Some may wonder why I am endorsing an individual for a GOP leadership position in Palm Beach County when I am the State Committeeman in Leon County.  Well, I’m also the Treasurer of the Republican Party of Florida and as an Officer it’s important for me to acknowledge Republican leaders statewide who I come to know. Rarely, do I make endorsements out of county, but we need to get the ball rolling on the upcoming next series of election cycles and begin rebuilding the GOP….. I speak for myself when I endorse Mike Barnett.

Mike Barnett, is running for Vice-Chairman of the Palm Beach County Republican Executive Committee.  I’ve come to know Mike over the past 3 years because he is the Alternate Chairman of the Congressional District 22 Caucus and has attended many RPOF statewide meetings.  He is a graduate of the University of Miami School of Law and practices law in Boca Raton.  He is very  active in all levels of Republican campaigning and most recently headed up the efforts of the Romney/Ryan campaign in Palm Beach County.  In addition, he has served in leadership roles for Adam Hasner, Joe Kaufman, Rick Perry, Melanie Peterson for State Senate, and Fran Hancock for State Committeewoman.  I should also mention that he is the Chairman of Black Republican Caucus of Palm Beach County.

Finally, I would note that much has been said and written post-election about the lack of progress by the Republicans to reach out to different demographics.  I agree.  While we do not need to abandon our Conservative free-market or faith and family values principles, we MUST communicate better our foundational beliefs to different groups of the electorate.  We must not relinquish any ground to the other party.  Too often GOP efforts to do outreach are too little, too late.

Electing a quality individual like Mike Barnett as Vice Chairman of the Palm Beach GOP would go far to project the kind of milestones and achievements we will need to be successful in 2014, 2016, and beyond.  I endorse Mike without reservation.