A previously published article described briefly the status of the East Hartford Republican Party in recent years. It noted a number of basic techniques usually followed by political parties during campaigns, or even during intervals between elections, that seemed to be ignored, or discarded as hopeless.

It appears Republicans seem to rely only on occasional press releases to interest others in participating. Staffing workers necessary on election day at the polls is another device and perhaps more attractive since there's a monetary consideration. Attendence at party meetings is usually sparse as interest remains at a low point unless an unwanted potential candidate might appear at nomination time. Opponents then bring in normally absent members to derail that individuals contingent.

#Probably the characteristic most evident in the GOP is the lack of interest and/or courage to substantialy score the opposition on local issues. To bring in new, perhaps younger members open to challenges is worth exploring. Herein lies the problem. Long-term members usually are frustrated in their approach to campaigning after witnessing years of losses.

#There appears no attempt by either party to bring back the "Young Republican/Democrat" organizations. However Democrats apparently do not feel it necessary. Duh!

#Republicans would do well to recruit new people to maintain a card or computer listing along streets they live on. Such lists can be useful by noting party affiliations voting habits, and issues interest along with election day ride needs. By monitoring a significant portion of town streets with these volunteers many dozens can add strength to a moribund organization.

#A permanent display of the town street map could be brought to committee meetings requiring districts to color-code those streets maintained by the volunteers. Thus some measure of accountability would be available, a discipline often ignored.

#Locate within the party organization a person who can and will on a regular basis compose newspaper articles exploring vulnerabilities at Town Hall.

#Locate within the organization a person who can and will seek funding on a regular basis for campaign funding.

Now these suggestions most likely would be treated with some degree of skepticism by the party elders. But by not even trying to tap the several thousands of registered Republicans in town reveals the depth of this problem.

Some ground rules next in final segment. Comments: Contact billy1917smithehct@att.net