“I want to bring positive energy and enthusiasm to all of the Republican Executive Committee members, uniting them to achieve our goal of electing the most qualified candidates to office,” she stated in her acceptance speech.

Barbara has been an active Precinct Committeewoman and member of the Brevard Republican Executive Committee for several years and is also President of the Melbourne Area Federated Republican Women.

Chairman Davis replaces Jason Steele who resigned as the Brevard Republican Chairman.

For more information about the Brevard Republican Executive Committee, please call 254-0073.

Supporters took the podium to share why they support Sharon Day as the new Chair of the Republican Party of Florida. The recurring theme expressed by these BREC members was “principles over politics,” with members pointing to Day’s refusal last year to sign the Rule 11 letter put forth by Jim Greer that would have allowed the RNC to endorse Governor Charlie Crist over rival Marco Rubio for the United States Senate seat being vacated by Mel Martinez.

A resolution offering a more detailed statement of support for Day failed to pass by more than 50% of the BREC’s votes, however.

In spite of the support expressed for Day, Steele said he will cast his vote for Thrasher because he gave his word he would support Thrasher following the ouster of Jim Greer.
Chairman Steele said he would support Day if the party weren’t in such dire straits, but that extraordinary times call for extraordinary abilities that he believes Day lacks.

“I can understand the committee’s point of view, but I gave my word to Sen. Thrasher and I still believe that this is the right thing to do,” said Chairman Steele. “Now is the time for a leader like Sen. Thrasher who can rebuild, and later the time will come for a leader who can maintain what is built, perhaps even Ms. Day.”

There are currently three candidates for RPOF Chair: Florida Senator John Thrasher, RPOF National Committeewoman Sharon Day, and Osceola County State Committeeman Mark Cross. The special election for RPOF Chair is next Saturday, February 20th, at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando. You can get details about and register for the event here.

Under Chairman Steele, the BREC is experiencing record attendance and participation by grassroots Republicans that were previously turned off former RPOF Chair Jim Greer. Chairman Steele has embraced the newcomers with open arms, and thanked them for their desire to make a difference in both the party and their local elections.

Florida Senate President Elect Mike Haridopolos and Candidate for US Senate Marco Rubio will highlight the Brevard Republican Executive Committee’s 2010 Annual Lincoln Day Dinner. The black tie optional event, which is the committee’s primary annual fundraiser, will be Friday, February 5th at the Radisson Resort at the Port.

“We’re already seeing an incredible response, and the official invitations haven’t even hit the streets yet,” said Chairman Jason Steele. “We are thrilled to have Marco as our keynote speaker, and Senator Mike Haridopolos as our Master of Ceremonies.”

Vice Chair David Isnardi is in charge of a straw poll for candidates in State Cabinet races and higher. All of the candidates for the US Senate race were invited to speak before the BREC so Brevard Republicans could make an informed decision at the Lincoln Day Dinner straw poll.

“Open dialogue and honest debate are the core of our democratic process, and now that all of the candidates have been given the opportunity to speak before the committee we are excited to give attendees an opportunity to cast their vote for the candidate of their choice,” Isnardi said. “We are very grateful to Supervisor of Elections Lori Scott for making the straw poll possible by providing two voting machines for the event.”

Last year’s event drew in excess of 200 people and Committee Chair Clyde Thodey says he is setting the room for 300 this year. “People are fired up and ready to make a difference at all levels of government,” Thodey said. “Reckless spending by officials at every level are causing people to get up off the sofa and ask what they can do to help.”

Steele, who has recently questioned GOP leadership on a number of issues, confirms those sentiments, and says change is in the air. “Together, we are making significant changes,” Steele said.

The BREC is asking for your support at Chairman Steele’s grievance hearing next Friday night at 7pm at the Gaylord Palms hotel in Kissimmee. We are organizing a carpool and details will be posted here and e-mailed to all committee members once they are finalize.

Here is a copy of the actual grievance: