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.

Newsmakers: Morgan Brooke Wilkins

Morgan Wilkins is a College Republican and conservative activist from Kentucky, and the first subject here at Red State Rampage in what will be a weekly series of interviews. I am very excited, not only about this interview, but the three others that are coming over the next few weeks. Without further ado, on to the questions:

Red State Rampage: I have to ask first about your recent trip to London and your meeting with Margaret Thatcher at the International Young Democrat Union Conference. How did you get involved with the IYDU, and do you think that College Republicans should maintain an active role in it?

Morgan Wilkins: Although it probably goes with out saying, my trip to London is an experience I will never forget. As a young woman in politics Margaret Thatcher is my icon. If I can only possess a fraction of her strength then I will be satisfied. I also met with David Cameron who is rumored as possibly the next PM. However, to answer your question, I became involved with IYDU through the Leadership Institute. LI is probably connected to every young conservative organization in the world. Yes, I most definitely think that the College Republicans should maintain an active role in the IYDU. We are one of, if not the most established and well organized conservative youth organizations in the world. We deserve and should always want a big seat at the IYDU table.

RSR: There has to be a follow-up to that, because I know that Eric Hoplin, former CRNC Chairman, was in attendance at the conference. Were you able to talk with Chairman Hoplin, and, if so, how did that go?

MW: I did talk to Eric, quite a bit actually. As soon as we shook hands for the first time Eric could tell I was a little unsure of how he would react to me. He reassured me by saying, "I made a rule a long time ago not to judge people until I meet them." I told him that was a very good rule. IT IS A VERY GOOD RULE. We talked through out the whole conference about a lot of things. He even gave me his advice on the state chair race in KY. When the conference was over and everyone was saying his or her goodbyes, Eric told me that if I ever need help with anything to let him know and he will do what he can to help me. I was a little taken back by his kindness and asked him if he REALLY meant that. He just reminded me of his rule not to judge people until he meets them and he said that meeting me was a wonderful experience. I would have to say the same about meeting him. I was pleased to see him re-elected as IYDU Vice-President.

RSR: Speaking of the CRNC, that is kind of your claim to fame. Three good months removed from that whole fiasco, would you do it all over again? Is there anything that you would change in how you approached your work?

MW: Yes, I would do it all over again. I made some life long friends during my time in Michigan. Chairman Carlson was great. Even when it could have hurt his reputation he still had my back during the whole fiasco. That means a lot in this field. Also, I believe that you learn much more from hardships than you do victories and my experience with the CRNC turned out to be nothing but a launch pad for me. Although, I will admit, it may have been a bad idea to create a facebook group claiming to "Make out with anyone who can get me 10 GOTV volunteers." I might have to renege on that statement. For the record, I will not make out with you if you get 10 GOTV volunteers. Unless maybe you are Chairman Charlie Smith, that boy's not bad looking.

RSR: Campus activism is a big part of College Republicans, and this obviously causes problems between CRs and other elements of the party apparatus. The event that you had planned, "Catch an Illegal Immigrant", is one that has been replicated across the country by other groups. Why do you think your situation became the one everyone zeroed in on? What made it so newsworthy and prominent?

MW: Great question. I have wondered this myself. My best guess is b/c the media misreported and wrote that I was employed by the RNC. When you drop that C off of CRNC it makes a big difference.

RSR: If you were in Paul Gourley's position, would you have fired Morgan Wilkins? In your opinion was his action justified?

MW: Ouch, tough question! Let me first say that your question may be better phrased, "If you were Amanda Hydro would you have fired Morgan Wilkins?" I am not sure if Paul had much say in the decision. And my answer is, I don't know. I really don't know. They were faced with a tough decision during a heated election year. I can't say with certainty if I would have fired me or not.

RSR: What lessons have you learned from your work with the CRNC and, later, the Leadership Institute? What have you brought away from that work that will guide you down the road?

MW: I learned that you have to take a hold of your own future and you can never, ever let other people shape your opinion of yourself. I also learned that conservative politics is where I want to be for quite some time.

RSR: Even though you have taken your fair share of heat and criticism, as well as praise, within the conservative movement, what motivates you to continue your involvement in it? Do you think that conservatism is still a philosophy that has a place in the Republican Party?

MW: I continue fighting for the conservative cause because my conscience wouldn't allow me to do otherwise. Liberal professors, media, and even politicians are deceiving young people and feeding them false information. As young conservatives we have the right philosophy we just have to make our voices heard on college campuses before it is too late. However, like you mentioned in your question, the really scary thing is that conservatism is holding less and less of a place even in the Republican Party. If the Republican Party doesn't return back to its conservative roots I think it will suffer.

RSR: For those who may not know, you have quite the personal story. Has everything that you have been through at such a young age helped you to become who you are today? What would you say to others in the same sort of situation that you once found yourself in?

MW: I am so happy you asked this. I don't have the typical College Republican past and I am thankful for that. It has made me strong. Statistically I should be on the streets but I have overcome a lot. I have been blessed enough to have an amazing family whom have helped me tremendously.
To any young person in the same situations I was in I would tell them first to go to church and then go to school. With faith and an education you will have the confidence to accomplish anything.

RSR: You have been a rumored candidate for Chairman of the Kentucky Federation of College Republicans. I am not asking for an announcement of any sort, but what are the top two priorities you would like to see KFCR engage in?

MW: You're right. I have tossed around the idea of State Chairman. However, the current officers are some of my best friends and are doing a commendable job right now. I would love to see KY more recognized nationally and I think we are on that path. I would love to see the KFCR more accessible and useful to the chapters. I would love to see the KFCR more advanced technologically. I also think there is a lot we could learn from other federations about fundraising. Our neighbors to the North in Ohio are excellent fundraisers and I would love to take some lessons from them. Nonetheless I am confident that together we are all up to these tasks.

RSR: After your time at the CRNC, you worked as well for the Leadership Institute. What was the biggest difference between LI and the CRNC, and is one group more effective than the other on college campuses right now?

MW: The biggest difference between the two is that the CRNC focuses on getting Republicans elected while LI focuses purely on expanding the conservative movement. LI has no party affiliation. Another difference is that LI pays their employees on time! I'm sorry, that was a low blow. It is hard to say if one group is more effective than the other since they play different roles. I would argue that their effectiveness is equal.

RSR: The Leadership Institute has also been through quite a bit of staff turnover and turmoil in the past few months. You have had a first hand view of the situation at LI, so do you think the organization has any serious problems or issues to address internally?

MW: It is funny that you ask this because in the office our nickname for LI is "Survivor" because we never know who was going to get cut this week. In my opinion, this is a serious problem that needs to be addressed.

RSR: Thank you very much for your candor and openness in answering these questions; best of luck to you in whatever it is you do in the future.