Obama Inspires!

Obama is inspiring black politicians to seek office — as Republicans!

From the Daily Caller via Instapundit:

Dean Nelson says as far as he knows, there have never been as many black Republicans running for Congress as there are this year.

Asked why that’s the case, the vice chairman of the Frederick Douglass Foundation, a conservative group of black people who promote smaller government, pointed to an unlikely inspiration for the Republicans: Democratic President Barack Obama.

“I think with his success, it has given a level of hope and expectation for African-American candidates, whether they’re Republican or Democrat that you know hey, this is something that can be done,” Nelson said in an interview with The Daily Caller.

Because many black conservatives share the same type of political experience Obama had at the state level before going to Washington, Nelson said, many are saying, “doggone it, I should throw my hat into the ring and I might be able to have success.”

Of the more than 30 black Republican congressional and senatorial candidates running for office this election cycle, the Frederick Douglass Foundation held a leadership summit for more than 15 of them this weekend.

“Because [Obama's] policies are so out of touch with most of America I think specifically you have black conservatives that are looking beyond just the image. They’re looking at policy and how it impacts us,” Nelson said.

He also said there’s “a stronger network of visible black conservatives than many have not seen in the past.”

“What we found is a lot of candidates are feeling like, ‘Hey, I’m not an island by myself, there are other black Republicans who are out there who are not afraid to say it,’ and I think that that has given them a greater sense of confidence,” Nelson said.

Picture of the week

Via The Corner:

Some announcements

Just wanted to pass along some announcements I received today from our Vice Chairman:

1.  MEETING DAY CHANGE.  Our meeting date has been changed from second Tuesdays to third Thursdays at the Conference Room above Cafe 4.  Mark your calendars accordingly!  Our next meeting will be THURSDAY, MARCH 18 at 7:00 pm.  We hope our new meeting day will allow more Young Republicans to attend and provide greater opportunities for social events.

2.  CHAIRMAN AND SECRETARY STEPPING DOWN.  Recently-elected Chairman Seth Sumner and Secretary Katie Sumner are moving to West Tennessee as Seth has taken a job as the City Manager of Clifton, Tennessee.  Over the past year as Treasurer and the past month as Chairman, Seth has made invaluable contributions to moving our chapter forward.  We owe him a huge debt of gratitude.  Similarly, Katie has been central to bringing life to our social events.  We will miss them both very much and wish them both the very best!  During the transition, the Vice Chairman will take the helm until we take steps to fill the vacancies according to our Constitution and By-Laws.

3.  SPEAKERS FOR MARCH 18.  At our next meeting, we will hear from John Duncan III, candidate for Knox County Trustee and fellow Young Republican.  We will also hear from Jonathan Griswold, a Legislative Assistant to Congressman Duncan.

4.  NEW MEETING FORMAT.  Starting on March 18 (see how many times I’m saying March 18 so that you remember?), we will be changing to a new meeting format in which we do officer and committee reports.  Our standing committees, which were established under our Constitution and By-Laws, are ready to roll, but we also need volunteers to help out!  There will be lots to be done ahead of this year’s elections.

5.  RECHARTERING REMINDER.  On Saturday March 20, the Tennessee Young Republican Federation will hold its annual Rechartering at the State Capitol in Nashville at noon (Eastern time).  A number of us are going over as a day trip.  If you would like to come along, please let me know.  This is a great event and wonderful way to meet other Young Republicans from across the state.

It should be a really interesting meeting!

Sean Connery Provides Advice to Republicans

Sean Connery has some timely advice to Republicans (especially those serving in Congress) regarding Obamacare and Obama’s use of Chicago-style politics:

Rep. Paul Ryan pwns Obama

Rep. Paul Ryan pwns Obama.  The looks on Obama’s face are just priceless.  I hope Mr. Ryan gets more of the GOP spotlight.  Check it out: