State Chairman Race Rundown

As promised, coverage of the various CR State Chairman races that are gearing up is here. For now, here is a list of the candidates for office in each state, along with additional pertinent info on the race itself.

Kentucky:
Morgan Wilkins (KCTCS) vs. Michael Wray (Louisville)

Wilkins is the outside candidate in this Reform-held state, running against former KFCR Chairman Derek Hall's candidate of choice in Wray. It is also of note that while Wray would obstensibly hold the same, or similar, views with regard to national matters, Wilkins has not spoken publicly about these matters in any sort of depth. Wilkins arrived on the national scene this past fall after a very public controversy surrounding her performance as a CRNC Field Rep in Michigan, for which some feel she was dealt with in a bad way. She has also joined up with Students for Brownback as the Kentucky Chairman, while Wray's 2008 loyalties are heretofore unknown.

North Carolina:
Erin Karriker (UNC Charlotte) vs. Tyson Grinstead (UNC Chapel Hill)

Former CR John Plecnik appears to be meddling back in his old stomping grounds, as he has recruited Grinstead to run against outgoing NC Chairman Jon Thompson's pick in Erin Karriker. Both have released platforms, and this has been a slightly contentious race to date. Sources say, however, that Karriker has the votes necessary to win.

Florida:
David Stevens (Florida State) vs. Tommy Keller (Stetson)

Stevens is currently the second-in-command to outgoing Chairman Scott Wacholtz, and is rumored to have his support as well. Keller is the current Treasurer of FFCR, and has not made public his support for any of the P2008 candidates. Stevens is believed to be a Romney supporter, and this race appears to be up in the air. We give a slight edge to Stevens.

Michigan:
Steve Japinga (Michigan State)

Controversial two-term Chairman Dan Carlson is on his way out, and Japinga has been in the race for awhile now. At first, rumors swirled as to who Carlson would tap to run against Japinga, but leading potential candidate Justin Zatkoff settled for a run at a lower ticket spot. While there is still time to put someone in the race, we see Japinga as the likely successor to Carlson. Zatkoff is facing Michigan State's Jeff Wiggins for the Co-Chairman slot, a race that is less crowded after Ryan Thompson bowed out last week.

New York:
Kelly Eustis (SUNY Potsdam)

Eustis is the rumored successor to Erin McTiernan, if she decides not to run again. Her announced reason for not seeking a national run was to strengthen her home state, which is truly in shambles. New York has always been a tumultuous state federation, so this will be a state to watch regardless.

Minnesota:
Bethany Dorobiala (Minnesota-Twin Cities)

Dorobiala appears to be next up in Minnesota, and she has paired up with Co-Chair candidate Nathan Swanson for her run. We are currently researching this race and will report information on it as we have it.

Pennsylvania:
Sean-Tamba Matthew (Penn)

Nick Miccarelli's pick is the only known candidate in Pennsylvania at this time, and we will continue to report on this race as more information is known.

Arkansas:
Chase Dugger

Dugger would appear to be the choice of current Chairman John Burris, who will not be seeking another term.

Colorado:
Craig Conroy (Regis)

Conroy has been a rumored successor to CRNC Chairman candidate Charlie Smith, but is not certain at this time.

Tennessee:
Jonathan Bryant (Bryan College)

Lindsay Moffett's handpicked successor currently serves as her second in command.

West Virginia:
Brian Dayton (WVU)

Dayton has done a solid job in his first term, and is rumored to be seeking a second term.

Rhode Island:
Ryan Bilodeau (URI)

Bilodeau is a favorite of RSR, as he has run a phenomenal chapter at URI and is a staunch conservative. He is known to be interested in seeking to follow outgoing Chairman Ethan Wingfield, and there will possibly be opposition to his candidacy from a couple of minor candidates.

Texas:
Eliza Vielma (Texas State) or Justin Jordan (Texas Southern)

Jordan would come to the forefront if Vielma decides not to seek another term, especially with long-rumored candidate Jason Fite graduating.

Ohio:
Although no one has announced, it is believed that if Chairman Brian Siler decides not to seek re-election this spring, his chosen replacement will come from his fellow Executive Board members, most likely one of his appointed officers who were instrumental in executing Ohio's highly successful field program last fall. There is not any major opposition to Siler within the state, but Ohio has a history of candidates hopping in the race as late as convention time in April.

Connecticut:
Over the past few days, Opposition operatives have been bragging openly about picking off this solid Establishment stronghold. We will see how this race develops.

We will continue to report on each of these races, and follow the remaining states as their respective elections near. If you have any information on these, or any other races, feel free to email or AIM us (AIM: redstaterampage).