Derek Hall opts not to run for CRNC Chairman

"There are some defeats more triumphant than victories. "
-Michel Eyquem de Montaigne

Fellow College Republicans,

The past two weeks have been quite a whirlwind experience for me. I have talked to many individuals about the possibility of running for the position of CRNC Chairman, but I felt it was necessary to officially announce that as of now I have decided not to run for the position. I have been extremely flattered by the outpour of support and kind words; I was not expecting to hear from so many individuals from across the country.

I have worked diligently for the College Republicans since stepping foot on the campus of the University of Kentucky, and I feel that I have an invested interest in the future of this organization. We all need to recognize its time to introduce sound, intelligent reform to the CRNC, and hopefully our candidates will continue to preach this message as they campaign over the coming months. At times, we over-complicate this organization, and I hope that our next crop of leaders realize its time to simplify each facet of the group. This means we need to put more emphasis on helping to win real elections and strengthening our local chapters. We need to stand together and proclaim that playing politics within the CRNC is the business of the past and promoting the Republican Party is the answer for the future.

Once again, I want to thank everyone for their support, and I hope we are able to come together to produce the best team for guiding the CRNC. Thank you and God bless.

Derek Hall

HALL SMASHES ALL OPPOSITION

In a few short days the CR world has been turn on it's head. Three poor candidates have been rumored to be running with little to no support. It was obvious that there was room for a candidate that energized people. Derek Hall appeared to be that candidate and with the recent Truth Caucus poll complete it appears that everyone else agreed.

TRUTH CAUCUS POLL

Truth Caucus Poll

Please take the time to show your support for Derek and vote in the Truth Caucus Poll.

Truth Caucus Poll

Kentucky Media Covering Derek Hall

The Lexington Herald has picked up on the Draft Derek Hall movement. This statewide newspaper has a story on its website covering this website. It truly is amazing how much attention and support the movement to Draft Derek has seen in its short lifetime. A draft movement is only as strong as the person it seeks to draft, if the outpour of support in the first few days is any indication as to how strong our candidate is then Derek Hall will be CRNC Chairman.

http://polwatchers.typepad.com/pol_watchers/2006/12/kentuckian_urge.html#more

Proven Leadership

As I mentioned before Derek left his mark on the Kentucky Federation in many ways. One of the most prominent ways was shifting the focus from a centralized state federation to energizing and building up individual chapters. When Derek took over as Chairman the KFCR consisted of 12 chapters, none of which were super groups. By taking time to personally visit chapters and build relationships with chapter chairs, Derek was able to build up those small chapters to become the foundation of the Kentucky Federation. After laying the groundwork Derek then led an effort to expand the reach of the Federation to 11 more campuses across the state. In a widely publicized move during the Spring of 2006 Derek rejected the CRNC Field Rep and started an internal Field Rep program. This was another example of Derek's vision of taking power away from a centralized, out of touch organization, and in turn empowering individuals within the state to make a difference. Because of this move several new chapters were started and existing chapters were built up, the stated purpose of the Field Rep program, but one that is all to often not met due to non existent leadership and accountability. The general theme of Derek's term as Chairman was turning the organization into a more efficient, and in turn successful federation that rejected the status quo and instead focused on methods that get results.

Derek Hall’s credentials

*This look at what Derek Hall did as KY Chairman. It is pieced together from sources in Kentucky and accounts from others. I put this together in a hurry this morning per the request of one of the posters. I had planned on doing some larger research and possibly trying to get an interview with Derek if enough support was garnered. So I encourage you to post on here, email, call, and facebook Derek.

Derek was Chairman of the Kentucky Federation of College Republicans from August 2004 until April 2005. During this time he took a group of loosely affiliated college groups that had no money or structure and turned them into a recognized and respected force in Kentucky’s political scene.

The organization was left for dead with no money in the bank. However, he was able to take 12 small chapters worked with them on an individual basis strengthening their membership. A source said, “(Derek) realized that he couldn’t save the KFCR in one swoop, he had to strengthen local chapters first, work on growing membership around the state, and cultivate party connections.” He was able to establish 10 more chapters (in 2005 a non election year), and institute a Field Rep program for his state with a limited budget. He was able to stretch every penny and make it count.

As I posted above, this is a small, pieced together account of what Derek did as Chairman.

Urgent Call to Action

With the election for Chairman already taking shape behind the scenes we need to do all we can to push Derek Hall into the field. I urge everyone to post on this blog, email, facebook, or call Derek to encourage him to answer the call for reform