Final Thoughts on the RPI Vote
January 14, 2009 by Danny Carroll · 2 Comments
A few days have passed since the vote for a new State Chairman by the Republican State Central Committee last Saturday. By now most observers know that Matt Strawn was elected by a vote of 10 to 7. I was honored to be a part of that process and of course disappointed with the results. I really thought I had nine votes as the committee prepared to convene Saturday morning. However, one person who had said he would vote for me changed his mind. Another member of the committee voted for Matt without saying anything thus the 7 remaining votes.
While I am disappointed and I feel bad for the hundreds of supporters that worked on my behalf, I do believe things have a way of working out. We cannot know the future and I still have faith in our system of government. I know it is frustrating and inefficient. People fuss and fight with one another. But through it all our state and nation has survived. Our system of checks and balances seems to be effective in both party party politics as well as government. Just the fact that we had significant competition for the chair position was a good thing.
I may have fallen short in my quest for State Party Chair but I am not ready to quit the fight for conservative values. The next few weeks and months will allow some time for reflection as Joy and I consider the future. I wish to thank everyone who contacted central committee members on my behalf. I was truly humbled by the support I received.
Finally wish Chairman Strawn all the best as he takes over leadership of the party.
Danny’s RPI Conference Video
January 4, 2009 by Danny Carroll · Leave a Comment
Friends,
I was fortunate to get some video from the recent Republican Party of Iowa forum. Below are my opening remarks. Thanks to all who attended and to RPI for hosting the event.  -Danny
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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