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

CR Power Rankings

As requested by you, the reader, we present the latest attempt at CR Power Rankings. There are some new names, some old names, and some people that should probably just move on past their glory days. These rankings are completely scientific, so feel free to treat them as such. Without further ado, on to stroking egos:

National Power Rankings:

1) Michael Davidson: Please note that potential candidates to replace Chairman Gourley are gunning for Davidson's approval, not Gourley's.
2) Amanda Hydro: Lay the blame for the past two years at her feet, as she is effectively playing Chairman at this point.
3) Frank Luna: Has everyone waiting to see if he jumps into the race. CPAC fast approaches, so time is of the essence.
4) John Plecnik: His name is here simply for ego stroking purposes. If we were being honest, he wouldn't even smell such a list.
5) Charlie Smith: Mr. Smith has the floor, certainly, but will he take advantage of it or continue backroom dealing?
6) Brian Siler: My humble attempt to suckle at the teet of power.
7) Derek Hall: He may not necessarily ask for importance, but everyone wants his approval just as much as Davidson's.
8) Paul Gourley: Even though he has been effectively forced out of the day-to-day, he may just pop up at the ACU as a comeback of sorts.
9) Mason Harrison: Unless he makes a pledge of support soon, his time will be in high demand come CPAC-time.
10) Lindy Dinklage: Not in the employ of the CRNC any longer, but meddling has always been a favorite pastime.
11) Blake Harris: Moved up the hierarchy of advisors this cycle, but did he forsake what got him there?
12) Michael Miltenberger: Unmistakably making the rounds with Mr. Smith, and has probably landed himself on the ticket. Did he do anything substantive to deserve it though?
13) Brent Ludeman: Found the sledding tough yet again in his second solo go-round.
14) Ryan Bilodeau: Has a network of connections that rivals most state chairman, let alone any rank and file College Republican.
15) Nick Miccarelli: Making the rounds with as well; how high will he be on the ticket?

State Chairman Candidate Rankings:
1) Steve Japinga: Election is a sure thing for him, but how long will the coat tails be in Michigan?
2) Morgan Wilkins: Running the race on her own terms, and most definitely defining the debate in Kentucky.
3) Sean Matthew: Almost seems assured of victory, and Pennsylvania is always a player nationally.
4) Chris Stark: Will he remain unopposed in Jersey, and can he continue Luna's cleanup job of the past year?
5) Erin Karriker: Out of state players are trying to knock him off, but are they a nuisance or a threat?

Power on the wane:
1) Nate Walton: Maine Fest is all he has going it seems.
2) Sarah Armstrong: We will believe it when we see it, but word on the street has Connecticut slipping from her grasp come springtime.
3) Erin McTiernan: New York is always volatile, and we hear plenty of unrest with the way she has (or hasn't) run the state fed.
4) Paul Gourley: Go ahead and add the "former" to his Chairman title.
5) Dan Schuberth: Rumors of a late jump into the national race have all but disappeared.

Ones to watch:
1) Justin Jordan: Who knows what he will say or do next, but we will be watching for sure.
2) Frank Luna/Brian Siler: Will they or won't they? Time will tell, but time they do not have.
3) Ryan Bilodeau: Could be part of the new crop of state chairs, but he has plenty of influence regardless.
4) Michael Davidson: Upcoming consortium in California is last shot to impress before CPAC, and a non-endorsement is as good as a death knell for any opposition to Smith.
5) Presidential candidates: Who gives money, and to whom, will be an interesting saga indeed.

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.

Arkansas State Chairman race update

Arkansas was not a state included in our mass update on the various state chairman races earlier in the week, but a couple of names have surfaced. Arkansas Chairman John Burris, of Arkansas Tech, is not reportedly seeking re-election, and at least two names have been tossed around in the past few weeks. Most recently, former Arkansas Tech Chairman and current Grassroots Director for AFCR Bryant Davis announced his intention to run for the post. Davis has a website up and running for the campaign, and has promised a platform to be forthcoming. A name that has been in circulation for awhile now is that of Chase Dugger of Arkansas State. We will follow this race as it develops.

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).