Latest news with #RepublicanClub
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Former USAF Lt. Col. Larry Brock Jr. speaks to Amarillo Republicans
The oldest Republican Club in Amarillo held a kick-off celebration leading up to the 250th anniversary of the United States with a patriotic 'Celebrate Freedom' event Thursday evening, July 17, at Starlight Ranch. Among dignitaries at the event were State Rep. John Smithee, R-Amarillo, State Sen. Kevin Sparks, R-Midland, and later, State Rep. Caroline Fairly, R-Amarillo, as well as Amarillo Mayor Cole Stanley. The group brought in retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Larry Brock, Jr., a former A-10 pilot who served more than 20 years in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria, as well as other turbulent areas. Brock is a Texas native, father, Christian and self-described lifelong patriot. Festivities at the Amarillo fundraiser included food trucks, music, dancing and family-friendly games. Connie Brown, president of Amarillo (Women's) Republicans, said that instead of the annual picnic, they thought they would host a community event. 'We had met Mr. Brock at other events and thought his story was quite interesting, so we just decided to do that and the thing kind of grew," she said. "We thought, let's make it fun and have miniature golf and cornhole and playground for the kids and have it at the Moon Palace at Starlight Ranch." 'Then we brought in music and thought, well, we could do dancing, too," Brown added. "We wanted to be with good people and talk about conservative values of the Panhandle along with other things, and his story is very interesting.' Men now included in Amarillo (Women's) Republican Club Brown said that recently the Amarillo Republican Women started to bring men into the tribe, although they've always been at meetings. "They now have the ability to serve on the board and work with us, because we just really cherish every individual that wants to help in conservative causes, and they bring a lot to the table," Brown said. 'What we do is to educate and inspire," Brown added. "We have Texas Supreme Court Justice James D. Blaylock coming in, and he'll be speaking on issues that affect all of us. We have all our district judges who are going to do a panel here in a few weeks and speak on a issue that is confusing to a lot of us, 'deferred judication,' and why that's a better way to go sometimes. Recently, we had Randall County Judge Christy Dyer speak and tell us what all the county judge does. Our 47th District Potter Court Judge Dee Johnson spoke a while back and explained the process for judges and what levels there are." Sparks said it's important that communities are engaged in the political process. "So I drove up from Midland this afternoon, not just for this community, but to my whole Senate district. We're going to talk about politics for a little bit, but they've got a great keynote speaker tonight,' he said ahead of the event. 'Obviously we're going into a special session starting next week. So, this is an opportunity to socialize with folk, so I'm thankful they plan plenty of time to visit.' 'So God has provided us with a great evening for this,' Sparks said. Brock Jr. talks about experiences, announces run for legislature 'Amarillo Republic Women's Club invited me to come and speak about my experiences as a military officer in combat, but more they want to hear about my time as a political prisoner of the illegitimate and criminal Biden regime,' Brock Jr. said before the speech. Brock Jr. was sentenced and imprisoned for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot and served 372 days in federal custody, including 131 days in solitary confinement. 'I am a born-again Christian, and Romans: 8:28 governs my life. I believe this experience was to set a course correction in my own heart and get me back into the Bible, but more importantly, to keep me focused on public service because I was moving into just running my own company, minding my own business and doing things," Brock Jr. said. "I believe God used this ill opportunity to try and refocus me on the things He wanted." 'Now I intend to run for the Texas Legislature, and I intend to win," he said. Brock Jr. announced he is running against State Rep. Jared Patterson from the 106th District, noting HB 106, which regards authorization of a penalty relating to maintenance of overhead electrical power lines associated with oil and gas development. "I think we need real conservatives with real values in the Texas House, and that's where I want to be. We have some, but we need about 10 more," Brock Jr. said. In speaking about the Jan. 6 events, Brock Jr. said, 'It was a very, very cold day. By the time I got to the Capitol, all the ski fencing had been removed by an unindicted man. All the barriers had been removed. I saw absolutely no violence as I walked right by four Capitol Policemen in open doors. While I was inside the Capitol, and this is all documented on my website and in court records … I picked up trash." 