Light turn out for GOP event

July 12, 2008

GOP Headquarters
There was good weather until about 2:45 p.m. this afternoon for a barbecue and political festivities to dedicate the new campaign headquarters of the Republican Party of St. Johns County — but the anticipated crowds were light.

The Saturday event was advertised to begin at noon, however, with the exception of Jerry Stalvey who was hired to feed the attendees and was hard at work earlier this morning, only a small handful of candidates had arrived and were jockeying for position in the parking lot at 12:05 p.m. — hoping to capture the best exposure for their campaign signs.

By 1:00 p.m. those who were on the scene were being introduced.

One campaign supporter commented that her team had hoped for a better turnout and participation from voters in the community — since the event was being sponsored by the Republican Executive Committee. “However” she added “I am already accustomed to this year’s political events being attended largely by other candidates and their volunteers”.

GOP Opening

Uniformed police were seen at the event which some in attendance found to be “reassuring”.

There was some speculation after recent news stories in neighboring Flagler County regarding a political event that was shut down when protesters showed up wearing what some labeled as “offensive” t-shirts.

The shirts were reportedly worn by off-duty law enforcement officers who were not supporting the re-election bid of State Attorney John Tanner. Tanner and his political opponent, local attorney R. J. Larizza, were both in attendance today.

The only protester we saw this afternoon was Betty Jean (B. J.) Kalaidi — who is regularly seen around town peacefully holding her signs and waving to passersby.

There were rumors of another disturbance Thursday night at the scene of today’s GOP event involving one of the local club’s volunteer officers. The St. Augustine Republican Club had already announced that “due to unforeseen circumstances” a previously advertised photo gallery called “The Republican Connection” would not be available for viewing today.

Photo credit: Historic City Media news photographer Kerry McGuire

Written by AuggieNewsHound · Filed Under Local Events

Comments

4 Responses to “Light turn out for GOP event”

CRR on July 14th, 2008 9:49 pm

A light turn out??????? We planned for 200 and at last count we served 315. It was an overwhelming success. So much so that the field representatives from the RPOFL want to help support another one in September.
Nancy Sikes-Kline on July 14th, 2008 9:51 pm
Cato on July 14th, 2008 11:50 pm

Great photos, Nancy - the Grand Old Party in St. Johns County.

—

From US Census; St. Johns County, Florida; 2006

- Population 169,224

- White persons 90.9%

- White persons not Hispanic 87.3%

- Black persons 5.9%

- Persons of Hispanic or Latino origin 3.9%

- Asian persons 1.9%

- Persons reporting two or more races 1.0%

- American Indian and Alaska Native persons 0.2%

- Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander 0.1%
Mike on July 15th, 2008 4:19 am

AuggieNewsHound reported:

One campaign supporter commented that her team had hoped for a better turnout and participation from voters in the community — since the event was being sponsored by the Republican Executive Committee. “However” she added “I am already accustomed to this year’s political events being attended largely by other candidates and their volunteers”.

Judging by Nancy’s photos, I’d say that part of Auggie’s story is pretty much on the mark!

I went by before the storm set in — probably saw 65 - 75 people at that time. I wouldn’t dispute that about 300 dinners were served, but, look at that gut on Bill Lennon … he’s probably good for at least 3 free dinners himself!

(Just kidding, Bill)

I was glad to read that the Party hired off duty police officers to be on hand — I was equally glad to hear that they weren’t needed. Maybe this new location will provide the fresh start our Party has needed.

Too bad Mr. Yarbrough will pick up the keys after the election in November. The Party will still have a lot of work to do.