Special to The Citizen

More than 160 Fayette County Republicans met March 20 at Fayetteville Middle School to select the party chairman. There were two candidates for the two-year term Eric Dial and Lane Watts.

Both candidates espoused similar platforms, stressing party unity and the need to continue to reach out to new voters in the county. Emphasis was placed on ensuring that the party play a more active role assisting and working with elected officials in the county and beyond.

The candidates chose to "take the high road" during their campaigns with commitments to work together during and after the election. Each campaigned strongly for the seat, sending cards, making calls and galvanizing supporters.

Chairman Kathy Chamberlain stepped down after serving for two years, passing the gavel to Eric Dial who was elected at the County Convention with a total of 94 votes, defeating opponent Lane Watts who received 60 votes.

Dial was "humbled and honored that the Republican Party chose me to be chairman. I look forward to the next two years as an opportunity to reinvigorate the party with hard work, commitment and cooperation," he said. "It is my vow to see that this county gets the best representation possible and all of our Republican elected officials are served well by the party."

Dial is the director of development for the Southeastern Legal Foundation, a public interest law firm which advocates limited government, individual liberties, private property rights and the free enterprise system. He is an Elder at Berachah Bible Church in Fayetteville.

His past political experience includes three years working for Congressman Mac Collins as a legislative assistant and constituent services representative.

Additionally, he was chairman of the Liberty Fund of Georgia, a conservative Political Action Committee and state field director for Paul Heard for Governor. He and his wife, Cheryl, and son, Connor, live in Peachtree City.

The executive committee was also elected at the convention. The following Fayette County Republicans will serve a consecutive term with Dial. First vice chairman, Charlie B. Harper; secretary, Shirley Frady; treasurer, Carl Davis; vice chairman of membership, David Studdard; vice chairman of rules, Phillip Smelley; vice chairman of operations, Sara Molchan; assistant vice chairman of operations 104th District, Lane Watts; assistant vice chair of operations 105th District, Lyn Murphy; vice chairman of administration and public relations, Danny Harrison; vice chairman of awards and recognition, Charlie G. Harper; vice chairman of finance, Mike Amos; vice chairman of events, Troy Besseche.

Several awards are given at the county convention. This year, Ronnie Chance received the 1998 Republican of the Year award. Ronnie Chance, Lee Mrosek, Lane Watts and Mike Seigal each received Republican of the Quarter Awards. Janet McGregor received the 1998 Fayette County Republican Community Service Award.

A special award was given to Susan and Lauren Powers in memory of their father, Paul Powers, a noted Fayette County Republican, who died in 1998.

At the county convention, representatives from each of the 36 precincts vote for the chairman of the local party, the party officers and on the proposed list of delegates for the district and state Republican conventions. If amendments or additions are proposed for the party rules, these are also voted on by those in attendance. Each precinct is allowed a set number of delegates and alternates based on the number of registered voters in the precinct. At the convention a temporary chairman and secretary are elected for the proceedings. The chairman appoints a parliamentarian.

Senator Rick Price gave the invocation and Sheriff Randall Johnson lead the pledge of allegiance to the flag. Other elected officials in attendance included Representative Kathy Cox, County Commissioners Greg Dunn, Herb Frady and Linda Wells, State Court Solicitor Steve Harris, Tyrone Town Council members Ronnie Cannon and Ray Bogenshutz, Fayetteville City Councilman Walter White and School Board members Debbie Condon and Connie Hale.

Tom Parker was elected as the convention chairman with Reid Spearman serving as convention secretary, Steve Keiser as convention parliamentarian and Phil Smelley as rules and regulations chairman. Arnie Geiger served as sergeant at arms.

The Fayette County Republican Party meets first Saturdays for breakfast at 9 a.m. at Baci Italian Restaurant in Fayetteville.

Many local elected officials regularly attend the breakfasts and frequently give updates or answer questions on local issues. Guest speakers for the breakfasts have included Senator Paul Coverdell, Congressman Mac Collins, Matt Glavin and other political figures. During elections, debates are held between various county and state candidates. It is not necessary to be a dues paying member of the Republican Party to attend. There is a nominal charge for breakfast.

For more information regarding the Fayette County Republican Party, call Eric Dial at 770-486-6171 or e-mail edial@southeasternlegal.org.

Back to the Top of the PageBack to the Weekend Home Page