Although there is not a written “job description” for our State Party Chairman, there are many references in our bylaws to the Chairman and his/her duties and scope of authority. In addition to filling these requirements there are other qualities that would be desirable in a Chairman. Here are a few of my thoughts on what we might look for in a State Chairman.
It is necessary that the Chairman, as the representative of the party, be a person who would be well-spoken and articulate and able to speak intelligently and competently on the issues, to all the media, as well as be able to debate one-on-one with the Democrat State Chairman. Priority should be given to holding the Democrats feet to the fire and making sure they are accountable to the public for their actions on every level. This needs to be a continual and consistent effort on the Chairman’s part.
The Chairman should work with the E-Board to set fundraising and recruitment goals and develop a strategy for reaching them. The Chairman would have to, with input from the Board, develop and frame our ‘message’ and get it before the public in every way, including utilizing technology and the latest communication programs and hardware. In doing so we must have a person who believes in and supports our party platform and will take the leadership in promoting it and facilitating, in any way possible, the prosecution of Republican core beliefs and guiding principles.
Besides the ability to listen to, and respectfully relate to, the members and the public, the Chairman would have to either possess organization skills or have someone on the staff that does. They should demonstrate a willingness and ability to delegate tasks and authority to members and committees, and a desire to work openly and cooperatively with the Executive Board. Hopefully the Chairman would have an ‘open door’ policy where input, ideas, criticism, complaints, suggestions, and recommendations would be received in a respectful and welcoming manner.
Recognizing that the State Committee is essentially a volunteer organization, as the leader of the State Republican Party, the Chairman should work to build a team and foster loyalty through encouraging efforts, acknowledging successes, and giving praise and recognition to those who work tirelessly for the party by giving their time, money, and energy. It’s important not to waste talent, skills or enthusiasm. The Chairman must help and assist county and city chairmen in their rolls. And all members must be asked and offered an opportunity to contribute to our efforts in whatever way they are willing and able.
If under fire by the Democrats or the press, the Chairman, as our champion and our leader, should come to the defense and support of any member of the board or committee. Should the Chairman have any problem or difference with a member they should be dealt with privately with the individual.
Finally, the Chairman, in his or her role as a member of the Republican National Committee must work closely with the National Committeeman and National Committeewoman as a team to maximize our power and effectiveness in representing New Hampshire’s interests on the RNC, including, but not limited to, preserving our First in the Nation Primary status.
NH GOP By Laws pertaining to the State Chairman after the jump
Sections of the State GOP Bylaws that pertain to the state Chairman
The State Chairman shall provide direction to all Republican county, town, city, ward and regional chairmen on their duties and responsibilities in accordance with State Statute (RSA 658:2). The State Chairman shall schedule regular meetings with Republican leaders of the Executive and Legislative branches of State Government to help develop and promote a legislative agenda and strategy that are consistent with the Party Platform. The State Chairman shall develop and implement a communications strategy and programs that support the Party Platform, the Republican Party and Republican candidates. Insofar as it is practicable, the Committee’s members shall be consulted concerning committee matters, Party matters, and campaign activities affecting the towns, cities or regions in which they reside.
Meetings of the Committee may be called on the initiative of the State Chairman or shall be called by the Chairman upon the written request of fifty members of the Committee, or at least one-third of the members of the Executive Committee. Notice of any such meetings shall be mailed to each member at their last known address at least ten days before the day of the meeting, provided, however, that when in the opinion of the State Chairman and one-third of the Executive Committee an extraordinary or emergency situation exists requiring lesser notice, a meeting may be called by the Chairman provided each member is notified by mail at least five days before the day of the meeting. At least one regular meeting of the Committee shall be called by the State Chairman in each calendar year.
The officers of the Committee, with the exception of the FEC Compliance Officer (appointed by the Chairman), Finance Chairman and the Assistant to the Chairman for Recruiting, shall be elected at a regular meeting of the Committee, which shall be held on a date set by the State Chairman during the month of January in the calendar year immediately following a biennial election. The three aforementioned officers, who shall be appointed by the Chairman, must also be confirmed by a majority vote of the Executive Committee.
Chairman: The Chairman shall be the chief executive officer of the Committee. The Chairman shall preside at all meetings of the Committee and Executive Committee. The Chairman shall have the power to sign contracts and hire and terminate employees on behalf of the Committee. The Chairman shall serve as spokesperson for the Committee. The Chairman shall be a person of established standing in the party who has the respect and support of Republicans generally. The Chairman shall have general supervision of the work and affairs of the Republican Party. The Chairman shall have the power to make temporary appointments to fill any vacancy with respect to which the Committee or Executive Committee is authorized to act, to be effective until permanent action shall be taken with respect thereto by the Committee or its Executive Committee. The Chairman may appoint Legal Counsel to advise the Committee on all legal matters. The Chairman shall organize the state convention and shall appoint committees and chairmen of committees as necessary for the proper conduct of the convention. The convention organization shall include, but not be limited to, the following committees: Organization, Credentials, Rules, Resolutions, and Platform. The Chairman shall notify all persons of their election to any office or position on the Committee and shall cause them to be informed of the nature of their duties. The Chairman is responsible for maintaining an updated record of the names, addresses, and phone numbers of officers and members of the State, County, and Local/Regional Republican Committees on file at the Committee’s headquarters.
The Chairman shall establish a Finance Committee, whose primary purpose is to establish and implement a program for raising funds, and may include creating subsidiary committees and event committees as necessary.
An audit of all funds shall be conducted every twelve months, and upon the time that a new Chairman takes office if an audit has not been conducted within the previous three (3) months. Such an audit shall be performed by a professional certified public accountant, chosen by the State Chairman with the approval of the Executive Committee. The results of this audit shall be reported back to the Executive Committee.
Meetings of the Executive Committee may be called by the Chairman on his or her own initiative, and shall also be called by him or her upon the written request of at least one-third of the members of the Executive Committee. Notice of any such meeting shall be mailed to each member at his or her last known address at least ten days before the day of the meeting, provided, however, that when, in the opinion of the State Chairman an extraordinary or emergency situation exists requiring lesser notice, a meeting may be called by the Chairman provided that telephone contact is made and/or notice is given at least forty-eight hours before the time of the meeting and that a quorum for emergency situations shall consist of at least one-third of the Executive Committee.
In the event that the county fails to organize by the end of February in the year following the biennial election, or the County Chairman fails to appoint a temporary chairman of any town or city herein provided, then the State Chairman will make such appointment and undertake all steps to conduct an organizational caucus.
The State Chairman will also call biennial meetings of the County and City Committees for the purpose of holding a caucus to elect members of the Committee. These meetings must take place during the period beginning immediately following the biennial election and ending by December 15th. All qualified registered Republicans nominated shall be included on the ballot for consideration of election at these meetings. The State Chairman will be responsible for notifying all members by mail at least 10 days before the day of the meeting. Only members of the Committee shall elect the county and city committee officers.
