Young Republican to Run for State GOP Chair
Monday, December 06, 2010
Patrick Sweeney, a member of the Young Republicans and the former deputy campaign manager for Congressional candidate John Loughlin, told GoLocalProv he plans to run for state GOP chairman.
Sweeney said his main focus will be on fundraising and unifying the party.
“Over the years, our donor base lost faith in the party. I will make it a priority to rebuild that trust,” Sweeney said. “I also plan on creating an unprecedented ground game for the next upcoming election. If we have the financial resources and the ground troops established before the 2012 elections, there’s no doubt we will capitalize on the eleven General Assembly seats that we lost by less than five points.”
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTHe compared the efforts of Republicans to win state offices from Democrats to the long-standing rivalry between the Red Sox and the Yankees. “Every year we’re pulling and pulling and pulling and come November, we’re disappointed,” Sweeney said. “Come November 2012, I want to bring some wins back to the party.”
Sweeney—an avowed conservative Republican—said he has demonstrated an ability to work with others through his brief stint as a policy analyst for Gov. Don Carcieri and his work with the Loughlin campaign and the Young Republicans. “People who have worked with me … they know me to be a pretty objective guy,” Sweeney said. “Though I’m a Republican and a conservative first and foremost I’ll take any and all considerations under advisement.”
Rowley endorses Sweeney
Travis Rowley, chairman of the Young Republicans, told GoLocalProv he is fully behind Sweeney’s run for state chairman.
“Patrick has been working with the YR Executive Board for the past two years, and is fully capable of leading the RIGOP toward the 2012 elections,” said Travis Rowley, chairman of the Young Republican. “He’s a passionate conservative who understands Rhode Island's dire economic situation, and the political realities that are blocking the pathway to real reform. Pat knows exactly what must be done from here. Besides Pat’s natural talents, his experience working within the Statehouse and on John Loughlin’s recent campaign will only enhance his candidacy.”
Former Attorney General candidate Erik Wallin has also said he is considering a run for the position. He has previously told GoLocalProv that he would make a final decision closer to the spring GOP convention. “I think Erik’s a great guy and I wish him the best of luck,” Sweeney said.
Earlier this fall, current chairman Giovanni Cicione announced he would be willing to step aside if other qualified candidates decided to run.
YRs hope to exert more influence on party
Rowley said Sweeney, who turned 30 this year, is part of a slate of Young Republican candidates who are seeking executive seats in the state party.
“Through our deep involvement with the RI GOP for the past several years, the core group of Young Republicans are now absolutely confident in our ability to take the Party to the next level, resulting in more Republican influence statewide,” Rowley said. “Our team is going to be a critical component of the strategy to point the State of Rhode Island in a new Republican direction from here on out.”
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