Republicans run for local office

By DUANE SHERRILL / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

Jack Holland, left, candidate for 5th District commissioner and Gerry Riley, right, candidate for property assessor, join Republican Party chairman Charlie Moss as the first two Republican candidates ever to qualify for local races. (Duane Sherrill photo)

Bursting on the scene with purpose, the Warren County Republican Party is vowing to run candidates in each and every future race, beginning this year.

“We intend to have a candidate for every office,” said Republican chairman Charlie Moss. “We are actively recruiting candidates now.”

The Republican Party made history recently when it fielded the first two Republican candidates ever for a local election. The candidates, Gerry Riley for the office of assessor or property and Jack M. Holland for the 5th District County Commissioner spot, have both qualified but will face no opposition in the Republican primary Feb. 10. They will advance to the general election in August. This year will also mark the first local Republican primary involving local candidates for local offices.

“I think this sends a statement that we are focused and serious about making the Warren County Republican Party a real force,” Moss said.

Moss said the goal is to match, dollar for dollar, funds raised by serious local Republican candidates, to aid in their bids for office. The financial support, as well as the political and campaign support, Moss feels, will make Republican candidacies viable and their races winnable.

“Along with our first two entries for assessor and the county commission, we intend to back Republican candidates for all three school board spots up for election this year,” Moss said. “We are looking for candidates for those offices right now.”

Moss said the search for viable candidates will really intensify with the 2006 elections when virtually every county office, including all 24 Warren County Commission spots, are up for grabs.

However, given the recent growth of the local Republican party, Moss believes the party will be able to fill the races with quality candidates.