Clay Young Republicans Host Golf Fundraiser
New Club Leadership Looks To Build Upon Its Storied History
On Saturday, May 18, the Clay County chapter of the Young Republican National Federal Club hosted an event at Top of the Tee in Fleming Island. The “Spring Swing” event was a fundraiser for the club and an unofficial kickoff of a new chapter of leadership. Several candidates for local office were in attendance. County Commissioner candidate John Sgromolo, School Board candidate Robert Alvero, and State Representative candidate Judson Sapp appeared.
Samantha Wernet, a local activist and die-hard Jacksonville Jaguars fan, was recently appointed as the Chairperson and President of the Clay Young Republicans to revitalize a group that has long been a hotbed for growing future Clay elected officials.
School Board members Erin Skipper and Ashley Gilhousen are young Republicans, as are County Commissioner Alexandra Compere, Soil and Water Conservation Board member Ted Clark, and Property Appraiser Tracy Drake.
Well-known political consultants Matt Justice and Brian Graham are also former members. Graham is one of three Clay County Republicans to serve as chairperson of the Florida Chapter of YRs. The others are Walter Graham, who served in the early 90s, and Brandon Ludwig, the current chairperson of the state-level Young Republicans.
Ludwig attended the event and highlighted the YRs influence on Clay County to the attendees:
“While Clay County is by no means one of the state’s largest counties population-wise, it does lead in terms of elevating Young Republican candidates. Six YRs currently serve in elected office, more than any other county of a similar size in Florida.”
Samantha Wernet has already made strides in revitalizing the group, even managing to land a visit from the infamous Roger Stone at one of their monthly meetings. Stone was formerly the National Chairman of the Young Republicans. Wernet outlined her vision for the club to Clay News & Views:
“I always say this is our modern "Reagan Era." It looks different, but the younger generations are turning conservative fast as they see the deterioration of our country's values and constitutional liberties. I want to make sure instead of learning and engaging online, we are exciting our future political leaders by recruiting them into the Young Republicans - which is one of the nation's oldest clubs (1856). Training our members and providing them access to political trainings, events, and experiences to be strong leaders and independent thinkers and ensuring we work hard to get them elected when they are ready. I want to use the few years I have left as a YR to build our county's charter into an inspirational, policy-making, built-to-last charter as it has a long history in Florida - and maintaining and building on the foundation set for us over 20 years ago.”
The Clay County Young Republicans meet on the first Monday of every month. You can visit their Facebook page for more information on their future meetings and how to join the club.
And this is news why? This belongs on the gossip page. Disappointing.
Hitler Youth.