The McCain campaign released the following press release today announcing his selection of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate.

ARLINGTON, VA — U.S. Senator John McCain today announced that he has selected Alaska Governor Sarah Palin to be his running mate and to serve as his vice president.

Governor Palin is a tough executive who has demonstrated during her time in office that she is ready to be president. She has brought Republicans and Democrats together within her Administration and has a record of delivering on the change and reform that we need in Washington.

Governor Palin has challenged the influence of the big oil companies while fighting for the development of new energy resources. She leads a state that matters to every one of us — Alaska has significant energy resources and she has been a leader in the fight to make America energy independent.

In Alaska, Governor Palin challenged a corrupt system and passed a landmark ethics reform bill. She has actually used her veto and cut budgetary spending. She put a stop to the “bridge to nowhere” that would have cost taxpayers $400 million dollars.

As the head of Alaska’s National Guard and as the mother of a soldier herself, Governor Palin understands what it takes to lead our nation and she understands the importance of supporting our troops.

Governor Palin has the record of reform and bipartisanship that others can only speak of. Her experience in shaking up the status quo is exactly what is needed in Washington today.

WLOS interviewed our Chairman, Dr. Timothy Johnson, about Obama’s push in Western North Carolina. Dr. Johnson kept the focus on our local candidates, pointing out that “People are upset. And they are upset at all levels. Not just at the federal level.”

Watch the story online on the WLOS website.

Our Chairman, Dr. Timothy Johnson, participated as a panelist at the Black Republican Forum in New York City earlier this month. This forum has been broadcast on CSPAN-2. Dr. Johnson appears in “Session 2″ and “Session 3″. We highly recommend that you watch the entire broadcast because it is very interesting and informative.

Session 1

Session 2 (Dr. Johnson appears at 23 minutes)

Session 3 (Dr. Johnson appears at 1 hour and 9 minutes)

Our Chairman continues to speak passionately and eloquently about our Republican principles and is keeping Buncombe County in the public eye!

Yesterday evening at the Leicester Library, our local Republican candidates listened as citizens of various political affiliations came together to express their concerns about our community.

This was the first stop on the We Listen We Learn County Tour. Participating in last night’s discussion were County Commissioner candidates John Carroll, Mike Fryar, Ron McKee, and Don Yelton, Commission Chairman Nathan Ramsey (up for re-election), and candidate for NC Senate RL Clark.

Education was a major topic of concern, both from the perspective of parents as well as a teacher. Jobs, illegal immigration, taxes, over-regulation, and transparency in government were also discussed at length.

Candidates enjoyed hearing from the public and the citizens seemed to appreciate being heard by our future representatives. One point on which everyone agreed enthusiastically was that the County Commissioners should continue these “Listening Meetings” throughout the county even after they get elected. Our Republican candidates pledge to do just that.

We Listen We Learn County Tour is coming to your area. Check out the full schedule and join us!

In a closed meeting on Monday night, the Buncombe County Republican Party Executive Committee chose a new candidate for County Commissioner, to replace Joe Dunn’s slot on the ballot. Mike Fryar will now be running on the Republican ticket along with John Carroll, Ron McKee, and Don Yelton. Nathan Ramsey, currently serving as Commission Chairman, is also up for re-election.

Fryar is a lifelong Republican who has served on his neighborhood’s homeowners’ association board for the last seven years, during which time he served as president for three consecutive terms. He also played a major role in the “Let Asheville Vote” petition drive, which forced the Asheville City Council to put their decision to return to partisan elections to a referendum vote. He has been an outspoken critic of zoning, annexation, high taxes, and other issues at both the city and county level.

“I’ve always worked hard for the people of Buncombe County and I will continue to work hard to earn the public’s support,” Fryar said after the meeting. “I look forward to serving all the people of Buncombe County, regardless of political affiliation.”

The other Republican candidates were in attendance on Monday, all enthusiastically expressing support for the committee’s choice and pledging to work together with Fryar in order to bring principled, responsible government back to Buncombe County.

Dr. Timothy Johnson, Chairman of the Buncombe County Republican Party, was pleased with the outcome of the proceedings. “The energy in the room tonight tells me that we have exciting candidates and a winning ticket,” said Johnson. “Mike Fryar offers a wealth of knowledge about the needs of our community. I am confident his message will resonate with voters.”

