In a dynamic effort to gain more votes in the Black communities, the Republican Party is offering a two-day training program for minorities interested in running for public office, becoming political advisors or facilitating GOP campaigns.
The training program from April 28-29 is an effort to equip minority candidates with the tools to run a successful campaign.
According to BlackAmericaWeb.com the session is open to any Republican minority candidate running for public office in 2006.
“We welcome a new class of leaders who represent various minority communities, wish to participate in the political process and work to expand the reach of the Republican Party,” Tara Wall, a senior advisor for the Republican National Committee told BAW.com.
In the program, Black candidates will learn how to raise funds for campaigning as well as simply learn how to win their specific races.
Some Democrats feel that the program is a desperate attempt to make up for the lost ground with the African-American community.
“With the drop in Republican support from Blacks after Katrina, the Republicans feel as if they need to attempt everything to gain more African-American votes,” says political analyst Michael Wright. “It is very accurate timing, considering the currently unsettled Democratic Party.”
The leadership of the Democratic Party is currently is currently divided because of the political strategies and message of the 2006 legislative agenda. Originally, Democrats wanted to issue the legislative agenda by November 2005 in order to allow voters one full year to digest their proposals.
However, some democrats felt that this date was too early and they put it off until January. The new date was changed twice since then and some Democrats are worried that the hesitation is going hurt the long-term certainty in the minority communities. The uncertainty within the Democratic Party may lead to more chance of victory for the Republicans.
Although history shows that Black voters usually vote Democrat, it is possible that the new, young voters could easily be swayed.
“I have just turned 18 years old, I have never really been faced with voting or what party I am ‘obligated’ to vote for,” says Darren White, a freshman majoring in finance at HamptonUniversity. “Most likely I will vote for the party that will best support my needs.”
Around the country, Republicans are heavily supporting Black candidates and directing their messages to black communities.
Black conservatives say the Republican minority training program initiative will certainly attract more Black Americans to their party.
“Regardless of what party it is, I am glad that more Blacks will have support in becoming competitive candidates,” says Brandon Jackson, a senior majoring in political science at MorehouseCollege. “The Black community needs more representation for their needs and wants.
