen. If the grass roots are important than the state leaders need to at least be taught what is expected of them. I didn’t need, nor care, that the national chairman visit our state, but it sure would’ve been nice to have received some “Chairman 101″ in the first few months from some of the seasoned pros.

Unlike some who propose that the RNC pass money down to the state parties, I believe it’s a state chairman’s job to raise money for their respective states, and not rely on RNC to do their homework – Victory operations excepted! However, I do expect the RNC to spend its money wisely and without conflicts of interest, and that’s something we should all agree on. I might also add that when the RNC meets it needs to do more than just have a choreographed “photo op,” which is a waste of money and people’s time. Most new members leave those meetings singing Peggy Lee’s old song “is that all there is.”

We will, in all probability, elect our chairman from within the existing committee in accordance with the RNC’s rules. As long as we’ve got members who can carry that water pail, and we do, there are zero reasons to seek an outside candidate and a majority of us aren’t going to vote to amend this rule. Especially when we need a proven chairman that can hit the ground running on January 30th.

For all these reasons, and a few more I’m pleased to discuss, I’m endorsing Katon Dawson of South Carolina! Why Katon?

We really do need a fresh face after 2008 (several others meet this requirement); he’s a proven fundraiser (a few others meet this requirement); he’s been a state chairman (not a prerequisite, but very helpful and several candidates meet this requirement); He has proven communications skills that were clearly demonstrated when his state hosted two successful presidential campaign events (a few others meet this requirement); he’s effected significant political change in his state resulting in increased GOP control (very few of our candidates meet this requirement); and he’s managed money and budgets – he’s run a state party with a lot of money AND run a successful business where he’s had to make a profit and cover a payroll (very few of our candidates meet this requirement – and our automakers certainly don’t).

We have some very good men running for this post, but we can well use all of the experience I’ve mentioned above. Katon has worked hard for his party, and has the accomplishments to show for it. I’m absolutely confident he’ll lead this party with distinction and deliver the results we all want and expect. Please give him your first consideration.

Dawson has already notched support from two of the three black members of the RNC. He’s also reportedly got much of the Southern delegation locked down with more endorsements to follow. If he continues to pick up spport from across the country, as he did with Weh’s support, Dawson may end up chairing the RNC when the 168 members vote on Jan. 29.