September 30, 2004

Association of Republican Women host candidate forum at Almaden Country Club

By Kymberli W. Brady
Staff Writer

Republican candidates vying for City Council, State Assembly, and Senate seats met with Association of Republican Women members on Sept. 15 during their annual candidate forum and luncheon, held for the first time at the Almaden Country Club.

The forum allowed each of the candidates a four-minute speech, followed by questions. Among the candidates were Congressional candidates Chris Haugen and Raymond Chukwo who shared the mike with Ernie Konyu, who is vying for the 24th District Assembly spot, along with Rich De La Rosa for District 10 City Council, John Zellhoefer for State Senate District 11, Los Gatos Town Clerk Incumbent Mary Cosgrove, and Assembly District 21 write-in Jennifer Lauer.

“We had the great pleasure of coming here this year,” explained president Ann Collins—one of the nearly 200 members throughout Santa Clara County. “I’m very excited to have it here because I live in Almaden.”

Established in 1997, the group represents a sampling of nearly 200 Republican women throughout the Santa Clara Valley who actively participate in local Republican political races. Many have run for positions in local and state government, including Vice Mayor Pat Dando and Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith.

According to past president and founding member Barbara Wales, the group—originally part of the Republican Federated organization that formed in 1965—decided to form its own independent association seven years ago, in an effort to be more active and cover a larger area for their candidates.

“This is one of our best events,” said Wales. “But we’re not just about Republicans. We also sponsor debates, such as the last sheriff’s election, so that people can learn what the differences are between the candidates. We now go down as far as Gilroy and up as far as San Mateo.”

“We’re very active in promoting the candidates and continue to add new members all the time,” added Collins.

“We actually walk precincts, do phoning, distribute literature, put up yard signs, and set up radio opportunities. Our objectives are to get people elected into office and to uphold the constitution.”

Although one must be a registered Republican to join the organization, Wales said anyone may attend the meetings.

“My husband is a Democrat and he comes all the time,” she admitted. “We try to look to get the expert on the information, and that person may not be a Republican. Our meetings appeal to more than just Republicans.”

Future ARW events will include talks on homeland security, as well as visits to Livermore labs and a trip to Sacramento to see elected officials.

The Association of Republican Women meets on the third Wednesday of each month at La Rinconada Country Club in Los Gatos. For more information, call (408) 354-3231 or log on to: http://www.goarw.org/