A New Vision for an Urban Republican Party
By: Jill Homan
Op-Ed Published in the March 29, 2012 Daily Caller
The city is the new suburb.
According to Census Bureau data, more than 80 percent of Americans now live in the metropolitan areas. We’re seeing that trend close to home in the District of Columbia, where our population grew over 5% in the last decade and close to 3% in just the last 15 months, outpacing all states over the same period.
This influx of new residents to cities poses a unique challenge for the Republican Party. Presently, Republicans make up just 6% of the elected city council members in the country’s three largest cities. To remain a competitive political party well into the future, we must develop a successful model of a local urban Republican Party that can be exported nationwide. And there’s no better place to start than here in Washington, D.C.
The nation’s capital is a challenging place to be a Republican—there’s no doubt about it. The District’s Republican registration stands at 6.5% of registered voters; no Republicans are elected to the 13 city council positions. But recent years have provided a glimmer of hope. For instance, Republican Tim Day—currently a candidate in a competitive City Council race in the city’s 5th Ward—led the charge against corruption in city government, leading to one councilman’s resignation and subsequent federal charges.
Also, the local party has advocated loudly for school reform (in particular for continued funding and expansion of DC’s successful school voucher program), and been a strong opponent of the knee-jerk tax and spend solutions of the current City Council.
The public response has been positive, suggesting that our party’s core principles of small, efficient, and honest government can resonate with an urban electorate. But message alone can’t overturn decades of “deep blue” politics—we must pursue a three-part strategy to make inroads into urban neighborhoods.
First, the urban Republican Party must shore up its base. In Washington, DC, Republican turnout on a percentage basis is consistently lower than our Democratic counterparts. In competitive races as recent as 2011, DC Republicans could have won a council seat had turnout been higher. If the party is going to broaden its appeal, it must first have the grassroots base upon which to build.
Second, an urban Republican Party must reach out to new residents. The party’s message of reform and good governance is a natural fit for the young professionals relocating to cities for employment opportunities and a city lifestyle. A young professional organization I co-founded here in D.C.--called “35 Under 35”–has as its mission the recruitment and retention our future party leaders and candidates. Other cities should follow suit with similar-minded efforts.
Finally, an urban Republican Party must build bridges from wealthier communities to those neighborhoods with little investment and higher poverty, such as Wards 7 and 8 here in Washington, DC. The Republican Party message of inclusion, individual responsibility, and transparency in local government can win in all parts of a city, as “civil rights” Republicans like Ward 7’s Ron Moten are demonstrating today.
Ron and I recently co-hosted a Black History Celebration to honor the contributions of civil rights leaders to the Republican Party. In Ward 7, where some Republicans have previously written off altogether, we had over 70 attendees.
In my own candidacy to represent the local party to the Republican National Committee, I’ve knocked on more than 3,000 doors in the city to help build voters’ connection to the D.C. GOP. A single conversation or outreach event may not change minds, but consistent and repeated outreach backed up by a compelling message of a balanced, responsive government could mean a new day for Republicans in the nation’s capitol. To achieve that goal, we need a strong D.C. Republican Party led by serious people willing to put in the time, effort, and hard work.
###Paid for by Homan for DC NCW, Margaret Melady, Treasurer
Op-Ed Published in the March 29, 2012 Daily Caller
The city is the new suburb.
According to Census Bureau data, more than 80 percent of Americans now live in the metropolitan areas. We’re seeing that trend close to home in the District of Columbia, where our population grew over 5% in the last decade and close to 3% in just the last 15 months, outpacing all states over the same period.
This influx of new residents to cities poses a unique challenge for the Republican Party. Presently, Republicans make up just 6% of the elected city council members in the country’s three largest cities. To remain a competitive political party well into the future, we must develop a successful model of a local urban Republican Party that can be exported nationwide. And there’s no better place to start than here in Washington, D.C.
