Although the attendance numbers were modest, the 2010 Ashe County Republican Convention held on Saturday, March 6, at the Ashe County courthouse was not short on information as nearly every Republican candidate running for election/re-election this year was on hand to speak to the party faithful.

Following lunch and the annual dessert auction, the party convened in the large second floor courtroom to hear from candidates and conduct the party's business.

Party Chairman John Wheeler said that he was happy with the slate of candidates the party was running this time around.

"We have some very strong candidates this year and we are expecting a very positive outcome for the party this election cycle," Wheeler said.

Wheeler said that there was a very good chance that the party could get full control of the county board of commissioners because "Ashe County is a conservative county and the Republican party here is a conservative party that reflects the belief systems and values of most of the people in the county."

Although unable to attend U.S. Senator Richard Burr sent a letter to the party membership which was read aloud to the group.

Apologizing for not being able to attend, Burr wrote that the recent victories in New Jersey, Virginia and Massachusetts "have energized Republicans across the country. However, with all of the optimism and excitement, we must also beware of being overconfident as the 2010 elections approach. There is still a lot of hard work to be done and your help will be instrumental in carving our path to victory in November."

First to address the party members was fifth district Congresswoman Virginia Foxx.

"I'm here today to tell you that we have work to do. I know it gets said every time that 'this is the most important election of our lifetime,' but if this isn't an important election, I don't know what one is.

"I believe that it is going to be a very good year for our country and our party because people have awakened to the threats we are facing as a country.

"People said to me downstairs during lunch that they don't understand why the President and those in charge of the Congress right now are pushing the government takeover of health care and frankly, that is the topic of discussion everywhere I go. The only thing that explains it is that they [Democrats] know that if they get it passed, no matter who wins this year's elections, they will put something in motion that will be very difficult to reverse."

Foxx concluded with her request for the membership's support in the upcoming primary run against Keith Gardner of Hickory.

Gardner was not present to speak to the party members.

Other candidates speaking before the membership were Dan Soucek and Jeffrey Elmore, primary candidates for N.C. Senate 45th district; Jonathan Jordan, candidate for the NC House 93rd district; Judy Porter-Poe (incumbent), William Sands and Gary Roark, candidates for Ashe County Board of Commissioners; and Dayna Price and Phyllis Critcher, primary candidates for Ashe County Register of Deeds.

Also speaking to express her thanks was Ashe County Clerk of Court Pam Barlow who will face no primary or general election opposition.

Following the campaign speeches, the membership went to work on a significant number of resolutions that were before them. Among the resolutions that passed unanimously were: a resolution to support legislation to limit the United States Supreme Court's right to rule on abortion; a resolution to encourage civic responsibility of all voting citizens by understanding the United States Constitution; a resolution to oppose illegal immigration and amnesty for illegal immigrants; a resolution to uphold the enumerated powers and duties as defined in the United States Constitution; a resolution for enforcement of the War Powers Act; a resolution to oppose all legislation and executive action that deprives the people of their Fourth and Fifth Amendment rights to protect national security; a resolution to limit big government and oppose term limits for elected officials; and a resolution to preserve the electoral college.

Two resolutions were not passed. A resolution to extend appreciation to Congresswoman Virginia Foxx was removed for consideration due to the fact that Foxx has primary position. It was decided after debate that it would not be proper for the party to support one candidate over another in the primary. Additionally, a resolution for proposed election reform that would remove designated "Major Party" status for candidates, a call to repeal all federal campaign finance laws and abolish the Federal Election Commission.

Ashe County Delegates will attend the Fifth District Republican Party Convention on Saturday, April 17, at the Wilkes County Courthouse.