State GOP Elects Mark Zaccaria New Chairman
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Former 2nd District Congressional candidate Mark Zaccaria will lead the Rhode Island Republican Party after winning a three-way race for chairman Wednesday evening.
Zaccaria outlasted Rhode Island Republican Assembly President Raymond McKay and GOP newcomer Tina McKendall. Zaccaria finished with 82 while McKay placed second with 59. McKendall took home 36 votes.
Zaccaria will take over for Ken McKay, the eccentric head of the party who was known as a good fundraiser with deep connections in Washington. McKay left the unpaid position late last month to take a job with Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson.
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The chairman inherits a party that hopes to grab the 1st District’s Congressional seat away from the Democratic incumbent David Cicilline next year. A GOP primary will likely feature former head of the Rhode Island State Police Brendan Doherty and former State Rep. John Loughlin, who nearly defeated Cicilline in 2010.
The potential matchup has already started to divide the Party with Doherty lining up moderate Republicans and independents to support him and the more conservative wing of the Party jumping behind Loughlin. Doherty has an overwhelming lead in the fundraising department, but critics have questioned whether he actually has rank-and-file Republican support.
Some Republican insiders said Zaccaria was the best choice because it was clear that Raymond McKay was already supporting Loughlin, which could have caused problems for Doherty.
Young Republicans Supported Zaccaria
Early in the day, the state’s Young Republicans threw their support behind Zaccaria.
"A very important election is upon us. We all have worked extremely hard over the last 4 years to resurrect this party,” an e-mail that went out to supporters said. “We have gone 6 for 8 in special elections and we need to continue our success through to this cycle. The Rhode Island Young Republicans have supplied volunteers, technology and effort to each of those 6 GOP wins. Looking to 2012, the most important resource we need is political and fundraising experience.”
The message continued: "With more than 12 years of dedication to the RIGOP, Mark Zaccaria is the best choice to lead our Party. Having raised more than $125,000 in donation in the 2010 cycle, Mark has a proven track record in raising funds here in our Ocean State. Mark Zaccaria has the full endorsement of the Rhode Island Young Republicans because he will use his experience to raise money for our RIGOP candidates this cycle.”
Despite the glowing endorsement, the new chairman still faces an uphill battle. While Ken McKay had strong name recognition around the country, Zaccaria is considered local, which could harm fundraising even in races that are considered winnable, like the 1st District.
Zaccaria will also oversee local elections next year where the few currently elected Republicans in Rhode Island’s General Assembly will likely face strong opposition from union-backed candidates that were unhappy with the pension reform vote and last year’s budget.
It is unclear if GOP executive director Patrick Sweeney, who has been leading the way on recruiting new candidates, will remain on the staff heading into the next election.
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