Two Fayette County Republicans were chosen as delegates to the National Republican Convention in Philadelphia at the 3rd District Republican Convention this past weekend.

Fayetteville residents Jean Studdard and Kathy Chamberlin were selected from a large group of contenders to be two of the three district delegates. Barbara Scruggs from Coweta County was selected as the third Republican to represent the 3rd District. Three alternates also were chosen: Matias Casal from Clayton County, Si Elliott from McDonough, and Danae Roberts, vice chairman of the College Republicans and Columbus resident.

Nine counties are included in the 3rd District: Clayton, Coweta, Fayette, Harris, Henry, Meriweather, Muscogee, Pike and Spalding. Each selected a group of delegates to represent for the District Convention.

Close to 30 local Fayette County Republicans attended the weekend convention at Columbus Technical Institute. The purpose of the convention is to select delegates for the National Convention and to pass resolutions for consideration at the State Republican Convention in May in Savannah.

Local candidates confirming their intent to run for office at the convention included Carl Davis and A.J. VanLandingham for County Commission seats.

Dan Lakly, former state representative, and Charlie Harper, home builder, declared against Sen. Rick Price. John Mrosek's wife, Lee, also announced her husband's intention to run against Superior Court Judge Johnnie Caldwell. Judges are not allowed to participate in partisan politics, thus Mrosek was not in attendance at the convention.

U.S. Rep. Mac Collins, keynote speaker at the Republican Convention, received a standing ovation when he announced his intentions to run for another term. Stating, “I intend to serve one term, if not more, under a Republican president,” he launched into his speech, which drew numerous rounds of applause from the packed auditorium.

While affirming his strong support for Gov. George W. Bush's presidential race, Collins noted, “We head into November's electoral struggle facing opponents who held the power of Congress for over 40 years, and who desperately want that power again. The presidency is nice to have, but Congress is the source of real power.”

He continued, “Despite holding the presidency for 28 out of 40 years before the election of President Clinton, we saw the Democratic welfare state and liberal social policies gain ground. Year after year, despite the fact that we held the White House, laws expanded, taxes rose, and government grew more out of touch with the people.

“In 1994,” he said, “Republicans gained a majority in Congress and reined in soaring deficits and expanding government. We have gone from endless projected deficits to positive cash flow, enacted welfare reform that puts people to work.”

He touched on Georgia politics, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming November elections. “With the completion of the census, redistricting will take place in every state, leaving a legacy that will affect elections everywhere for the next ten years.”

The central theme of Collins' talk, as well as that of all other speakers at the convention, was a call for party unity.

Regarding the Democratic strategy to “gain the prize,” he said, “One of their most potent weapons will be the strategy of `Divide and Conquer.' Divide the Republicans and the Democrats win.”

He cited a number of recent examples where he believes Democrats have attempted to divide the party, including the “House chaplain issue,” and “which candidate we supported during the primaries.” Other issues he mentioned were the right to life, gay rights, tax cuts and race. “They are trying to drive wedges between Republicans on every single issue, petty or important.”

He urged Republicans to remember “what unites us. I think close to the heart of every Republican is a belief in individuals. We believe individuals are smart enough to make decisions for themselves, and to rule themselves. We believe that individuals are responsible for their actions.”

Both Collins and state Rep. Lynn Westmoreland, who spoke after Collins, urged Republicans to “work as hard as we can.” Westmoreland called for those at the convention to “quit being complacent, get involved.”

Bud Kelley, chairman of the Spalding County Republican Party, was elected district first vice chairman. Kevin McIntyre of Coweta County, a Coverdell Leadership Institute graduate, was elected to serve on the State Republican Committee, along with Mitch Seabaugh, Coweta County, and Art Smith.