Political season is starting to heat up, including a local race in Manatee County for State Committeeman and State Committeewoman for the Republican Party. Currently both seats are held by Republican Executive Committee elected representatives, but Karen and Craig Bachler want to change things a bit. The husband and wife team are on the ballot to represent all Republicans in Manatee County on a state level. This allows ALL registered Republican voters in Manatee County the opportunity to vote for Republican State Committeeman and Committeewoman in lieu of the Republican Executive Committee.
Their names might be familiar as both have been active on some high profile campaigns including the recent Rick Santorum campaign, Rick Scotts 2010 victory in addition to other races dating back to the 1992 race supporting Pat Buchanan for President.
Some ask, what does a state committeeman or state committeewoman do? Here is a brief overview of their roles. Their responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Act as a liaison between the State Executive Committee and the County
Executive Committee. - Elect a Congressional District Chairman who is entitled to vote on the State
Executive Board. - Serve as at‐large members of the County Executive Committee.
- Assist in creating and implementing voter registration drives throughout
the county. - Bring to attention of the State Party, activities within the county that may
be harmful to the Party. - Assist and cooperate with district chairmen, county chairmen, and Party
field directors in promoting seminars, caucuses and fund‐raising events. - Share all correspondence, newsletters, information bulletins, etc. directed
to them with officers and members of the county executive committee. - Keep abreast and report to the state Party on the Republican activity at the
county level. - Help establish programs and policies for the Republican Party of Florida.
- May act a spokesperson for the REC if there is an unified message agreed
upon by the county REC and/or the RPOF.
A little about the Bachlers:
Karen and Craig Bachler moved to Manatee County with their two young children Jefferson and Aundrea from Hampton, New Hampshire in 2002. Over the years, both have volunteered at the YMCA as youth sports coaches, appointed positions including Code Enforcement, ERA and several civic support roles.
Perhaps one thing the Bachlers are known for is bringing their children to political events. Craig said, “Our children probably know more about the electoral process than most adults. Too many parents do not educate their children about the process and when they turn 18, they do not get involved”.
Both Karen and Craig are graduates of Southern New Hampshire University. Karen has an undergraduate and MBA in Accounting and Craig holds dual undergraduates in Technical Management / International Business with a graduate in Operational and Supply Chain Management.
Their experience:
Politics run deep in their blood. They are true conservatives believing in Faith, Family and Freedom. Much of this is evident in the candidates they have supported. Craig served as the Florida State Director for Rick Santorum for President.
Other campaigns that Karen and Craig have been involved with in different capacities include Rick Scotts 2010 victory, Pat Buchanan’s bid in 1992 and 1996 in New Hampshire, as well as several local and state races in Florida and outside the state.
Their history and experience as grassroots leaders has given them a statewide exposure that will benefit the local Republican Party. We have proven experience in bringing people together to work for a common cause.
Currently, Karen and Craig also serve as founders and board members of Spirit of America Solutions Super PAC. The focus of the Super PAC is to help promote conservative messages across America and empowering our youth to get involved in the conservative process.
Why they are running:
The need to help organize and grow the Republican Party for our future and the future of our children is what inspired them to run. Their goals are to unite the party on a statewide level, represent all Republicans in Manatee County on the state level and to move our state party forward to become the leader in the nation.
With the RNC in Tampa for the 2012 election season, there will be a lot of national exposure for the Republican Party here locally. Remember that your vote counts and you need to make sure to vote wisely when it comes to the national, state, and local ballot. When you look at the local ballot, make sure to vote for the Manatee County Republican SCM and SCW by choosing the candidate wisely.
Florida is known nationally as a swing state and key player. Craig stated, “Together, we can turn Florida to a dedicated Red State and ensure that we do not have another 2008 election. August is an important month, we together can defeat Obama and bring our country back to the people.”
Make sure to connect with the Bachler's and help spread the word through their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/BachlersForMcscmAndMcscw
**UPDATE** This article has been updated as it orginally stated that the current SCM and SCW were "REC appointed." The article now correctly states "Republican Executive Committee elected." We sincerely apologize for any misunderstandings this misconception of words may have caused.
