NCGOP's Harnett: Kill the poll tax! | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Publisher's note: Brant Clifton uses the words of others, in part, to shed some light on the upcoming Republican convention in his "bare knuckles" Conservative online publication known as The Daily Haymaker.

    In a surprise move, the actual elected chairman of the state Republican Party resurfaced to comment on the issues we raised in yesterday's post on the upcoming NCGOP convention:

    Setting the Record Straight - Poll Tax

    We are the North Carolina Republican Party.

    We believe in self-determination, liberty and the American Dream. We embrace diversity while celebrating our own individuality. We are strong, focused, determined, loyal, and committed.

    We are inclusive and welcoming to ALL Republicans. download

    We are teenagers, college students, working professionals, retirees, business owners and investors.

    We congregate at the NC GOP State Convention each year.

    To conduct important Republican business, elect Republican leaders, engage, empower, uplift one another and define who we are. Therefore, Republicans should be able to fully participate in the process of electing our Republican leaders no matter how rich or how poor they are.

    We all have our own expectations in how the NC GOP State Convention is run.

    Like you, I had not been privy to the signed convention paperwork and contracts. In 2015, the fee to participate was $75 per delegate. Last Sunday, however; the general business session fee went up to $90 per delegate. This price was set, unbeknownst to me, as the finalized market price recommended by the staff. As you may know, there are many costs associated with running a convention. Likewise, the general business session fee is a great burden to our young and old delegates, especially delegates on fixed incomes. Take a look at this.

    General Business Session Fees

    2017 - $??

    2016 - $90

    2015 - $75

    2014 - $60Dallas

    We must eliminate this poll tax.

    As a candidate for Chairman, that was my pledge to you in 2015. Actions do speak louder than words and to make good on my pledge, I sacrificed a six-figure Chairman salary. I volunteer sixty-plus hours a week so that ALL Republicans can have a voice in our party. That's one of the reasons why I am here. Likewise, I believe the party in good faith should add seats at the table for ALL Republicans.

    Even if the poll tax is not eliminated this year, I believe we can learn from our very own Republican-led legislature. In essence, they reduced statewide income taxes year over year to increase revenue stream. Therefore, we must reduce and/or eliminate the very tax we're putting on our delegates. I have instructed the staff to create a $45 early bird special for the general business session. This is a $30 reduction in last year's fee ($75-45 = $30) and $45 less ($90-45 = $45) than the staff recommended fee for 2016. Additionally, I have instructed the staff to create business scholarships or a click to pledge option for those who wish to help with offsetting the general business session fees. Stay tuned.

    We must diversify our NCGOP fundraising efforts and have more fun.

    Why not add a famous comedian, musician or movie star to our fundraising events and line-up? Why not set up some sort of friendly fun competition betmichele-and-hasan-e1433772184264ween the Republican leaders in the House and the Senate? With this in mind, we are raising funds for theraisetheflag2016.com initiative. Join us and Race to the Finish Line with Richard "the King" Petty: http://ow.ly/Z0lkT on March 22nd. I am confident fundraisers like these will also ensure Republicans have a voice at the state convention ncgopconvention.com.

    We must come together as one Party to defeat the Democrats.

    A house divided will fall. That is why we must be united heading into November. We must have energetic turnout, momentum and consensus in all our ranks. We must positively impact our people, process, policy, and positioning within the minds of others all across our respective communities in North Carolina. Collectively, this is the clearest path to victory and how we will win in 2016.

    As your CHAIRMAN, I stand by my pledge.

    You have every right to hear from your party leaders and know what's going on with your Republican party. You deserve the truth. I believe in fairness, transparency and a stronger Republican party.