The Nevada Republican Party is scheduled to hold its state convention in Reno next weekend, and it’s expected to be the biggest in the party’s history.
As such, GOP Chairman Sue Lowden has pulled out all the stops in an effort to make it a memorable one, including a night-before gala ball, as well as scheduled speaking appearances by both Mitt Romney and Ron Paul - the GOP presidential candidates who placed first and second respectively in Nevada’s early January 19th caucus (whose idea was that again?).
But what Republican convention would be complete without at least a little controversy, right?
GOP National Committeewoman Beverly Willard isn’t running for re-election. And the only announced candidate running to replace her is Washoe County GOP Chairwoman Heidi Smith. But Smith’s brusque manner has rubbed a lot of grassroots Republicans the wrong way, and she’s come under criticism for how ineffectively the Washoe County GOP is being run - especially in the fundraising department, which is a major part of the National Committeewoman’s job. So a grassroots effort is underway to find an alternative to Smith.
Well, what about Dawn Gibbons?
She’d be perfect for the job. In addition to being Nevada’s First Lady, she has considerable experience as a former state legislator in both politics and public policy, especially her anti-meth efforts. She’s also exceptionally charming and would be in a GREAT position to fight within the Republican National Committee to keep Nevada as an early caucus/primary state for the 2012 presidential election. And the contacts she has and would have at the national level would help bring national figures to the state to help raise money for the party.
Having a high-profile, active, aggressive former state senator and gaming executive as state chairman who isn’t afraid of the Democrats, teamed up with a high-profile, active, aggressive former state assemblywoman and current First Lady who isn’t afraid of the Democrats would be a dream team for the Nevada GOP and would definitely help keep the state red.
All in favor?
Posted on April 19th, 2008 by Chuck Muth
Filed under: Nevada
Smith, as you call her is a hard workung dedicated Republican woman. Tsk, Tsk, you call her “brusque”. As a volunteer for the WCRCC, I have found her pleasant and easy to work for and with. I for one like First Lady Gibbons, but my vote would be for Heidi Smith. You can’t please all the people all the time, but Heidi does her very best to accomidate and works extreem hours for the Party.