Greg Baker and MacAllister Carver meet with Wartburg and Luther College Republicans

On Thursday, March 13^th, 2008, Greg Baker and MacAllister Carver toured the beautiful state of Iowa visiting with both the Wartburg and Luther College campuses to meet with College Republicans. Their campus visits were in an effort to create a closer IFCR by reaching out to the individual chapters.

There was discussion of the platform of which the Baker-Carver ticket would be running on. The goals of the Baker-Carver platform consisted of new policies within the IFCR such as the ability to apply for grants for individual chapters, and a new focus of bringing strength and stability back to the chapters.

College Republicans had the experience of meeting with both candidates personally, which was a strong intention of the Baker-Carver ticket. Current Executive Director for the IFCR, Matthew Bechstein, notes, "Even uncontested candidates deserve scrutiny, while their election may be inevitable, it’s still important for College Republicans to become familiar with the goals and agendas of new Executive Boards. Leaders should be held accountable for what they claim to represent, and the only way to do that is for us to understand their objectives and get to know them on a personal basis." Both candidates believe the campus visits to be a success and hope to continue their close relationships with both Wartburg and Luther, and other campuses as well.

“We’d like to express our sincerest gratitude to the Chairs and College Republicans of both Wartburg and Luther College for allowing us to speak, and hosting an atmosphere in which the meeting was both productive and successful”, said MacAllister Carver, candidate for Co-Chair. Both Baker and Carver will continue to travel and maintain campus visits during the next weeks leading up to the IFCR convention.

2008 Iowa Federation of College Republicans (IFCR) Convention

Countdown to Convention: 21 days!

The 2008 Iowa Federation of College Republicans (IFCR) Convention approaches quickly. This year's convention is set to take place at the Downtown Holiday Inn on March 28th. The Downtown Holiday Inn is located at:

1050 6th Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa 50314

Participants of the IFCR Convention should plan to arrive at the hotel by 5:00 pm. However, the Leadership Institute (LI) has offered to provide a Grassroots/Campaign "mini-school". The school will begin at 2:00 pm and run until 6:00 pm and is available to everyone. It's a great opportunity to gain knowledge that will be a foundation for success in the political arena!

Be sure to pack your party pants because at 8:00 pm, a night of fun, food, and friends begins on the 15th floor of the hotel. We'll be serving top-class hors d'oeuvres and providing an open bar (to those with proper I.D). The party goes until midnight so plan on singing and dancing the night away with your fellow Republicans!

Don't stay out too late though because the next morning at 8:30 am, a Candidate's Breakfast welcomes any early risers to come and mingle with the candidates! Be sure to grab a doughnut on your way to convention. The gavel drops at 9:00 am so don't be late because it’s sure to be a good one!

Convention is packed with speakers from across the country and across Iowa! After the wise words of the speakers, we'll set out to accomplish what we came to do, elect a new administration for the 2008 - 2009 year. Your voice and your thoughts matter so be sure to speak up! Candidates can be nominated the day of so think about getting involved! Leadership positions include: Chair, Co-Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, and five (5) Regional Coordinators. We'll hear from every candidate and their nominating speaker, and then we cast our vote!

Once the elections are finished, the IFCR Executive Board compiled pictures of chapters across the great state of Iowa, and together we can look back on the memories College Republicans have made over the year.

Sadly but surely, Convention will come to an end but no worries because there is always the 2009 Convention!

So head on down to the 2008 Iowa Federation of College Republicans (IFCR) Convention and prepare to have fun!

Announcement Letter

Esteemed Members of Iowa Federation of College Republicans:

As the Iowa Federation of College Republicans’ Convention nears on March 28th in Des Moines, Iowa, a new administration must be elected to serve the needs of college Republicans of the great state of Iowa. I feel it is essential that we elect leaders that both feel the pulse of America and are capable of enacting the necessary changes that this country so deeply desires and needs. We should elect leaders that have the capability of ensuring the growth and presence of the Iowa Federation of College Republicans (IFCR).

I would like to express my deepest appreciation to the previous administration for their efforts and contributions to our organization and our state. Looking forward, our new leadership must build upon our previous accomplishments while transforming to meet the needs of Iowa in this election year.

As both the Presidential and Congressional elections grow closer, IFCR must further build its foundation and include a greater utilization of grass root efforts throughout the state. To accomplish this, we must place emphasis on individual chapters as they will become the forefront of Iowa's contribution to the election. Our collegiate chapters are fundamental resources and can only be properly utilized by an improvement in dialogue with state leaders and greater funding. Furthermore, IFCR should assist chapters in various duties including the hosting of speakers and special events. The newly elected administration can play a pivotal role in guiding and aiding individual chapters in our shared quest to promote conservative ideals throughout the state.

Such a revitalization of our organization will require leaders who are both experienced and passionate about the success of IFCR. The IFCR deserves a leader who can utilize our strengths as well as improve upon our weaknesses. That is why I, MacAllister Thompson Carver, am announcing my candidacy for the office of Co-Chair of the Iowa Federation of College Republicans.

As the current Northeast Region Coordinator of IFCR, I have strived to increase communication and development in my region as well as providing prompt and clear information between chapters and the IFCR. As the Treasurer of Luther College Republicans, it has been my responsibility to aid in fundraising and various other duties such as the distribution of alumni and ally newsletters. As a member of Alpha Phi Omega, a nationwide service fraternity, I have strived to serve my local community. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to utilize my skills and experiences to benefit the entirety of Iowa - but I need your vote in making this possible.

