Luzerne County GOP Press Release

Sept. 9, 2009
Contact: Renita Fennick 208-4671 or 239-8851
WILKES-BARRE -- Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele gave a pep talk to party faithful at Wednesday’s grand opening of the Luzerne County Republican Party headquarters on South Main Street.
Steele cut a red, white and blue ribbon and spoke to members of Club GOP, a newly formed grassroots organization designed to support the county GOP.
“This place is more than just four walls, fluorescent lights and a flag,” Steele said. “It’s where the Republican Party of Luzerne County will grow.”The local GOP’s permanent headquarters will house the offices of Executive Director Renita Fennick, and Northeast Pennsylvania Regional Director Jon Hopcraft of the state GOP. It will provide a meeting and campaign area for local, county, state and federal candidates and will feature a 24-line phone bank to assist with campaign efforts.
Steele urged party workers to come out and support the party and the candidates in the Nov. 3 election and said the timing was good for the GOP.
“Don’t believe it when they say the Republican Party is the party of no,” Steele said. “Our record is good. The opportunity is right.”
Steele, who was elected chairman of the national GOP in January, mingled with members of the ClubGOP during a private reception.
Club GOP members pay annual dues of $50 or more and receive membership cards, a subscription to the GOP Newsletter, a discount to some events and invitations to club-only functions.
County Chairman Terry Casey said the club’s goal is to make the local Republican Party a true grassroots organization.
“This allows the people to own the party,” Casey said. “This will truly make the Luzerne County Republican Party a party of the people.”
In the past, Casey said, the misconception was that people had to be big donors to make a difference, pointing out that the annual membership fee is less than $5 a month.
Casey said the Republican leadership recognizes that money isn’t everything and that not all registered Republicans would be willing or able to donate $50 to the cause which is why there are provisions for people to receive paid memberships by volunteering.
Membership dues will be used to pay the costs of keeping the headquarters open full time.
Anyone interested in obtaining more information may e-mail luzernecountygop@gmail.com or call headquarters at 570-208-4671.
41 s. main st. ste. 14
Wilkes-Barre PA 18701
LUZERNE COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY
Phone (570) 208-GOP1
Web site www.luzernecountygop.com