So we arrived at the Innisbrook Resort where the Florida Delegation is staying only to get in a long line.  Eventually, they give you your credentials and two tote bags packed with goodies.  I had a Board meeting to attend as Treasurer of the State Party and then off to the hotel room which is a nice suite over looking the golf course.

In case you wondered about the weather, it’s been overcast with swirling clouds and light rain.  Every now and then gusts of up to around 30 mph.

At 5pm we took buses to Tropicana Field for the Official RNC Kickoff Party.  More on that to come.

Proud to be a Republican….Proud to be a Seminole!  Before the festivities kick off tonight the Republican Party of Florida Board meeting was held at 12noon.  As Treasurer it was necessary to attend.  I wore my FSU College Republicans hat…you know I’m a former Chairman of FSU CRs?  (circa 1983).   The Party’s finances are in great shape and we are well positioned for November!  Now let’s nominate a Presidential Candidate!!!

Ten days ago the Republican voters in Leon County went to the polls and voted to re-elect me to another 4-year term as their representative on the Republican State Executive Committee. In the frenzy of celebration over this victory I posted on my personal and political Facebook pages a note of thanks to voters for re-electing me as Leon County Republican State Committeeman.
Yesterday, my Mom pointed out to me that I did not thank the voters on my blog site at www.GOPJeff.com . This was an oversight on my part. When I posted a thank you on both Facebook pages I simply forgot to thank supporters on GOPJeff.com.
Gratitude is an important quality that is missing in today’s culture and especially among political leaders. THANK YOU to all Republicans in Leon County who voted for me whether by absentee ballot, early voting, or by going to the polls on August 14, 2012. It is a great honor to serve you and keep on working to keep the GOP on the right track.

When I was 6 years old and saw my first Republican Convention on TV here’s who stuck out in my mind!

Wow! What a difference 43 years makes. When I was 6 years old I was visiting my Grandparents in Miami. The year was 1968 and my Grandfather, a Democrat, was watching the Republican National Convention which was held in Miami Beach. I walked past the TV and asked who where those people parading around on the TV and he said “Those are the Republicans and they are having a convention.” Next I saw these huge black and white placards bearing the faces of Richard Nixon and later Nelson Rockefeller. The next placard to come over the TV screen was this guy with slick black hair and a great smile and I asked “Who’s that?” My Grandfather replied “It doesn’t matter, he’s not going to win.”—No that guy did not win, but did win 12 years later and I got to cast my first vote as an adult when we was up for re-election in 1984– RONALD REAGAN!

Next week I will be honored to serve as one of only three delegates from Leon County. The other two being Governor Rick Scott and his wife Ann. As a grassroots Republican Conservative, I am humbled to finally make it to the SuperBowl of GOP politics. Now let me just pray for the Hurricane to stay away from the Great State of Florida!

To follow my blog during the convention sign up for my emails at www.GOPJeff.com

For a list of all the Florida Delegates go to
https://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/mylawmaker/rnc2012/delegates/

Election Day is almost here. Tuesday is the last opportunity for voters across Leon County to cast their ballots. For Republicans, it will be a time to choose the direction of their local party.
I am proud of my record as State Committeeman. I have worked with many committed men in the Leon County GOP and the State Party to achieve the following:

• Turning a deficit in the Leon County GOP treasury into $30,000 raised over the last two years

• More than doubling the precinct men and women serving on the Leon County Republican Executive Committee

• Increasing the number of registered Republicans in Leon County

• Increasing participation (sign waving, phone banking, and precinct walking) in state and local campaigns

• Fielding qualified candidates

• Mailing thousands of absentee ballots

• Writing a new code of ethics for RPOF

• Ensuring that RPOF is accountable and transparent to Florida’s Republican voters.

We have to continue working. The local party has made great gains, but we need to continue to grow it. The State Party has been redeemed, but we need to be vigilant to ensure that RPOF continues to serve Florida’s Republicans not special interests. My work isn’t finish. Help me keep the Republican Party on the right track. On Tuesday, August 14, vote for Jeff Howell for Leon County Republican State Committeeman.

I have known John Paul Bailey for over 15 years through his service on the Tallahassee City Commission. He supported me when I ran four years, and I am grateful for his endorsement as I seek re-election.

I have known Jeff Howell for many years. Jeff has been a consistent advocate of conservatism in Leon County. He has brought his passion, hard work, and integrity to everything he has done for the Party, including helping me with my campaigns for the Tallahassee City Commission. Jeff Howell has gotten the Republican Party back on track. Let’s keep the GOP on the right track by re-electing Jeff Howell Leon County Republican State Committeeman. Vote for Jeff on Tuesday, August 14th.

John Paul Bailey, Tallahassee City Commissioner, 1996-2003

Bill Helmich is a longtime friend and is a veteran of state and local politics. He has a message for Leon County Republicans on what we have accomplished over the last four years and the work that is ahead.

Dear Leon County Republicans,

My name is Bill Helmich, and I am endorsing Jeff Howell for Leon County Republican State Committeeman. Jeff Howell, along with State Committee Woman Cynthia Henderson and Chairman Bradley Maxwell, has worked tirelessly to grow and strengthen our Leon County Republican Party.

Jeff ran for State Committeeman with a vision of transforming a sleepy dinner club into a vibrant active party. In the last 4 year he has helped the party achieve those goals, and I am proud to say that as a vice chairman I have been able to work with him.

In just the last two years the party has already raised over $30,000, put out over 15,000 pieces of mail, generated thousands of Absentee Ballot requests, and fielded quality candidates in many races.

But the building is not complete. While some want to tear down our party, Jeff constantly strives to continue the building of our party. Jeff works to raise money and helps push our hard working volunteers and candidates to do their best.

It is with great pride that I endorse our State Committeeman Jeff Howell for re-election.

Bill Helmich

Paul Ledford is a longtime friend. Back in the 1980’s, we served as officers in the Tallahassee Young Republicans. We worked hard then for local candidates. Eventually, Paul would be elected Chairman of the Leon County Republican Executive Committee and help advocate the conservative message well into the 1990’s. A true Patriot he is.

Jeff Howell has been my friend for 28 years, and during that time he has been a steadfast supporter of conservative values in the Republican Party. When I served several terms as Chair of the Leon County Republican Executive Committee in the 1980s, Jeff was a valued confidant and supporter of mine. His heartfelt commitment to conservative principles, and the ethical and transparent operation of the Republican Party of Florida are key reasons to re-elect Jeff Howell as our State Committeeman in Leon County. He has been active and engaged in the local GOP for close to three decades! I am voting for him, and hope you will do the same.

Paul A. Ledford, Chairman, Leon County Republican Executive Committee (1986-1987, 1988-1989)