By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Monday, August 3, the Greater Birmingham Young Republicans (GBYR) announced that they are hosting a Presidential Debate Watch Party on Thursday, August 6 at 7:45 pm at Sidebar in the Lakeview Entertainment District.
GBYR Chair Jackie Curtiss said in a statement, “This is a big election year. Our group is excited to kick off the 2016 election cycle, not only to see a strong Republican president elected, but also to help get Republicans elected in Jefferson County.”
Only the top ten Republican candidates according to recent polls will be allowed in the Presidential debate. The Fox News Channel is broadcasting the debate August 6 at 8 PM. The watch party at Sidebar will begin at 7:45 PM.
Republican Presidential candidates at this point include: Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, New Jersey businessman Donald Trump, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, Doctor Ben Carson, Florida Senator Marco Rubio, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, Texas Senator Ted Cruz, former Texas Governor Rick Perry, former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, Kentucky Senator Rand Paul, former New York Governor George Pataki, California businesswoman Carly Fiorina, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, Ohio Governor John Kasich, and there will likely be more by October.
As of this writing it appears that, Trump, Bush, Walker, Huckabee, Cruz, Paul, Rubio, Carson, Christie, and possibly Kasich will be in the debate. Perry, Jindal, Santorum, Fiorina, Pataki, and Graham will be left out.
According to their press release, the Young Republicans have chapters in 11 cities across the state of Alabama. Members are young professionals between the ages of 18-40. Each month the GBYR host a speaker, which include elected officials, business leaders, nonprofit coordinators and other influencers from around the State.
The GBYR also host training events, perform community service and host social events often including Karaoke nights and a kickball team.
Last week, at the Young Republicans National Federation convention in Chicago, the GBYR were honored as the number one Young Republican club in the entire nation.
GBYR Chair Curtiss said, “Our group has a lot of fun, but when it’s time to work, we do all we can to help our candidates. We’re excited to kickoff this election season and encourage Republicans of all ages to join us this Thursday.”
The former Chairman of the Alabama Young Republicans, Clayton Mark Turner, is now the Chief of Staff for the Young Republicans National Federation.
Clayton Mark Turner said in a statement on Facebook:
“Congratulations to my friend, the now immediate past ?#?YRNF Co-Chairman Dennis Cook on his landslide election to become the next Chairman of the Young Republican National Federation. I am proud to have him as a friend and to work alongside him for the next two years in my role as YRNF Chief of Staff. Two years ago the Young Republican Federation of Alabama hosted YR National Convention in Mobile. Two years later I’m blessed with the opportunity to be the next ?#?YRNF Chief of Staff with Dennis Cook and YR Unite victories at YR Chicago 2015.”
Dennis Cook of Illinois is the new YRNF Chairman. Dennis was elected the YRNF Co-Chair in 2013 and previously served as YRNF Auditor. Dennis was Chairman of the Federation of Illinois Young Republicans from 2007-2013. Cook is a graduate of Ohio State University and now resides in Chicago with his wife Amy and 3 children. He is President of Strive Strategies, a consulting firm.
The Greater Birmingham Young Republican’s Annual Luncheon will be Thursday, August 20, from 11:30 to 1:30 at The Club in Birmingham. Special guest speaker will be US Senator Richard Shelby (R-Alabama).
Sponsorship opportunities are still available. This event is FREE for all active GBYR members and associate members. Non-members can purchase tickets for $25.00. RSVP is required due to limited seating. For RSVP or additional information about either event, contact Jackie Curtiss at Jackie.Curtiss90@gmail.com.
