Kusaka also featured at convention Kaua’i County Mayor Maryanne Kusaka, a possible congressional candidate for Hawai’i, will address the state Republican Party convention this weekend on Maui. But the keynote speaker is someone who has President Bush’s ear and attention
Kusaka also featured at convention
Kaua’i County Mayor Maryanne Kusaka, a possible congressional candidate for Hawai’i, will address the state Republican Party convention this weekend on Maui. But the keynote speaker is someone who has President Bush’s ear and attention on a regular basis.
Ruben Barrales, director of intergovernmental affairs and an assistant to Bush, is the banquet speaker tonight at the Outrigger Wailea Maui.
Barrales, a son of Mexican immigrants, is the former president and chief executive officer of Joint Venture: Silicon Valley Network, a regional civic organization of business executives, state and local government officials and educational leaders.
Barrales was the first Latino elected to the San Mateo (Calif.) County Board of Supervisors, where he served for six years.
Bilingual in Spanish and English, Barrales was once recognized by Hispanic Business Magazine as one of the 100 most influential Hispanics in America.
Having Barrales “at our convention shows that our relationship to the White House is strong, and they recognize our party’s upward movement in Hawai’i,” said Linda Lingle, chairwoman of the Hawai’i Republican Party.
Over 300 delegates are expected at the convention, which began yesterday and will conclude Sunday.
Campaign management, issues, public speaking, precinct and district organization, and understanding the legislative process were among workshop topics Friday.
“This is a great opportunity to train and recruit people for campaigns,” said Micah Kane, state party executive director. “They have a chance to learn what it takes to win elections, and that will be invaluable in next year’s elections.”
Today, convention delegates will adopt resolutions and party rules. On Sunday, party officers will be elected.
Lingle is running for re-election as head of the state GOP. She also is a candidate for governor next year.
Kusaka, also in the spotlight as a convention speaker, has been asked by state GOP officials to run for Congress. She hasn’t ruled out a campaign for that or some other office. She’s now in the middle of the next to last year of her term as mayor.
Besides Kusaka and Lingle, other Republican leaders to scheduled to speak at the convention include state Sen. Sam Slom, state Rep. Galen Fox (House minority leader), and the county-level party chairpersons.
