Chairman's Remarks to the MDGOP Fall Convention.
James Pelura
November 14, 2009

Three years ago, I stood before you as a newly elected Chairman. At that time, despair among Republicans was at an all time high.

We had lost the State House and lost seats in the General Assembly.

I was asked repeatedly, "Why would I take on such a task in this environment?"

Short answer ????????????

I was not convinced that all was lost.

Looking back over MD Republican history, I did not see a rejection of Republican values and principles; I saw confusion and an inability to see a real, stark difference between Democrats and Republicans.

My desire from the beginning was, and still is, threefold:

1) To energize and empower the local political entities (County Central Committees). As I stated earlier, we must always remember that the members of the County Republican Central Committees are elected by the Republicans in their county and are the first line in the war of ideas.
2) To include and empower the grassroots elements of our party. The MDGOP's Commission for Citizen Tax Relief and the Commission for environmental Solutions are two of those tools. Real solutions to fix our high tax burden and our environment.
3) To have the Maryland Republican Party defined by a philosophy…the Republican Philosophy, and not by an individual or candidate.

The challenge now is to look to the future.

I believe that the races in Virginia, New Jersey and New York are showing the way. Contrary to the pundits from both parties, moderation gets you nowhere!

In Maryland, right now, the only political affiliations that are increasing in their numbers are the independents and the libertarians!

This should tell us something.

I disagree with the notion that in order to win elections, Republican candidates need to appeal to the moderates. What does that mean…?

Unfortunately, to many in the Republican Party, that means watering down our beliefs and becoming more like the Democrats!

That, my friends, will not win us elections.

My belief is that the voters are looking for a candidate that is clear in his or her message, passionate about that message and, most importantly, is able to convince them that he will govern consistent with that message!

We are on the verge of a Conservative resurgence. This movement is not, in my opinion, the emergence of a third party, but it is the re?emergence or re?birth of the Republican Party.

By returning to our core beliefs of smaller government, low taxes, faith in the individual and most importantly, faith in the private sector to provide a strong economy, we will win elections and ultimately return our country to the great "Shining City on the Hill" that President Reagan envisioned.

The current administrations in Washington and Annapolis are behaving like spoiled children. They have no idea what the real world is about and have this unrealistic idea that somehow things will work out.

Folks, the time is now for the adults to take charge.This is what the voters are looking for and want.

As President Reagan stated, "If some among you fear taking a stand because you are afraid of reprisals from customers, clients, or even those in government, recognize that you are just feeding the crocodile hoping that he'll eat you last."

Friends, the crocodile is at our door!

We must unite against the beast and give Marylanders a clear choice.

Republicans know best, we have the solutions.

Our challenge is to come together; Central Committees, Elected Republicans, clubs and Republican activists all over Maryland, under a traditional, conservative, Republican message.

Only then will we not only resist the crocodile but defeat him. 2010 is ours, let's take it!