As the Co-Chair of IFCR I will work to increase communication between the executive board and chapter chairs as well as inter-chapter communication. In order to achieve this goal, I would facilitate weekly calls between region coordinators, Chair or Co-Chair, and chapter chairs. My administration will work towards incorporating a greater grass root effort in state and national campaigns. As such, one of my main concentrations will be to assist chapters in hosting events. Additionally, I will work towards bolstering recruitment of new college Republicans as well as improving fundraising efforts for individual chapter treasuries.

Although my vision for IFCR will take some time and a great deal of effort, I believe that Greg Baker, the current Secretary of IFCR and candidate for Chair, and I are the most capable individuals to ensure the future success of IFCR. Greg Baker and I share a vision and goals for our state. He has proven his dedication to IFCR and the University of Iowa College Republicans over the past two years. Greg is an asset to the organization and possesses the necessary skills to interact with both executive board members and individual chapters. I know Greg Baker is the most able candidate to guide IFCR into the future.

I appreciate your time and consideration in this crucial race to help keep Iowa strong and successful. Thank you for your participation and commitment to our cause and great organization.

Best regards,

MacAllister Thompson Carver

Baker-Carver Joins Facebook!

The Baker-Carver campaign joined Facebook!

The Internet plays a vital role in both the campaigning process as well as general politics. With the massive popularity of social networks such as Facebook, Youtube, and STORM, the face of politics has been transformed, and the way in which society interacts with politics. Being able to connect with one's constituents is vital to the success of a campaign, and Facebook is just the tool to help keep communication open and flowing.

The Baker-Carver campaign group offers a discussion board for any questions and concerns. The photo album is continually updated with pictures of past IFCR events, as well as events from around the state! With over 100 members already, the Baker-Carver Facebook group has become an excellent way to stay connected with campaign, fellow college Republicans, as well as a great way to receive alerts from Greg and MacAllister!

So join the fun by joining Baker-Carver for IFCR Chair and Co-Chair!

Announcement Letter

My Fellow College Republicans:

As we prepare to enter the Iowa Federation of College Republicans Convention on March 28th in Des Moines, Iowa a new executive board must be elected. This includes the offices of regional coordinators (5), secretary, treasurer, vice chair, co-chairman and chairman, which have exhibited great dedication and loyalty to the IFCR. Together the IFCR has organized numerous events that have helped various chapters come together and celebrate our Republican ethics. It is this spirit that has inspired me to run for chairman of the IFCR, and I urge you to support my friend MacAllister Carver for the position of co-chairman.

In these times a new challenge has presented itself and our party is involved in one of the most important presidential elections in our country’s history. In 2008 the nation will turn its eyes to Iowa and other swing states to decide the direction of Washington. We must guarantee this country stays in the right direction and follows the leadership of President George W. Bush. This includes a record of lowering taxes, defending freedom throughout the world, keeping our nation safe and standing for conservative social values. Each of us must make a concerted effort to campaign for the Republican Party in 2008 because the welfare of our party rests on our merits. If we are organized, unified, determined and inspired this state will be victorious for our candidates, and secure a solid framework to establish future success for our party.

In order for this to happen the IFCR must aide and assist the individual chapters in its Federation. This is crucial for the success of the Republican Party at the state and national level. Without your chapters and contributions the IFCR cannot function successfully. We will make it our priority to work with chapters in funding and building stronger events. The IFCR will also strive to be a recruiting tool for members across the state. Communication is our most valuable asset to building stronger chapters and this is why the IFCR must build powerful connections with state chapters and the Republican Party of Iowa (RPI). This can be accomplished with weekly conversations with chapter chairs, important updates, a productive and publicly accessible database of members and contact with state party officials.

My friends, we must restore a level of respect to the IFCR. To accomplish this we must adopt a mindset of professionalism and respect. Ronald Reagan once said, “Thou shalt not speak ill of a fellow Republican.” I urge every College Republican to follow his eleventh commandment. Only if we embrace the ideals of the Republican Revolution will we be able to restore the important relationships that are crucial to the well being of our organization.

IFCR needs leaders who can successfully orchestrate and embody these principles that each of us hold dear. Words may be eloquent, but they must be reinforced with proven and successful leadership. This is what my running mate MacAllister Carver and I will contribute to the positions we are running for. In the midst of one of the most liberal universities in the state I have crusaded to make sure that every conservative on the University of Iowa campus has a voice. I was given an organization that was severely fractured by low recruitment, diminished funds and an absence of planning. But, in a span of two years I left my predecessors with one of the largest and most well known political organizations on campus and in the Federation. Through my post as secretary of IFCR I know the inner workings of the organization, and I also know we must bring change.

My dear friend, MacAllister Carver, has been a force in the affairs of the Republican Party. She has held a leadership position as treasurer in the Luther College Republicans where she organized events that projected conservative ideals to the masses. She has also been a catalyst for fundraising at Luther, worked closely with the Republican Party of Minnesota and has orchestrated Republican efforts as regional coordinator of the northeast region for IFCR. When we reach the offices of chairman and co-chairman we will be ready to lead because of our dedication to serving our chapters and Federation.

I cannot begin to tell you how excited I am for the opportunities that will be presented to us in the upcoming year. Furthermore, I anxiously await the day when we will all partake to work for the election of the 44th president of the United States of America. My beloved Republicans I need your vote and support in March so we can usher in a new and successful era for the IFCR.

Best Regards,


Greg Baker

Welcome!

Welcome to the website of Greg Baker and MacAllister Carver for Chair and Co-Chair of the Iowa Federation of College Republicans! We're happy to have you join us as we kickoff our campaign for 2008! Please support us at the IFCR Annual State Convention March 29th in Des Moines, IA.

Feel free to ask any questions, share any concerns, or request a campus visit by our campaign by contacting BakerCarver2008@gmail.com

We look forward to meeting each and every Iowa College Republican in the weeks ahead as we travel the great state of Iowa to share our vision for a great year of Iowa College Republicans!