In case you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting this remarkable woman, let me introduce you to Dianne Edmondson, the Chair of the Republican Party in Denton County. She took time out of her busy schedule on Friday to be my guest for lunch at my home in Flower Mound.
As the longest-serving (11 years) Chair of what is possibly the most staunchly conservative county in the state, Ms. Edmondson is, among several other functions, in the education business. That is to say, she assists residents in registering to vote, provides information about where to vote, and, during the General Election period, endorses the candidates selected by the voters during the GOP primary.
The party does not support any candidates during the primary election, since it would be unfair to choose one Republican over another. However, once candidates have been chosen, they can count on support from GOP operatives, as they organize to get out the vote for the nominees. Ms. Edmondson is currently serving her 6th 2-year term and is running for a 7th next year. The job keeps her dashing from one appointment to another, at least 5 days a week. For all the work she does, she is paid the whopping salary of zero dollars annually.
The mission of the Denton GOP is to substantially increase the number of Republican voters, maximize the number of conservatives elected, strengthen the county’s influence in the state and the national party, while effectively serving local voters in a way that implements the Republican Platform. There are many primary contests to be decided in March of 2014, including the race for District Attorney, six Justice of the Peace positions and some Constable office challenges, just to name a few. Her base of operations is Denton GOP Headquarters, located at 1400 N. Corinth Street, suite: #106, in Corinth, TX 76208 (phone: 940-321-2671).
With one full-time and one part-time employee, residents have access to voting materials as well as information about who their elected and appointed officials are throughout the county. They’re welcome to stop by anytime and get their questions answered, or email their queries to: [email protected]. The office is financed by contributions from local citizens and from events such as the annual Lincoln-Reagan dinner, which is highlighted by a nationally recognized Republican keynote speaker. Held this year at the DFW Hyatt Regency Hotel at DFW Airport, the blockbuster event featured George P. Bush (nephew of former President George W. Bush), and several other GOP notables.
In addition to her usual fast-paced schedule, Ms. Edmonson is always ready and willing to use her influence to implement conservative policies in the state. A recent example was the battle over Texas House Bill 2, which bans abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy, requires abortion clinics to meet the same standards as hospital-style surgical centers and mandates that a doctor have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of the facility where he or she performs abortions. After testifying at pro-life committees in Austin, she joined fellow Republicans outside the Capital building as they stood up against some of the most vicious pro-choice demonstrators in recent history. Subjected to vulgar picket signs, profanity-laced epithets, spitting and threats of violence, the County Chair and other brave party stalwarts held their ground with dignity and integrity. The character and courage they portrayed provided a backdrop for the moral values of our state that was certainly not lost on the decent people watching the good vs. evil scenario being viewed by the entire country on national television. The bill was ultimately passed and signed into law by Governor Perry last month.
Every successful organization needs a leader with the strength, determination and skill to carry out its objectives. Dianne Edmondson is a proven leader with a solid record of accomplishments, which provides her with the moral authority to make decisions based on personal convictions that have served her constituents well. Too often, voters are disappointed by elected officials who will say anything to get elected, only to violate the public’s trust as soon as they take office. Ms. Edmondson will tell you that such behavior is anathema to the democratic process. “Your word is your bond,” she said, adding, “If you’re willing to lie to get elected; you’re likely to lie about other things while in office.” It’s hard to argue with that logic. Besides, I never argue with people I truly respect.
Bob Weir is a long-time Flower Mound resident and former local newspaper editor. In addition, Bob has 7 published books that include “Murder in Black and White,” “City to Die For,” “Powers that Be,” “Ruthie’s Kids,” “Deadly to Love,” “Short Stories of Life and Death” and “Out of Sight,” all of which can be found on Amazon.com and other major online bookstores.
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