'I actually protected a police officer at one point, though I didn't know he was a police officer," he added. "I saw a man in black chasing an African-American gentleman in a coat and tie and I got in between them, put my arms out. Officer Nairobi Timberlake (sergeant at the U.S. Capitol) testified in my trial that I had protected both him and his partner." 'After that, I went on to the Senate floor, told the man to get out of Vice President Pence's chair,' he said. 'Then when I was going to leave, you can see me (in footage) put my arms around a man that was confronting the police as well. So, my actions were entirely peaceful, but it didn't fit the FBI's narrative." Brock Jr. said the FBI dug into his private conversations with military personnel and found one where they were talking about a hypothetical situation. "I honestly did nothing to merit two years in jail," he said. 'However, I will freely admit, I should have known better not to go into the building, but my actions other than that were pure," Brock Jr. said. He was given a two-year sentence, but the Supreme Court later threw out the felony conviction. He said, 'God worked for the good and I'm in a unique position of being pardoned for crimes I now technically did not commit. On the 20th, I received a pardon from President Trump and on the 23rd, because an appeal was pending, all charges were dropped. So technically, I was never convicted of anything even though I spent time in a jail.' This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo Republicans hear from Larry Brock Jr. at 'Celebrate Freedom' Solve the daily Crossword
Daily Telegraph
19-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Telegraph
Donald Trump Jr set to open private club with $768k fee
President Donald Trump's eldest son, Don Trump Jr, is launching a new private members club that will cater to the wealthiest supporters of his father's administration. Named 'Executive Branch,' the invite-only venue in Washington, DC's Georgetown neighbourhood will charge members a $US500,000 ($A768,000) joining fee as well as annual dues, which have not yet been revealed publicly, Realtor reports. Speaking to The Washington Post, Don Jr's business partner in the venture, Omeed Malik, revealed the aim of the club is to provide a space that is 'friendly to Republicans,' something the founders believe will fill a large gap in the market. 'During the 2024 campaign, many of us developed deep friendships and wanted to be able to catch up when our paths crossed in DC,' he explained. 'There aren't a plethora of options that are friendly to Republicans — examples of that abound — and we needed a space where friends can converse without worrying about their conversations showing up in the press the next day.' MORE: Shane Jacobson's big new pub plan Skipping Girl's multimillion-dollar makeover Why these iconic Vic pubs are up for sale The outlet notes the club will offer a 'health-conscious menu' with 'nods' to RFK Jr's Make American Healthy Again initiative. In other words, beef tallow will abound, but seed oils will likely be checked at the door. There will be an array of American dishes on the menu — as well as Mediterranean and Japanese-inspired options — with plenty of cocktails and high-end wines included in the offerings. Memberships will be tiered, per CNBC, and only 200 were made available in the first round, which had already led to a lengthy waiting list as of the end of April, the outlet reported. Among the founding members are a number of well-known characters, including crypto entrepreneurs Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, tech investor David Sacks, and venture capitalist Chamath Palihapitiya. Only a select group of individuals were given the opportunity to become founding members or provided with a chance to join the highest (and most expensive) tier of memberships; however, other, lower-cost options are available, with fees ranging in the 'low six figures,' The Washington Post reported. According to Mr Malik, the aim is to create a truly luxurious experience for members — one that rivals some of the finest private establishments in the world — such as No. 5 Hertford St in London or Carriage House in Palm Beach. '[We wanted] a high-end experience comparable to the finest social clubs in the world,' he said, before questioning: 'Why shouldn't our nation's capital have a luxury venue like other major metropolitan cities?' Parts of this story first appeared in Realtor and was republished with permission. Sign up to the Herald Sun Weekly Real Estate Update. Click here to get the latest Victorian property market news delivered direct to your inbox. MORE: Buyers eyeing forgotten Melb Woolies store Ex-Tiger star eyeing $5m+ deal MCC boss' secret $2m Melb mancave revealed
News.com.au
19-06-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Donald Trump Jr set to open private club with $768k fee
