Last night the Orange County Republican Party conducted their endorsement meeting inside the Pavilion of Irvine’s Hyatt Hotel. This three hour meeting of members, candidates and supporters was held 6 weeks before the Nov 2nd General Election.
The meeting began with a surprise visit by Florida Senate Candidate Marco Rubio who, after a brief recap of his campaign and thanking the party for our support, led us in the pledge of allegiance.
After a presentation by endorsement committee chair Mark Bucher on the new vetting process and a summary of their recommendations Chairman Baugh opened the meeting to all members. A listing of 28 recommended and no recommendation candidates was distributed to all voting members. Of that listing a handful were pulled for consideration and debate.
Each of these applicants were permitted to have three minutes to persuade the Central Committee to grant their request. The applicants could invite members or friends to speak on their behalf within that timeframe.
The first candidates to address the body were Shari Freidenrich and Keith Rodenhuis competing for the post of OC Treasurer/Tax Collector. Speaking in support of Shari were Supervisor John Moorlach, Congressman Dana Rohrbacher and Deborah Pauley.
Speaking on behalf of Keith were Lee Lowry who referenced a letter supporting Keith from past Chair Tom Fuentes and Allan Bartlett. Member Craig Alexander suggested with two GOP candidates the party should stay out of this race.
Without providing specifics of all speaker remarks the one area that was not explained by Mr. Rodenhuis was the fact that after moving to OC from LA 5 years ago he registered DTS rather than Republican. He danced around the question which he never answered. That evasive response to his DTS surely impacted the final vote where Shari obtained 75 percent of the votes cast, more than the 2/3ds required.
Other endorsements from the pulled listing:
In the city of Fullerton Bruce Whitaker in the 2 year city council race.
In the city of Costa Mesa Mayor Pro Tem Wendy Leece.
In the city of Mission Viejo Rhonda Reardon received 75% of the votes cast.
In Laguna Hills the committee endorsed council member Melody Carruth
Final point. As the Chair could not determine the outcome by voice votes, the members were asked to stand where an actual count was taken to avoid any disputes.
Congratulations to Huntington Beach Treasurer Shari Freidenrich!
Treasurer Shari Freidenrich is an example of a great and experienced candidate that is well respected by the community, and “dare” I say by Republicans, Democrats and Independents alike. This respect and endorsement is well earned as she is very qualified and a proven leader to be our next OC Treasurer!
See the link to the post we wrote in the OJ Blog about her early in the month.
http://www.orangejuiceblog.com/2010/09/treasurer-shari-freidenrich-adds-new-key-endorsements/
Posted by Francisco J. Barragan
(former Chief Audit Executive at 4 multinational manufacturing companies)
P.S. Treasurer Shari Freidenrich is a member of The Institute of Internal Auditors-OC Chapter, of which I was the President from 2005-2006 and on whose Board I still serve as a Board Governor alongside other great volunteer leaders. Many of our close to 700 members serve as Chief Audit Executives and in various other key positions within the top companies in Orange County.
.
Established in 1941, The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) is an international professional association of more than 170,000 members. Throughout the world, The IIA is recognized as the internal audit profession’s leader in certification, education, research, and technical guidance.
That’s great news, and surprising – I can’t remember the last time I agreed with the OC GOP. (Well, yes, we both thought Proposition 14 sucked, but that’s about it.)
It’s surprising because I had the impression the other guy – Rodenhuis – was the insider GOP career politician, while Shari is the competent honest public servant that folks in both parties love.
Good choice! Go Shari, Go HB!
Vern.
I have started preparing my voter guide and will be including the Treasurer race that will contain my recommendation of Shari. Keith has a leg up with his ability to use the title of Deputy Treasurer. He also has many supporters in the party.
HI Sherry
You spoke to our Republican Womens club during the electiion and said that you would come back and speak to us after you were elected!
Are you available this April 27th. Can you call me at 949-499–4777 or june.lange@cox.net
Really apprecialte hearing from you ASAP, Thanks, June Lange, First Vice President,
Laguna Niguel Republican Womens Club Fed
Really don’t think this is your best way to get a hold of SHARI (note spelling.)
Try looking for the website of the Orange County Treasurer.
June. I’ve left Shari’s number on your phone and sent you an email. Larry