I’m trying something new. This post will be updated throughout the day with additional news on the West Virginia Republican Party’s meeting and the results of the election for party chairman. Make sure you come back throughout the day to find out what happens.

Pardon the misspellings or bad grammar. There’s not much time to write and I am in a hurry.

Posted 11:00

The morning began with a final address by outgoing Chairman Rob Capehart. Capehart reiterated the gains in the party and urged members to continue the momentum, recruit members and raise money. “We have seen in the past,” he warned, “we can have one bad election and we can wipe away all the gains that we have made…” The theme of Capehart’s speech was this is a keystone year: the future of the Republican Party depends on this election cycle.

“I believe it is important that we maintain a strong presence in the public dialog concerning the future of our state, that we hold our opponents accountable for their actions, and we provide support for our elected officials. A party build soley on rhetoric and controversy is like a beautiful home built on a weak foundation of a bed of sand.”

Capehart received a standing ovation.

Posted 12:15

The West Virginia Republican Party has a new chairman.

Senator Clark Barnes nominated Mark Scott. Barnes mentioned Scott’s numerous successes, first in the church, in Allstate business and also as Chairman of the Republican Party. “I’m offering you today a man of faith, a man of values, a man who does what few people believes can be done, a man who offers hope.”

Mark Scott then took the podium, “We’ve made it happen in Randolph County and with your support we’ll make it happen for the state of West Virginia.” He outlined his plan if he was elected and also announced that he brought $50,000 worth of checks and pledges for the party.

Jim Reed gave a brief speech nominating Doug McKinney, “Doug is a man of tremendous intelligence, tremendous integrity, and Doug will tell you straight.”

Doug McKinney gave his plan on how to increase enthusiasm, raise money and lead the party in the right direction. His main focus was contributions, “we must secure funding for the daily operations by encouraging every Republican, and especially state committee members, to invest financially in the West Virginian Republican party.

When the vote was tallied, McKinney won 65-29.