President Donald Trump's eldest son, Don Trump Jr, is launching a new private members club that will cater to the wealthiest supporters of his father's administration. Named 'Executive Branch,' the invite-only venue in Washington, DC's Georgetown neighbourhood will charge members a $US500,000 ($A768,000) joining fee as well as annual dues, which have not yet been revealed publicly, Realtor reports. Speaking to The Washington Post, Don Jr's business partner in the venture, Omeed Malik, revealed the aim of the club is to provide a space that is 'friendly to Republicans,' something the founders believe will fill a large gap in the market. 'During the 2024 campaign, many of us developed deep friendships and wanted to be able to catch up when our paths crossed in DC,' he explained. 'There aren't a plethora of options that are friendly to Republicans — examples of that abound — and we needed a space where friends can converse without worrying about their conversations showing up in the press the next day.' The outlet notes the club will offer a 'health-conscious menu' with 'nods' to RFK Jr's Make American Healthy Again initiative. In other words, beef tallow will abound, but seed oils will likely be checked at the door. There will be an array of American dishes on the menu — as well as Mediterranean and Japanese-inspired options — with plenty of cocktails and high-end wines included in the offerings. Memberships will be tiered, per CNBC, and only 200 were made available in the first round, which had already led to a lengthy waiting list as of the end of April, the outlet reported. Among the founding members are a number of well-known characters, including crypto entrepreneurs Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, tech investor David Sacks, and venture capitalist Chamath Palihapitiya. Only a select group of individuals were given the opportunity to become founding members or provided with a chance to join the highest (and most expensive) tier of memberships; however, other, lower-cost options are available, with fees ranging in the 'low six figures,' The Washington Post reported. According to Mr Malik, the aim is to create a truly luxurious experience for members — one that rivals some of the finest private establishments in the world — such as No. 5 Hertford St in London or Carriage House in Palm Beach. '[We wanted] a high-end experience comparable to the finest social clubs in the world,' he said, before questioning: 'Why shouldn't our nation's capital have a luxury venue like other major metropolitan cities?'
Yahoo
20-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
National day of action demonstrations held in Tampa Bay area
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla (WFLA) — A coalition of Pinellas County organizations mobilized to stop what they say is an assault on the nation and the Constitution. Those who agree with the Trump Administration said voters gave President Trump a mandate for stronger immigration policies and to cut back on federal spending. Dozens of people lined street corners in St. Petersburg Saturday as part of what organizers call a national day of outrage. 'There is a ton of people out here, we all want the same thing. We want to protect our freedoms and protect democracy,' said Kimberly Landry, a protestor. National day of action demonstrations held in Tampa Bay area The rally brought together people who said the Trump administration has increased drastic attempts to dismantle government. Critics said a few examples are cutting the federal workforce, proposed cuts to crucial programs, attacks on those who are marginalized through its immigration policy, and undermining democracy by threatening to hold funding against those who disagree with the president. 'We're heading towards an authoritarian nation where more than half the country does not want this and yet it's being forced upon us,' said Landry. Dr. Sirena Pellarolo is the president of the Republican Club of Greater Largo. She argues President Trump is doing what he was elected to do, and is abiding by the powers of his office, spelled out in the Constitution. Congressman questions whether state bill could've changed outcome at FSU 'I come from Argentina. I'm a legal immigrant in this country and I know what it is to live under an authoritarian regime and this is not at all what that is,' said Pellarolo. 'What this administration is doing, is going back to that Article 2 and reclaiming those executive powers of the President who is the only person that has been elected by the whole nation.' Protesters said the actions of President Trump and Elon Musk are putting people on a path for destruction. 'We know that this is not safe for us, yet we're all still here because we don't want to have this experience for our country. People fought hard for us to not have this,' said Landry. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Voter turnout by ward shows low participation citywide
