The Buncombe County Republican Party enthusiastically welcomed a new Membership Director, Gary Shoemaker and new Buncombe County Young Republicans President, Crystal McDonald to the organization this week at their monthly Executive Committee meeting. Both Shoemaker and McDonald are part of a wave of newly energized political activists who have turned to the Republican Party as a vehicle for positive change in their community.
Dr. Timothy Johnson, Chairman of the Buncombe County Republican Party, has actively recruited new members with a variety of backgrounds and viewpoints since his election in March. “Buncombe County is a diverse and growing community. The strength of our party and of our county depends on encouraging new people with new ways of thinking to participate.”
Gary Shoemaker is a Vietnam War Veteran and a former Candidate for U.S. Congress in Pennsylvania. He recently served as the Asheville grassroots campaign coordinator for Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul. As Membership Director, Shoemaker will reach out to new residents, new Republicans, unaffiliated voters, and young people who support Republican principles such as smaller government, lower taxes, and individual liberty.
Crystal McDonald, local business owner and newly registered Republican, was recruited by Shoemaker to head up the Young Republicans.
“We have more and more young people wanting to participate and looking for a forum where they can discuss the issues that are important to them.” Johnson said. “As Republicans, we all share the same common principles, but young people have a fresh perspective that needs to be heard.”
[Photo by Max Cooper]
