The Manila-based organization of the Republicans Abroad met on Monday 3 December to elect officers,  discuss the way forward and to formalize a program for the ensuing busy presidential election year. Ms Carlyn Manning and Doyle Stout were elected to co-chair the organization for CY 2008.

Indeed with the US Presidential election occurring in November 2008, the local chapter of the Republicans Abroad must sharpen the focus and increase the dialogue as we increase our knowledge of the issues, the various candidates and their platforms. Collectively, we believe that the 2008 election will be a difficult one and that the Republican overseas voters will play an even more significant role in the final outcome of the vital Presidential election.

We are changing the monthly meeting process. In the past we had speakers at most of the first Monday meetings of the Republicans Abroad. We will now have a speaker once a quarter. The intent is to have the speaker enlighten us with discussions that pertain to the election, the issues and to the candidates. We will use the normal first Monday  meeting to discuss the major issues, the candidates and to increase our membership and attendance.

Our next monthly meeting will be January 7 at 1200 hours at the Manila Room of the Elks Club, 7th floor of the Corinthian Plaza building in Makati. Our focus and agenda for that meeting will be to discuss the following:

1.       “A Simplified Process for U.S. Voters abroad-Initiatives offer hope for 2008 election” an informative article by Brian Knowlton that was published in the 29 November issue of the International Herald Tribune.  If you need the article please respond and give us your email address and a copy will be sent.

2.       Republican Presidential Candidates Debate- we will have a copy of the debates for review and discussion.

3.       Additional agenda items that you might want to discuss. Please give us the topic and a brief description of the item and we will add it to the agenda.

We also need your assistance. The organization needs a corresponding Secretary and a small committee of perhaps two people to do the spade work and preparation for the monthly meetings by researching and recommending topics for the monthly meetings. If you have an interest in assisting the organization please call either Carlyn (887-0050) or Doyle (0916.273.5986) so that we can better discuss the need with you.

We would also like to take the time to thank Mr. Tom Hoesy, the outgoing Chairman of the Republicans Abroad who ably served the organization for the past two years. Thanks Tom for a job well done.

Please put the 7^th of January on your calendar and we welcome your participation.