Oct

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Noted teacher and author Max Lucado preached a sermon entitled “The Ship Called Salvation.” In this sermon, he described people on the ship that stand at the rails and call out to those being tossed around in the waves of the world. “Come on aboard. We have salvation!” they proclaim. However, the people in the waves reply, “On that ship? Are you crazy? The whole crew is fighting with each other!”

Working together arrowThis problem is not unique to the church; it exists in political parties as well. Some Republicans don’t like the first candidate because he is too liberal on some issues while other Republicans oppose the second candidate because he is too conservative. As a result, factions arise and infighting begins.

The Republican Party is divided nationally and dissention thrives the state level. Nevertheless, the real Hatfields and McCoys argue and fight at the local level, including Gregg County, Texas. Consequently, Gregg County Republicans managed to render their own party nearly ineffective.

It is time to raise a peace flag and call for a Republican reunion in Gregg County. It is time for

  • new vision…
  • new leadership…
  • new direction…
  • new hope.

Six years ago, we elected new leadership with the hope that it would draw the factions together. Instead, the Republican Party of Gregg County has diminished significantly through factional fighting despite the efforts made by some leaders.

The Gregg County Republican Convention used to fill the auditorium at Pine Tree High School. Factions had their differing opinions but they all came and they were all welcome. However, the last County Convention was held in the Pine Tree High School cafeteria with a relative handful in attendance.

Once the leader in East Texas party growth, Gregg County Republican Party participation in the primary elections no longer increases, but has dropped by 20 percent! In other words, we’ve lost one out of five participants. Why? Because people are looking for unity but we offer only division. They are tired of watching the whole crew fight with each other.

Shaking handsMany long time Republican stalwarts have quit. They are tired of the infighting and I don’t blame them. Nevertheless, dropping out is not the way to resolve the problem. We need a leader to pull all the factions together and begin anew. We need someone who will give deference to all and invite every faction to take part.

Republican leaders from six counties surrounding Gregg have come to me asking why Gregg County is no longer the leader in East Texas. They also asked me if I could do something about it. Many Gregg County Republicans have asked me to step forward to provide that leadership. After considerable amount of prayer and thought, I agreed to run for Chairman of the Republican Party of Gregg County.

I am reaching out to all Gregg County Republicans who agree that, with new leadership, we can again grow and work together in unity. With your help and prayers, I will provide the leadership and vision we need for a unified Gregg County Republican Party.