Wilkins responds to Oregon's Swanson

Recently Oregon CR Chairman John Swanson lambasted candidate for KFCR Chairman and former CRNC and LI field rep Morgan Wilkins for her actions during the fall election season, and Wilkins has responded in kind to the statement. It looks like we could have a bit of a war of words on our hands here. First, Swanson's statement, followed by Wilkins' reply:

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am clearly an outsider looking in – my relationship with KFCR officers in the past has been little more than brief conversations and the sharing of ideas. Maybe there is something I am missing in this equation, but based on what I have observed, I feel obligated to step up and voice my humble opinion.

In any political organization, there are 2 defining forces – those who make progress, and those who do not. Progress is made by carrying your message correctly, respectfully, and in a manner that convinces and attracts. I have every reason to believe that after Kentucky’s chapter growth and stable leadership, progress has occurred – and ought to be continued.

Progress is hindered when a message is either not carried out, or carried out improperly. Too often, College Republicans resort to unconvincing tactics to convey issues to their peers. It is always vital to judge your success based on the degree to which you grow the Republican Party – not the volume in which you shout at left-wing students. I was appalled to see that a representative of our national organization was using such immaturity – with blatant racism and seduction, evidence of which was apparent on several websites. I feel the College Republican National Committee is an organization of integrity, and the act of eliminating this loose cannon from payroll proved that the CRNC lives up to such a standard.

It is appalling to see that after jeopardizing the legitimacy of our organization, this same individual has gained momentum to become a state chair. I believe I speak for more state chairmen than just myself by saying that I have serious reservations to this. Delegates at the KFCR convention: Pretend you’re an HR manager, and you have 2 employees in front of you for 1 job. One was fired from a similar job for failure to perform adequately, and the other has a proven track record and recommended by a successful predecessor. The choice is clear – always aim for progress.

John Swanson
State Chairman, Oregon

John-
In your letter you claim that you are simply an "outsider" who is so troubled with the possibility of me becoming KFCR Chair that you feel the obligation to intervene. You also state several concerns that you have with me as a College Republican, and especially as a leader.

It is very unfortunate that we have never actually spoken to each other, and that instead of addressing me personally with your concerns, you resort immediately to writing a degrading letter on my opponent's facebook wall. Do you call that "progressive?"

You also say in your letter that "It is appalling to see that after jeopardizing the legitimacy of our organization, this same individual has gained momentum to become a state chair."

John, the legitimacy of the organization was not jeopardized by me, but by the person who signed deceitful fundraising letters two years ago; the person you voted for: our national chairman, Paul Gourley.

One event does not compare to the culture of corruption that took over the CRNC years before I even got involved, but one vote legitimizes it: your vote for Paul Gourley. And maybe this could be forgiven, but even today you continue to voice your support for someone who brought shame to our organization. Liberty has no time for moderates.

The KFCR is suffering in many ways that you, as an outsider, may not realize. I am currently working together with many College Republicans across the state to make this federation all that is should be. We are making significant progress.

If you would like me to fill you in on KY matters in more detail in the future, then please feel free to contact me personally.

Respectfully,
Morgan Wilkins

Boehner speaks to high school and college crowd in hometown

Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) spoke in the city he calls home in Ohio's 8th District this morning to a crowd of high school and college students gathered at Westchester's Lakota West High School. The event was organized by Lakota senior Parker Novak, who is also a member of the SOB Alliance (Viking Spirit Blog) and is a very involved GOP grassroots worker in Southwest Ohio. Boehner spoke for about 25 minutes to the assembled crowd and covered several topics currently being debated in Congress. Boehner mused that Republicans largely lost control due to a combination of factors, but that too many of his colleagues valued re-election more than real results. Rep. Boehner urged finding solutions that lead to success in Iraq, lest the terrorists follow US troops home, and he spoke generally about developing a new group of Republican solutions to the problems being faced here at home with entitlement programs and fiscal matters.
More pertinent to College Republicans reading this would be the attendance of OCRF Chairman Brian Siler, and the surprise appearance of Morgan Wilkins, candidate for KFCR Chairman. One must wonder if anything was discussed between them, but to the best of our knowledge, the two do not see eye-to-eye on matters of consequence. This probably bodes nothing, but it still an interesting encounter.

Wilkins issues second debate challenge to Kentucky opponent

Candidate for Kentucky State Chairman Morgan Wilkins has issued a second challenge to debate to her opponent, Louisville CR Chairman Michael Wray. Wray reportedly has yet to reply to the original challenge, issued almost a week ago, and his silence on the matter apparently has some of his own supporters asking questions. Wray entered the race with the blessing of Derek Hall, among others, after Wilkins kicked off her campaign in mid-January.

We will continue to follow this story as it develops, but we surmise that this move goes a long way to dispel any rumors of Wilkins dropping out of the race. It appears that she is in, and in to win. Kentucky will gather for its annual convention and elections on the weekend of April 13 and 14, a weekend that is already shaping up to be a busy one with a flurry of other state gatherings scheduled as well. A practical solution to ensure as many CRs as possible see the debate would be to hold it before or after the next KFCR Board Meeting, if anyone in Kentucky is listening.

The rumors are true: Wilkins set to run in Kentucky

Former Leadership Institute field representative and noted College Republican Morgan Wilkins appears set to announce her campaign for Kentucky Federation of College Republicans Chairman in the coming weeks. A website, www.MorganWilkins.com, has been registered, and a greeting at the site promises a full launch soon. It is not known at this time who else will be entering the race, but speculation centers around a few likely candidates, most notably current KFCR Chairman Brian Weber, of Morehead State. Weber became Chairman following the resignation of Derek Hall last year. Kentucky's CRs will vote on their next slate of state leadership on April 13th, when the annual KFCR Convention is held.

Kentucky CRs in the News: Weber joins Real Reform; Draft Derek Hall?

Kentucky's Brian Weber today became the latest state chairmen to announce his public support for Real Reform, saying that " [these] principles of reform...are crucial to the success of the CRNC." While Weber does not hold Kentucky's vote on the National Board at this point, he may well hold that vote following Kentucky Federation of College Republicans elections in the spring of 2007. Currently, the National Committeeman from Kentucky is Derek Hall, who retained that post upon his resignation from his office of Chairman earlier this year. Weber, who was the second-in-command under Hall, is serving the rest of the term.

Derek Hall is making other CRNC news as well, after a blog popped up earlier this evening urging College Republicans to "Draft Derek Hall" to run for National Chairman. Hall was considered a front-runner for the nod heading during the summer of 2006, and still would be a very viable candidate. At this point, though, it appears he is already backing someone, although we cannot say who until it becomes public. You certainly could do much worse than a Chairman Hall, in our opinion. We will keep an eye on this blog, and any other developments related to this story.