County Republicans kick off 2004 campaign

The Grimes County Republican Party had an overflow crowd Monday at its Campaign Kickoff Party in Anderson. After a brief meeting to address certain requirements of the Texas Election Code, the crowd of 100 or more enjoyed a potluck dinner. After the dinner, Chairman Gwen Petersen introduced candidates whose names will be on the Republican ballot for the March 9 primary.

Candidates present included three who are running for Congress in the newly-formed Congressional District 17, of which Grimes County is the southernmost county. Those Congressional candidates addressing the crowd were David McIntyre of Bryan, Dot Snyder of Waco, and Arlene Wohlgemuth of Burleson. McIntyre stressed his Grimes County roots, as well as his military service and national security background. Snyder returned from Colorado just an hour and a half before the event, and indicated her interest in the well-being of the community through service on the Waco school board, which included instituting a policy to pass only those students who make passing grades, as well as stressing her commitment to family values and anti-gun control. Wohlgemuth, who has served in the Texas House of Representatives for 11 years, pointed to her proven record on Republican issues and her leadership role in bringing about economic responsibility and a smaller, less intrusive government.

State Rep. Lois Kolkhorst, who represents Grimes County in House District 13 in the Texas Legislature, spoke about her commitment to helping improve the lives of citizens and her frequent visits to Grimes County to learn about citizens' concerns. She also expressed her excitement at seeing the tremendous growth of the Grimes County Republican Party in the past two years. Kolkhorst is unopposed for re-election.

Local GOP candidates were each given an opportunity to address the crowd. They included District Attorney Tuck McLain; County Attorney candidate Lovett T. Boggess; Sheriff Don G. Sowell; candidates for Commissioner, Precinct 1 (which represents the north end of the county), including John Bertling, Don Gaylor and J.D. Grinnell; two candidates for Constable, Pct. 1, the incumbent J. Larry Adams and challenger Dale Schaper; and the only candidate for Constable, Pct. 2, George Wells. McLain and Wells are unopposed for re-election, while all the other candidates have opponents in both major parties.

Also addressing the crowd were two candidates for Republican County Chairman, those being Anne Z. Mazone and the incumbent, Gwen Petersen.

Texas Silver-haired Legislator Dal Dreher was present and spoke about his accomplishments in that unpaid position in the past, and announced his candidacy for re-election. After speaking, all candidates mingled with the crowd, further discussing their qualifications and beliefs.

Also in the crowd were current Grimes Countians who hold elected office, among them Anderson Mayor Gail Sowell and Navasota Mayor Pat Gruner, as well as District Judge Ken Keeling and County Judge James Dixon. Pct. 4 Commissioner Pam Finke was also in the crowd, and except for a few illnesses, most precinct chairs and those who hope to gain that post were present. It was noted quite a few people from Bedias were among those present. Almost every voting precinct was represented.

Petersen announced candidates have been invited to participate in a political forum at the Keith Community Center on Jan. 22, beginning with a potluck dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the candidate forum at 7:30 p.m. This is the first announced forum for all candidates from both major political parties. It is expected that all Republican candidates will participate, as well as in other forums throughout the county.

Election judge appointments will be made within a few days, and all potential election workers were reminded that they should attend the election school being conducted jointly by the County Clerk's office and the Democrat and Republican parties on Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. in the Grimes County Courthouse district courtroom. A new law mandates that only those election workers who attend an election school prescribed by the Secretary of State's office will be eligible for the increased pay of $7 per hour. Workers who do not attend the school will be paid $5.15 per hour. Many changes were made to the election code during the 2003 legislative session, and workers need to be well informed about these changes.

Upcoming Republican events include hosting the 14-county Senate District 5 at the Iola Community Center on Saturday, Feb. 7. All interested Republicans are encouraged to attend. The next regular meeting of the party will be on Monday, Feb. 2, at 7 p.m. in the Commissioners' Courtroom in Anderson. Interested parties can can call 894-1800 or 894-2804 for more information.