The Iowa Republican Party and Technology
December 26, 2008 by Danny Carroll · 2 Comments

There has been a lot of talk lately about the use of technology in politics. I think what is meant most often by “technology” is the use of websites, YouTube, Facebook, email lists, Twitter and the like. To be sure these are fascinating new ways of communicating. But they are just that….ways to communicate. They are inexpensive, timely, convenient and less vulnerable to manipulation by journalists.
The new State Republican Party Chair must have a passion for and familiarity with current communication technology. He or she must, however, not make the mistake of thinking that technology alone will win elections. Ideas and people win elections.
Communication technology is a tool in the campaign tool chest. To the extent a candidate can effectively communicate her/his message they will gain votes. Republicans especially have a compelling message of conservative, traditional values. The more people we can reach with our message and the better able we are to communicate that message the more victories we will see.
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I’m Danny Carroll…and I’d like to serve as Iowa’s Republican Party Chairman
December 26, 2008 by Danny Carroll · 1 Comment
I have expressed an interest in serving the State Republican Party as its next Chairman.
I look forward to the forum to be held on Saturday December 27th. I admire the effort the committee has made to allow for an open and fair process in the selection of the new Chair.
It will be challenge for the Republican Party of Iowa to overcome the adversity of recent years. But we have been able to do so in the past and will again in the future.
I think it is important that the new chair bring County Chairs and the State Central Committee together in a more inclusive process. There is too much work to be done just to leave key players out of the communication loop. With email, conference calls and the like communication should not be a problem. Travel to Des Moines is not always necessary.
For example many ask about the new Executive Director. The State Chairman usually chooses the new director and informs the committee. I think a sub-committee headed up by the State Chairman should receive resumes and letters of interest from applicants for the position and conduct interviews. That sub-committee then would make a recommendation to the full central committee. This would allow for a healthy process and hopefully result in someone who has a strong base of support from the central committee and Chairman as soon as they start the job. Such a process will continue the practice of open and meaningful communication.

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