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

For anyone who didn’t make it to the Chairman’s Annual BBQ on July 26 at Lake Louise, you really missed out on a terrific event. As promised, the focus of the event was on food, fun and fellowship. We did take a few minutes to hear from our candidates.

2 of our candidates for County Commission, Don Yelton and Ron McKee, were in attendance and spoke about their campaigns. RL Clark, candidate for NC Senate as well as our 2 NC House candidates, Tim Moffitt and Paul Purdue, spoke to the crowd as well. Dr. Carl Mumpower, candidate for the 11th Congressional District, spoke briefly in one of his most compelling speeches to date. You can watch the video of Dr. Mumpower (below) as he honors our BCGOP Chairman for his role in inspiring the “Principles First” campaign.

In a surprise visit, Senator Elizabeth Dole, who is running for re-election, stopped by our BBQ to speak to the crowd and pose for pictures. Photos from the BBQ are now posted on our photo gallery! Thanks as always to Max Cooper for taking such great pictures for us!

The following One Stop Early Voting Sites have been confirmed as of July 28, 2008.  You may vote at any of these locations from October 16 through November 1.

1. Asheville Senior Opportunity Center, 36 Grove St.
2. Avery’s Creek Community Center, 889 S. E. Glenn Bridge Rd., Arden
3. Buncombe County Training Center, 199 College St.
4. Bee Tree Substation Fire Department, 510 Bee Tree Rd., Swannanoa
5. Biltmore Square Mall, 800 Brevard Rd.
6. Fairview Library, 1 Taylor Rd.
7. Innsbruck Mall, 85 Tunnel Rd.
8. Leicester Library, 1561 Alexander Rd.
9. North Asheville Library, 1030 Merrimon Ave.
10. Oak Forest Presbyterian Church, 880 Sand Hill Rd.
11. South Buncombe Library, 260 Overlook Rd.
12. Weaverville Town Hall, 30 South Main St.
13. West Asheville Library, 941 Haywood Rd.

Dr. Ada M. Fisher, North Carolina’s first black National Committeewoman, has accepted an invitation by the Buncombe GOP to speak in Asheville on Saturday, August 23, the weekend of Goombay Festival, at the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church at 47 Eagle Street. Continental breakfast will be served at 8:30 a.m. with the main event running from 9 a.m. until noon. The theme of this event will be “Black Republicans: Reclaiming Our Place.”

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. Timothy Johnson, Chairman of the Buncombe County Republican Party, immediately began discussions to bring her to Buncombe County.

“Dr. Fisher truly represents the future of the Republican Party. She is a key leader in North Carolina, bringing energy, diversity, passion, and principle to the Republican Party,” says Johnson. “We are honored that she is willing to take time out of her very busy schedule to visit us in the West.”

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.

For more information on Dr. Ada Fisher, please visit: http://getadoctorinthehouse.com

With Joe Dunn officially withdrawing his name from the race for one of four County Commission seats this election, the Buncombe County Republican Party’s Executive Committee has begun the process for choosing a new candidate. The organization is accepting nominations and will make a final decision on August 18th.

“All Republicans with a sincere interest in serving the people of Buncombe County according to the Republican Principles are encouraged to submit their names for consideration,” says Dr. Timothy Johnson, Chairman of the Buncombe GOP.

The new candidate will be running alongside three other Republican candidates for County Commission, John Carroll, Don Yelton, and Ron McKee, as well as incumbent candidate for Commission Chairman, Nathan Ramsey.

Those interested in being considered can contact the Buncombe County Republican Party at (828)253-5800 or vicechairman@buncombegop.org.

View the Republican Principles

View our 2008 Political Agenda

Joe Dunn, former City Council member and candidate for County Commissioner, announced recently that he was dropping out of the race in order to focus on the needs of his family.

The Buncombe County Republican Party is disappointed to lose such a principled candidate, but we fully support and respect his decision to do what is best for himself and his family.

Joe Dunn has been most passionate about improving education and reducing government waste and spending wherever possible. We intend to keep these issues in the forefront of public discussion.

Three excellent Republican candidates for County Commissioner, John Carroll, Don Yelton, and Ron McKee, remain in the race, along with Republican incumbent for Chairman, Nathan Ramsey. Our focus will remain on getting these candidates elected in order to bring fiscal responsibility, open government, and economic prosperity to Buncombe County.

We have also begun a search for a replacement candidate for County Commission. If you would like to be considered, please email vicechairman@buncombegop.org.

[Photo by Max Cooper]