Local chapter unfairly criticized by Florida Federation of Young Republicans | Opinion

President Trump popularized the phrase “fake news” so it is ironic for those who supported him to be engaged in the very behavior he condemned.

In a recent FLORIDA TODAY article, the chairman of the Florida Federation of Young Republicans was quoted as saying, "Unfortunately, the leadership of several clubs, including Space Coast Young Republicans, have done everything they possibly can to thwart that effort. the leadership of several clubs,”

What effort? Young Republican efforts to recruit, train, and elect the next generation of conservative leaders?

Unlike the chairman, I understand that facts don’t care about feelings.

Here are the facts. Once you’ve read them, I hope you’ll consider getting involved and help make Brevard a bastion of good governance.

In the last two years, membership in Space Coast Young Republicans has grown to more than 100 and more than 10 candidates have run for office. The group has knocked on more than 50,000 doors to talk to voters and has made more than a half-million voter contacts.

Florida's Republican Party chairman of the Build the Bench Committee, Shawn R. Frost, said, “I’ve been consistently impressed with the professionalism and effectiveness of the Space Coast Young Republicans. I’ve personally phone-banked with them and their commitment and enthusiasm is infectious.”

More: Space Coast Young Republicans suspension stayed amid dispute with state chapter leaders

The Space Coast Young Republicans group has hosted numerous training events on how to run for office, communications, leadership, lawmaking, debate, and more. Its members have managed or consulted on more than 20 campaigns throughout the state.

“I will never forget seeing a Young Republican running from door to door in my own neighborhood trying to turn out voters the day before an election. That’s dedication,” said Tim Thomas, Melbourne city councilman.

Young Republicans stand against corruption.

In Palm Bay, when a council member resigned, the SCYR began a public information campaign to let residents know that members of their city council wanted to usurp their right to vote. We then worked to help elect a Republican to that open seat.

State Rep. Randy Fine had this to share: “Like me, the Space Coast Young Republicans are dedicated to rooting out corruption. I have seen them on the ground, working to fight back against deceit in Palm Bay, disgraceful actions at our school board, and even rule-breaking within our own party leadership. I stand with the Young Republicans against corruption in all its forms.”

Brevard is blessed with a strong county legislative delegation who worked with the Young Republicans for a voter information bill. Brevard is also fortunate to have a long list of Republican clubs that work to further Republican principles.

The Young Republicans have been supported by or worked with nearly all of them. I'm grateful for these organizations and the investment they have made in the future of our party. Bob White of the Republican Liberty Caucus said: “We are thrilled to see a group of young people getting involved in the fight for liberty and wish that more would be done to encourage them in their efforts.”

The SCYR currently count among them three members who hold positions within the Young Republican National Federation. Their members serve or have served on 13 local boards, from redistricting to charter review.

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“When I considered who to appoint, I found numerous qualified representatives within the Young Republican organization. I felt they should have a voice in the future of the community they are helping to build and they have served honorably in each role,” said District 2 County Commissioner Bryan Lober.

The Space Coast Young Republicans use social media presence to advocate for Republican candidates and principles daily. We have authored a number of op-eds on conservative principles and will likely author more, when we aren’t busy on the campaign trail.

The moral of this story is, it is easy to lob accusations but difficult to refute evidence.

If you stand with the Space Coast Young Republicans for life, the Second Amendment, and fiscal responsibility, join us on the ground. We win when we meet people where they are. We have winning principles; we need more people to help us share them. Find out more about us and see upcoming events at facebook.com/spacecoastyr or spacecoastyr.com.

Marie Rogerson is the regional chair for the Florida Federation of Young Republicans.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Local Young Republicans unfairly criticized by federation | Opinion