Fryar will join the other county candidates in an already planned series of public events, which they are calling the “We Listen We Learn County Tour.” The candidates will visit the communities of Leicester, Fairview, Swannanoa, West Asheville, Skyland, and North Asheville to give voters an opportunity to ask questions and express their concerns.

[Photo by Max Cooper]

Paul Purdue, candidate for NC House, District 115, picked up 3 new endorsements in recent weeks. Chairman of the Buncombe County Commission Nathan Ramsey, up for re-election himself, endorsed Purdue in a written letter, stating “Like myself, he believes that our state and nation are headed down the path of the Europeans and he is very fearful for the damage that will result to our great country. If Paul Purdue is elected, I am confident that he will be a strong voice willing to do what is right in our State Legislature. He will work hard and do his best.”

Former NC House Representative, John Rhodes, endorsed Purdue’s candidacy earlier in July, stating, “I heartily endorse Paul Purdue, currently running for the North Carolina House District 115 in the Fairview area near Asheville. I do so because he has the candid, can do spirit and is in my estimation an honest and forthright man. He is willing to stand up to the corruption and fight for his district, his neighbors and this state as a whole. He will do what is right for the people, not just what is politically expedient.”

Paul Purdue’s most recent endorsement comes from the Buncombe County Action Club, who stated in a letter to the candidate, “Your personal experience and broad research background of the total immigration issue in North Carolina will bring you to be the most knowledgeable in the North Carolina House of Representatives when you are elected.”

To read the full endorsements, visit Paul Purdue’s campaign website.

Mason Weaver, well-known author, personal development trainer, and motivational speaker is the latest to join what is shaping up to be an all-star lineup at the “Black Republicans: Reclaiming Our Place” event to be held on Saturday, August 23rd, at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church at 47 Eagle Street. A continental breakfast will be served beginning at 8:30a.m. with the main event from 9a.m. until noon. There is no charge for admission and it is open to everyone.

This forum, which will be held during the weekend of Goombay Festival just around the corner from the YMI Cultural Center, is a joint effort between the Buncome County Republican Party, chaired by Dr. Timothy Johnson, and the Minority Affairs Committee, chaired by Pastor Jimmy Bention who is also Vice Chairman of the Union County Republican Party.

“We are excited to have such a distinguished group of speakers coming to Buncombe County,” says Johnson. “Black Republicans across the country are making it known that we are actively engaged in the political discourse, and Western North Carolina is playing a prominent role in this national discussion.”

Dr. Ada M. Fisher, North Carolina’s first black National Committeewoman, was the first speaker to agree to participate earlier this month. Dr. Fisher’s impassioned nominating speech at the state GOP convention in June won her several standing ovations and even more laughs from the audience. Dr. Ada M. Fisher is a licensed teacher for secondary education in mathematics and science, previously elected school board member, physician, and is the Republican candidate for the NC House 77th District.

Also participating, is William Owens, Jr., author of the soon-to-be released book, Obama: Why Black America Should Have Doubts, which challenges the assumption that all black Americans should and will vote for presumptive Democratic Party nominee, Barack Obama. Owens is president and founder of Higher Standard Enterprises, Inc., a multi-media company focusing on publishing books and developing productions that speak to the issues of country and community. He has been featured on radio and TV shows throughout the country regarding numerous issues within the scope of politics and religion. Owens and his wife, Selena, have been married for twenty-three years. They are the proud parents of four children and reside in North Carolina.

Local Republican candidates will visit six area communities within Buncombe County on what has been dubbed the “We Listen We Learn” County Tour. The first stop will be the Leicester Public Library on August 20 at 7p.m., followed by stops in August and September at Fairview, West Asheville, Skyland, Swannanoa, and North Asheville.

Unlike typical campaign events, the focus will not be on what the candidates have to say, but rather on what the people have to say. The Tour, sponsored by the Buncombe County Republican Party, is directly related to the first item on their 2008 Agenda which states in part, “Give the people a voice in county government.”

“Our current elected officials have ignored what the people want. They just don’t think the average person can speak for themselves. They think they have all the answers,” says Dr. Timothy Johnson, Chairman of the Buncombe County Republican Party. “Local Republican candidates are committed to listening to the people and acting responsibly to address their needs. Our candidates know that better decisions are made when the whole community participates.”

