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The 2008 election cycle was a long journey that we initiated on Saturday, July 14, 2007 when we had "The
Art of a Campaign" seminar directed by our late Political Committee Chairman, Bob Cohen and his committee. BREC
leadership and some Broward elected officials lent their support and participation to this event. This one day seminar
was attended by over 60 participants; some of them are now elected officials and others worked on campaigns or
improved their volunteer skills. One of the participants didn't learn too much, changed party affiliation, ran for Sheriff,
and LOST his election. The
primaries came and we saw the RBN membership actively committed to their primary candidate; the level of participation at
events and grassroots was a clear message of their commitment. Because of our active participation and invitation to
all campaigns to have their representative at meetings, we were honored with the presence of Steve Forbes, representing
the Giuliani campaign in January. We had a full house (over 100 people), and Steve gave a very informative presentation.
He stayed for a long time and answered everyone's questions. Once the primary was over and the presidential ticket was
in place, we saw the RBN membership united and committed to fully support our candidates, John McCain and Sarah Palin and
the presidential election took center stage. Because of our Broward base membership, we encouraged our members to get
active in a Victory office near them. In the case of the Northwest Victory office, several RBN members had leadership
roles in grassroots activities, etc. Donations and participation in local McCain-Palin events were also part of
the RBN involvement; unfortunately, there were very few events in Broward, in which we could also support the national campaign.
Finally, at the local level, the RBN purchased McCain campaign material and turned in the profit to support the NW Victory
office operation. We also worked a full schedule day as poll watchers and other duties on election day. Simultaneously, as part of the
RBN political committee process, we identified the local campaigns that we would support. The following candidates were
selected as priority campaigns for this election cycle; a brief description of our efforts is mentioned. Al Lamberti - Sheriff - Broward County The RBN
Political Committee had meetings with the Sheriff before his campaign was in place. We offered our assistance and training
for his volunteers, leaders, etc. We also worked successfully to get local official endorsements for the Sheriff. Al
Lamberti was the first recipient of our maximum allowed political contribution. Later, we co-sponsored a fundraiser
with Brian Walsh (Wings Plus) with our members and friends, raising over $6,000.00 in the event. Our members, individually,
also attended several other fundraisers including the one with Gov. Crist in Ft. Lauderdale.
Tom Powers - Coral Springs
- Commissioner Our Political Committee actively worked with Tom to solve a potential conflict
with another candidate for the same seat. Tom had a number of us (RBN members) on his Executive Campaign Team including Bob
and Elaine Cohen who redesigned his campaign material to update his message. During the 2007 Holiday Party, a group
of us presented Tom with personal donations to start his campaign and many others later participated in several fundraising
events. Fortunately, Tom was elected unopposed and we celebrated and moved on with our mission with other candidates
"with this one in the bag!"
Allen West - Congressional District 22 Allen
was a frequent participant in RBN events and meetings. He developed a solid base with our membership. We actively
participated in his headquarters opening, debates, grassroots activities, and events. The RBN hosted a fundraiser in
coordination with Wings Plus and CSPRC, an event that raised around $5,000.00 for Allen. Joyce Kaufman and I worked
to promote this event on her radio talk show. Joyce came to introduce Allen at this event. Individually, members
also supported Allen with donations at other fundraisers, such as the one at the home of "Our" Congressman Clay
and Emilie Shaw and other meet and greets. Finally, during the last weekend of the campaign, some of us covered the
cost of 10,000 robocalls.
Todd Goberville - State Representative District 97
Two RBN members, David Gobeo (coordinator) and Debbie Gonzalez (Treasurer) were team campaign members. We were
also the first group to walk for Todd and help him in the campaign candidate petition drive. Immediately, after the
primary, the RBN donated the maximum allowable contribution to his campaign. RBN members also donated individually and
opened their homes for meet and greets. We also were active volunteers in Todd's grassroots programs. Support for other candidates Dr. Marion Thorpe participated
at our Candidate's Night and received donations from several RBN members. RBN members walked for Matt Hudson, State
Representative District 101.
The RBN, as an organization, also
sponsored a number of events that were beneficial to the candidates. Our Events Chair, Ginger Eisenrod, and her committee
did an outstanding job organizing events in this very busy election cycle. Fisher House event (Salute to the Troops): Candidates were invited to participate in this very successful
event. Over 200 people attended. LTC Allen West was one of the speakers. RBN Candidate Night: panel format, Florida/Broward issues, audience participation, open to the public for additional
exposure. SWBRO: Dining and dancing fundraising event to benefit
local Republican candidates. My wife, Debbie, and I sponsored a table in the name of the RBN and had candidates and
their wives as our guests.The event was successful. Later on the candidates got donations from SWBRO and we were glad
to have been part of this event. Judicial Candidates Night :
we hosted this event to help our members vote with knowledge of the candidates and their issues.
I have a deep appreciation for all the efforts you made, the time you spent, and the financial
contributions you gave during this 2008 Election Cycle. Each of you, as RBN members, should be proud of your participation,
standing tall and fighting for what we believe in. I would also like to thank the Board for their hard work, volunteering
and dedication to fulfill our mission of connecting....electing. This
report is in memory of our fellow member and friend, Bob Cohen - Political Committee Chair. Best regards,
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