Republicans Abroad Gather in the U.S. Capital
>> RA holds its annual meeting in Washington, DC

WASHINGTON DC – Republicans Abroad (RA) held its Annual Meeting in Washington DC March 4 through 6.  High-ranking members from around the world came to the nation’s capital for a three-day meeting to discuss strategy and policy for the 2004 election.

The Germany Committee sent GOPGermany advisory board member Kathryn Griesinger as its representative to the three day event.  Attendees met with various members of Congress to discuss issues that affect members’ interests, facilitating voting for civilians and military personnel stationed overseas and tax relief to Americans working abroad.  These legislators included Senators Wayne Allard, Saxby Chambliss and Jeff Sessions and Representatives Chris Shays, Michael Ferguson, and  C.W. Bill Young among others.

 Later in the evening, RA members held a dinner in the Capitol, joined by such noted members of Congress as Senators Gordon Smith and Jon Kyl as well as Congressman George Radanovich who stated, “Thanks to the work of Republicans Abroad, our borders are no longer barriers to political involvement and participation by committed Republicans.” 

RA members were challenged to get out the vote of Americans living overseas in this most important election. “This is going to be a very close election,” said Joan Hills RA Global Co-Chairman “we want to pick up another state this year like we did in Florida in 2000.  There is approximately 10% of the population that can swing this election, and the overseas vote will play a pivotal role as it did four years ago.  We have a great responsibility to bring these votes in.”

 The next day, RA members listened to influential speakers from around Washington. Senator Kit Bond briefed the group on the state of affairs in the Senate, followed by Neil Newhouse, a leading pollster in Washington and co-founder of Public Opinion Strategies.  Other speakers included Ambassador James Lilley, Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, Mark Wallace, Deputy Campaign Manager for the Bush-Cheney ’04 campaign, and Dr. George Folsom, President of the International Republican Institute.  Ed Gillespie, Chairman of the Republican National Committee, concluded the meeting by briefing the group on the political landscape for the 2004 election.

 Later that day, the group went to a briefing at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building and heard from Greg Lagana from White House Global Communications and Angela Flood, Deputy Director of Political Affairs for the White House.

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