Republicans will be electing a new party chairman when they meet on July 28th and 29th. So far, our candidates are Douglas McKinney and Mark Scott.

In order for us to know them better, I sent them both an almost identical questionnaire. Reading their answers in their own words is the best way I know how, short of spending of a face-to-face meeting.

This is the questionnaire for Mark Scott. Doug McKinney’s day in the sun occurred here.

1) Let’s start with your background.

I was the first in my family to complete college, graduating from Tabernacle Christian College in 1989 with a degree in Theology. I also received my Bachelors of Business Administration in Risk Management from Almeda University. My wife is the former Tracey Lynn Bays, whose family comes from Raleigh and Pendleton Counties. We have two beautiful daughters, Stephanie, 14, and Catherine, 12. We reside in Elkins and have for the past 10 years.

2) What are your greatest accomplishments?

I was the first to register as a Republican in my family as well as the first to graduate from college. I have also been privileged to receive the Allstate National Coference award 5 yrs, Chairman’s Conference award 1 years, Honor Ring 8 years, and Leader’s Forum (awarded to the top 2% of agencies nationally) 3 years. I have been the top growth agency in the state of West Virginia for the last three years in a row. I built our church youth group from 8 to 50.

3) What compelled Republicans to vote you into the position of Chairman of Randolph County?

A need for youth, energy, and change of the reputation of our Party in the county. They also saw my accomplishments in the business community, as I went from an unknown to a respected business leader in five years. We have not disappointed them as we have filled the ballot, had primary contested races, and now have six local, county, and statewide legislators that have been elected.

4) What are your top three strengths that would make you excel as state Chairman?

* Involvement in every aspect of party operations
* Vision to see what others cannot see (as I did ten years ago in Randolph County)
* Leadership to change the way the party operates on the state level.

Also, my skills in marketing allow me not to be afraid to ask for the check when it comes to fund raising.

5) What are some of the particular challenges our party faces?

* Debt — We must pay off our debt and get back our reputation with our creditors.
* Reputation of exclusiveness — Everyone must be heard in our party.
* Some within the Party who are happy with being the minority — Living off the crumbs from the table of the majority will soon be over.
* Organizations who support our platform and not our candidates running party business — We can police our own affairs. We don’t need others getting involved!

6) What is your vision for the party?

To be the majority party by 2010. No ifs, ands, or buts!!

7) How do you plan to reach your vision?

* Humble, uniting leadership — I will be the chairman for all of the committee members, legislators, and voters at large. You will also see a smile on my face and a kind word for everyone, even my opponents.
* Fundraising — We must have the money it takes to operate our party effectively. In order to have a continual stream of income, we must build our party from the ground floor up.

(This may be answered already. If so, ignore.) How do you plan to raise money?

Using the forum donor list, direct mail campaign to the entire country, and fundraisers throughout the state. I will make personal phone calls and will travel to get campaign donations. I will raise money as I have been campaigning. In front of the donors at every opportunity.

9) What do you believe the relationship of the chairman should be with the legislature?

* The voice of the caucus — I believe that the chairman should be in front of the legislators and hearing their concerns as I will be doing on the 24th and 25th. If we don’t sit down with them how will we know what they need.
* To hold the platform of the party — I am passionate about every plank on the Republican platform. I have had a reputation as being a partisan. I am proud of that reputation. As leader of the party, I believe that is necessary to be effective. I will hold every plank of the platform and will be vocally critical of our opponents in the majority until they are no longer the majority.

10) What do you believe the relationship of the chairman should be with the common Republican?

The common Republican is the brick and mortar of our Party. I will listen to them and articulate the things that we Republicans hold common. I will be the voice that they understand and by and large agree with.

Bonus question: Reagan and Lincoln excepted, who is your favorite Republican of all time and why?

Shelley-Moore Capito – she is an independent thinking, fair minded legislator who is in touch with her constituents. She is very engaging and is concerned with what her constituents think. She will stand against leadership if she believes it is right. I have seen her do what is right for her constituents even when it meant she would be considered a “maverick”. I admire that in a person.

Thank you for this opportunity to share my thoughts and may God bless the great state of West Virginia.

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Very interesting. I’ll post my opinion on Wednesday.