Republicans convene
By Jason Reagan

Watauga County Republicans made moves they hope will change the area’s political color from blue to red during its annual convention on Saturday at the Watauga County Courthouse.

Between 125 and 175 registered party faithful attended precinct meetings to decide who would represent their respective voting districts with 93 available slots.

U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx rallied the group and charged them with maintaining conservative values —fiscal and social —in contrast to what she termed President Obama’s more liberal agenda (see the Thursday edition of The Mountain Times and the Watauga Democrat Weekender for full coverage of her speech and expanded coverage of the convention).

The convention followed Foxx’s lead, approving resolutions to strengthen state’s rights, restore free-market capitalism, oppose “frivolous bailout programs,” fight perceived voter fraud, urge passage of a “Defense of Marriage Act,” oppose “fetal homicide,” work to overturn the Roe vs. Wade decision concerning abortion and demand transparency in the working of the Federal Reserve.

The convention elected Aaron Whitener —Foxx’s local field representative —as chairman, Pam Blume as vice chairwoman and Bill Aceto as secretary-treasurer, with Stacy Eggers Jr., Gene Wilson, Dan Godwin, Andy Harkins, Phyllis Foster as members of the executive committee (along with all elected precinct chairs.)