After an unimpressive showing by the local GOP in Schweighart/Gerard election, it is nice to see the local republicans build some momentum as we move into an exciting political season. 

Saturday's N-G Article: COUNTY GOP BUSY SLATING COMMITTEEMAN CANDIDATES

The local GOP will double the number of elected Precinct Committeeman this next election cycle and will need to continue this impressive momentum to have any chance of making a splash in the 2012 general.  The Rs will require a significant number of "boots on the ground" to compete with the special interests groups that always have a large number of volunteers seeking tax and fee increases vs. structural reform to government.

It will be an uphill battle this election season for conservatives in a community with such a large percentage of public sector employees, very organized labor, and a GOP volunteer base that has not been inclined to step up in recent elections.    On the bright side, the current leadership within the local GOP is top-notch with Habeeb Habeeb and Kristin Williamson leading the way.   As they have clearly recognized, the party needs to build the base and that large base will need to be extremely engaged this fall.   

It will be interesting to see if the primaries will help or hurt GOP momentum...