Hillsborough Republicans Gear Up for Fervent Election Season

With or without a national convention in its backyard next week, the Hillsborough County Republican Party is gearing up for events and activities designed to make good on its promise to turn Florida red in time for the General Election in November.

“We had a great monthly meeting last night with an estimated crowd of over 300 supporters in spite of the rain and the first day of school,” said Art Wood, chairman of the local Republican Party, in an email sent Aug. 22. “Enthusiasm to win in Hillsborough County is at an all-time [high]. Don’t leave yourself out! Get engaged!”

Here’s what’s on tap for the local party through September, not including activities associated with the Republican National Convention in Tampa next week:

Saturday, Aug. 25 (and weekly into October)

• Lessons in Liberty – Training with Chris Shalosky, with lessons based on the book, “We Still Hold These Truths,” by Michael Spalding. Classes are on Saturday mornings, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., at the Hillsborough County Republican Party’s headquarter offices, at 1602 Oakfield Drive, Suite 207. Each week a chapter of the book will be discussed; books available on loan. Dates are Aug. 25; Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22 , 29; and October 6, 13 and (if needed) 20. Email: shaloskyc@hotmail.com.

Tuesday, Aug. 28

• The Ebony Elephant Foundation Leadership Luncheon, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the A La Carte Event Pavilion, 4050 Dana Shores Drive in Tampa. Confirmed speakers are Herman Cain, Congressman Tim Scott, the Honorable J.C. Watts and the Rev. C.L. Bryant. The aim is to “recognize the conservative giants in the black community during this and upcoming election cycles.” For ticket pricing, visit: http://ebonyelephants.eventbrite.com/.

Tuesday, Sept. 4

• Grand opening of the Plant City Victory Office, at 600 West Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Congressman Dennis Ross will be in attendance. Judy Wise will manage the office. Festivities begin at 5 p.m. To volunteer, call: 813-657-6499.
• The Greater Brandon Republican Club is set to host an ice cream social with Congressman Dennis Ross at 6:30 p.m. at the Valrico Farm Bureau building, at 100 South Mulrennan Road. The building is at the corner of State Road 60 and Mulrennan Road.

Wednesday, Sept. 8

• Unity Rally – "We’re Standing on Principle", from noon to 2 p.m. at The River of Tampa Bay , 3738 River International Drive, Tampa. Candidates, elected officials and conservative groups invited to attend.

Tuesday, Sept. 11

• Hillsborough Friends of the National Rifle Association (NRA), banquet and auction, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Brandon Elks Lodge at 800 Centennial Lodge Drive, north of Brandon Boulevard (State Road 60). Tickets cost $45. Reserve a group table for $320. Silent and live auctions. Tickets available at Woods and Water, 105  South Moon Ave., in Brandon.

Tuesday, Sept. 18

• The next regular monthly meeting of the Hillsborough County Republican Party kicks off with a 6 p.m. social followed by new member training at 6:10 p.m. The regular meeting runs from 7 to 8:30 p.m., with a focus this month on campaign training. The meeting is at The River of Tampa Bay, in the center of the campus, in Studio A. The River of Tampa Bay is at 3738 River International Drive in Tampa, at the intersection of Interstate 75 and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, where the old Auto Way dealership used to be in business.

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