TUPELO — Elections and voting are the bedrock of American democracy, from the presidential election down to local representation, and Tupelo is one of many municipalities that held municipal primaries on April 1 with low participation. With a population of 37,652 and 29,333 registered voters, just 14.68% of Tupelo's voting population took part in the municipal primary election, which decided most of the city's races. Just 4,305 individuals, 3,680 of whom were Republican, decided who would serve as mayor. There were no Democrat or independent candidates in this year's mayoral race. There will be no vote for the seat in the general election on June 3, meaning those who voted in the Democratic Party primaries to decide their council representation had no voice in the mayoral race. 'We always try to encourage as much turnout as possible,' Tupelo Municipal Republican Committee Chair Richard Stone said. 'The Republican Club and any entity encourages people to go out and vote. We want to make sure the masters of our government are actively having a say in how the government moves.' Charles Penson, Tupelo Municipal Democrat Committee chair, said turnout was light among both Democrats and Republicans, which is never ideal. 'I think part of it had to do with a lack of motivation, stemming from the federal (government) all the way down to federal elections,' Penson said. 'There is not a lot of motivation that's been driven by a party or a candidate in this local election.' Participation in the Lee County presidential and gubernatorial primary was at 20% last March, with a total turnout of 62% in the November general election. In the primary, 3,791 Tupelo residents voted, which comes out to about 15%, which is in line with last Tuesday's primary. The city had a 57% turnout in the general election last November. The interesting data point shown in the numbers provided by the city is that the three precincts with the highest turnout did not have candidates running for council. Ward 1 Councilman Chad Mims and Ward 6 Councilwoman Janet Gaston were both unopposed. Precinct 1, which is in Ward 1, had about 32% turnout. Precinct 2, also in Ward 1, had a 24% turnout. Precinct 10, in Ward 6, got about 22% turnout. Precinct 10 had the largest volume of voters with 807 ballots counted out of 3,767 voters. Penson said the fact that those voting in the Democratic primary could not vote in the Republican mayoral race was less an issue of the system and more of a problem of the local Democratic party being unable to bring forth a candidate for the race. 'I look at it as more of a failure of the Democrats to field a candidate in the mayoral race,' he said. Stone noted that Mississippi law allows people to vote in whichever primary they choose regardless of party affiliation, which allows for crossover that other states with closed primaries, in which voters must register with a party, do not. In Ward 4, between its two precincts, there were a total of 387 votes from a potential of 5,726 combined registered voters, leading to a 7% turnout. Ward 4 Councilwoman Nettie Davis secured a seventh term in office with a combined total of 161 votes, which was 66% of the total votes cast. Those 161 voters represent 2% of the potential voters in Ward 7. Penson said the reason for this low turnout can't be placed on one specific issue, but he noted it pointed to two things: residents being satisfied with Davis's performance and a lack of door-to-door campaigning. Meanwhile, in Ward 7, which has the highest number of registered voters, turnout was about 9%. Out of 6,272 registered voters, only 536 individuals cast a ballot for mayor or Ward 7 council person. The distinction is that if a voter wanted to vote for their council representation, they couldn't vote for their mayoral candidate because no Republican candidates ran in Ward 7. Standing in the middle of the pack was Ward 5, which got close to 18% voter turnout, or 559 votes out of a potential 3,140. This race has no incumbent and three candidates: Steven Coon, Mike Horton and Bentley Nolan, vying for the Republican ticket in the June 3 general election against unopposed Democrat Candria Lewis. Nolan received 261 votes, or 47%, of the total votes cast. Coon earned 200 votes, or 36%. Horton earned 93 votes, or 16%. This triggered a runoff election because no candidate gained a clear majority. On April 22, Coon and Nolan will face each other again. Outgoing Incumbent Ward 5 Councilman Buddy Palmer said he believed the turnout was "much too low" for him and worries that turnout may be an even bigger issue in the upcoming runoff. He said that he has spoken to both candidates and believes they are doing a great job of getting out there to energize the voter base. Stone, who is also the vice president of the Lee County Republican Club, echoed Palmer's sentiment, adding that every organization in which he's a part is actively encouraging individuals to vote in the primary and in the general election. Stone noted while low turnout is an issue, it can make races more competitive, leading to situations where a handful of votes can change the course of an election. Because of the tightness of low turnout races, he said, it pushes candidates to get more involved and activate their base of support. 'It comes down to how much interface the candidates have with their constituents … it comes down to who can motivate their people to come out and vote,' he said. 'The (local Republican) party will be doing everything we can on Facebook … and avenues like that, but it comes down to the folks that have a stake in it and feel they need to come out and participate.'
