Why

I support Todd McIntyre for RPM Chair

As a current MNGOP State Central delegate who doesnt run with the big dogs, I usually only hear from people calling on behalf of a candidate for my support. On December 14, I received a call directly from newcomer Chair candidate Todd McIntyre. To date, he is the only candidate to call me. When Tony Sutton resigned, a few candidates stepped forward to run: Todd McIntyre was the first. Brandon Sawalich and Mike Osskopp received praise and early support from many. Others were considering (including Joe Repya). When these candidates dropped from the race, Todd was the only one still running. As I wrote before at True North, I admire anyone willing to run toward a burning building to restore and rebuild. Its going to take someone with solid organizational and fundraising skills, and a positive person who relishes challenges with a strong plan in place. That put Todd McIntyre in my column and in full disclosure, I joined his campaign team on December 17. Todd and I met in 2008 when he became a campaign manager for a State House candidate in my neighboring district very late in the game. He recruited and organized volunteers, did opposition research, and helped breathe life back into a campaign dealing with an exodus of leadership. Vote results were 41.20% in a bad year for GOP candidates. To breathe life back to the MNGOP, solving the debt crisis is a top priority. Todd was the first to send out a detailed debt elimination plan to delegates and alternates. His ideas are outside of the box and achievable. His CCIM certification, creation of Great Prairie Foods and fundraising skills with Great Prairie Sports shows solid business acumen. As a grassroots supporter, he first contacted delegates and alternates outside of the Twin Cities metro area. Todd has called every one that is, every one who had a good number on the state party database (another item on his fix-it list). Hes been to over 80% of counties in Minnesota producing business relationships and promises to visit 100% to strengthen the party statewide as Chair. Todd is a unifier in the best of ways. He supports fixing conflict of interest with party leadership and the party platform. Todd will partner with members in all party committees not just those in select groups. He also supports consolidating the behemoth party platform to a document that is clearly understood and marketable. (continued)

 Delegates like me may be receiving letters, e-mails, or supporter calls from other candidates listing big-name endorsements. I noticed that few are State Central delegates. This is how the campaign game is usually played to win an election. But delegates need to remember that the Chairs main job is to run an organization, not a campaign, nor to support their preferred 2012 presidential candidate. December 31 is a great opportunity to give the party a makeover with a Chair that offers new, bold ideas. Todd McIntyre is my choice. Nancy LaRoche Delegate, SD45, CD5 Contributor to True North and Freedom Dogs blogs