The County Commissioners meeting last Tuesday, where four Democratic commissioners remained silent after Chairman Nathan Ramsey’s motion to let the people vote on district elections, thereby killing the motion, is the latest in a series of examples of what the Republicans view as “Democratic Party arrogance,” which “seeks to eliminate public dialog”, rather than encourage it. On the state level, Lieutenant Governor Bev Perdue has refused all debates with Mayor Pat McCrory in Western North Carolina and the Democrat-controlled NC House did not allow Republicans in the legislature an opportunity to debate the merits of the state budget.

Candidates for County Commission, Don Yelton, Ron McKee, and John Carroll, as well as incumbent Commission Chair, Nathan Ramsey, will be in attendance. In addition, Paul Purdue candidate for State House District 115, Tim Moffitt, candidate for State House District 116and RL Clark candidate for State Senate District 49 have been invited when the tour comes to their respective districts.

See details about the We Listen We Learn County Tour and the 2008 Agenda.

Help us hang our poster all over town! Download the We Listen We Learn County Tour Poster

William Owens, Jr., author of the soon-to-be released book, Obama: Why Black America Should Have Doubts will be joining Dr. Ada Fisher on Saturday, August 23rd, at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church at 47 Eagle Street. Owens’ book challenges the assumption that all black Americans should and will vote for presumptive Democratic Party nominee, Barack Obama. The theme of this event will be “Black Republicans: Reclaiming Our Place.” It will be held from 9a.m. until noon. A continental breakfast will be served beginning at 8:30a.m. There is no charge for admission and it is open to everyone.This forum, which will be held during the weekend of Goombay Festival just around the corner from the YMI Cultural Center, is a joint effort between the Buncome County Republican Party, chaired by Dr. Timothy Johnson, and the Minority Affairs Committee, chaired by Pastor Jimmy Bention who is also Vice Chairman of the Union County Republican Party.

“Too many people assume that all people of color are automatically voting Democrat, but this is far from the truth” says Johnson. “Public forums such as this one will remind anyone seeking public office that they cannot take our votes for granted.”

Dr. Ada M. Fisher, North Carolina’s first black National Committeewoman, accepted her invitation last week to participate. Dr. Fisher’s impassioned nominating speech at the state GOP convention in June won her several standing ovations and even more laughs from the audience. Dr. Ada M. Fisher is a licensed teacher for secondary education in mathematics and science, previously elected school board member, physician, and is the Republican candidate for the NC House 77th District.

William Owens, Jr. is an accomplished author of seven books. He is president and founder of Higher Standard Enterprises, Inc., a multi-media company focusing on publishing books and developing productions that speak to the issues of country and community. He has been featured on radio and TV shows throughout the country regarding numerous issues within the scope of politics and religion. Owens and his wife, Selena, have been married for twenty-three years. They are the proud parents of four children and reside in North Carolina.

Viewers in Buncombe and Madison Counties can tune into Cable Channel 20 to watch the following programs:

Tuesday
7:30pm - 9:30pm “Citizen Speaks” Don Yelton
9:30pm - 10:30 “Time for Real Change” Pat McCrory

Wednesday
6:00pm -6:30pm “Interview with Bob Hunter” Richard Bernier
7:00pm-8pm ” Meters on Private Wells” Kathy Rhodarmer

Thursday
10:00 - 11:00am “JL Foundation “Global Warming” Kathy Rhodarmer
8:00pm- 8:30pm “Interview with Bob Hunter” Richard Bernier
8:30pm-9:00pm “Freedom Works/Heath Shuler Bill Lack

Friday
11:00 - 12pm “Meters on Private Wells” Kathy Rhodarmer
12:30 - 1:00pm “Freedoom Works/Heath Shuler” Bill Lack
3:30pm - 4:00pm “Interview with Bob Hunter” Richard Bernier
7:30pm - 8:00pm “Time for Real Change” Pat McCrory
9:00pm - 10:00pm “Pat McCrory in Madison County” Richard Bernier
11:30pm - 12:30am “Time for Real Change” Pat McCrory

Saturday
1:30pm - 2:30pm “Meters on Private Wells” Kathy Rhodarmer
2:30pm - 3:30pm “Time for Real Change” Pat McCrory
4:00pm-5:00pm “Pat McCrory in Madison County” Richard Bernier