Making sure the Republican Party is “Bottom-Up” as it was intended to be…
I ran to be the Saluda County GOP’s State Committeeman in hopes of helping to drive some improvements to the state party that should be very constructive for the Saluda party – and all the other county parties – as well.
My nomination speech at the County Convention gives some insights into my thinking:
Good evening!
The status quo of the Saluda County Party is no longer acceptable! We must look to the future!
South Carolina is thought to be a very “red” State; however, the Center for Legislative Accountability rates our legislature 3rd from the bottom … the 47th least conservative in the U.S. Even with a Republican supermajority, Democrats still chair sub-committees; they recently delayed an anti-DEI bill; and we still have open primaries! These and many other things make no sense and must be corrected! How? ….
First, I’d urge State Party staff to assist County parties to organize all unorganized Precincts so that they are represented on their County’s EC’s. (Centennial & Richland)
Second, I’d urge the State Party to develop a Strategic Plan to bring together EC’s from every County as “stakeholders” and build a “bottom up” organization … versus “top down” … that values input from its members and sets realistic goals and objectives.
Third, the plan must aggressively reach out to bring in young conservatives from across the State … with new energy, ideas and talent. And based on the support from all racial and ethnic demographics that President Trump received last November, it is time to aggressively reach out to the State’s conservative Blacks and Hispanics.
Fourth, an Education Committee would have two goals:
- One … schedule regular regional work sessions to educate the Counties’ Executive Committees about how the State Party and the State legislature function … and solicit input on major issues; and
- Two … establish or support Republican clubs in every high school, tech college and University throughout the State, and work with Turning Point USA to promote our “common sense” agenda in order to appeal to young conservatives and future candidates.
Lastly, I would propose that the State Party develop a new, interactive website and maintain an active, up-to-date presence on social media! Why? The most recent “News” item on the current GOP website is dated October 21, 2024, and when you click on “College Republicans,” you go to a page that actually reads, “NOTHING HERE.” That’s disgraceful! The SCGOP can … and must do better.
Wrap Up
If elected, I’ll aggressively represent Saluda County’s interests in the State GOP, and make every effort to have South Carolina become the “ruby red” State it’s supposed to be.
I’ll very much appreciate your vote! Thanks.
Paul Gilbert
As your State Executive Committeeman, I will be reporting to you on this website and at Member Meetings, about what I observe and do at the quarterly state committee meetings.