The nation’s capital is a challenging place to be a Republican—there’s no doubt about it. The District’s Republican registration stands at 6.5% of registered voters; no Republicans are elected to the 13 city council positions. But recent years have provided a glimmer of hope. For instance, Republican Tim Day—currently a candidate in a competitive City Council race in the city’s 5th Ward—led the charge against corruption in city government, leading to one councilman’s resignation and subsequent federal charges.
Also, the local party has advocated loudly for school reform (in particular for continued funding and expansion of DC’s successful school voucher program), and been a strong opponent of the knee-jerk tax and spend solutions of the current City Council.
The public response has been positive, suggesting that our party’s core principles of small, efficient, and honest government can resonate with an urban electorate. But message alone can’t overturn decades of “deep blue” politics—we must pursue a three-part strategy to make inroads into urban neighborhoods.
First, the urban Republican Party must shore up its base. In Washington, DC, Republican turnout on a percentage basis is consistently lower than our Democratic counterparts. In competitive races as recent as 2011, DC Republicans could have won a council seat had turnout been higher. If the party is going to broaden its appeal, it must first have the grassroots base upon which to build.
Second, an urban Republican Party must reach out to new residents. The party’s message of reform and good governance is a natural fit for the young professionals relocating to cities for employment opportunities and a city lifestyle. A young professional organization I co-founded here in D.C.--called “35 Under 35”–has as its mission the recruitment and retention our future party leaders and candidates. Other cities should follow suit with similar-minded efforts.
Finally, an urban Republican Party must build bridges from wealthier communities to those neighborhoods with little investment and higher poverty, such as Wards 7 and 8 here in Washington, DC. The Republican Party message of inclusion, individual responsibility, and transparency in local government can win in all parts of a city, as “civil rights” Republicans like Ward 7’s Ron Moten are demonstrating today.
Ron and I recently co-hosted a Black History Celebration to honor the contributions of civil rights leaders to the Republican Party. In Ward 7, where some Republicans have previously written off altogether, we had over 70 attendees.
In my own candidacy to represent the local party to the Republican National Committee, I’ve knocked on more than 3,000 doors in the city to help build voters’ connection to the D.C. GOP. A single conversation or outreach event may not change minds, but consistent and repeated outreach backed up by a compelling message of a balanced, responsive government could mean a new day for Republicans in the nation’s capitol. To achieve that goal, we need a strong D.C. Republican Party led by serious people willing to put in the time, effort, and hard work.
###Paid for by Homan for DC NCW, Margaret Melady, Treasurer
Republican National Committeewoman for DC candidate Jill Homan,
Ward 7 Republican DC Council Candidate Ron Moten
to Host Black History Celebration in Ward 7!
…..Event to Highlight African American Contributions to the Republican Party & DC Community
Media Contact: Jill Homan
202-695-3467
For Immediate Release
Washington, DC, February 27, 2012 –Republican National Committeewoman for DC candidate Jill Homan is joining Ward 7 Republican DC Council candidate Ron Moten to host a Black History Celebration in Ward 7 on Tuesday, February 28. Republicans, Democrats, and Independents are invited to the event which will include a line-up of speakers discussing African American contributions to the Republican Party and the DC community. Food will be served.
“As a Republican, our history is one of civil rights; we are the party of Booker T. Washington and Frederick Douglass.” Moten, co-founder & former chief operating officer of Peacoholics until 2009, explained. “If our history of fighting for civil rights has taught us anything, it’s that you don’t have a positive effect on a society or a political party by sitting on the sidelines. You must become an active citizen and a formidable participant. I’m pleased to work with Jill Homan who has demonstrated a level of commitment to our communities East of the River.”
“As a civil rights Republican, Ron draws upon his service to the community to articulate the heritage of our Republican Party,” stated Homan, DC Republican Committee Finance Chairperson and entrepreneur. “As a leader in the DC Republican Party, I believe we must preserve and protect this heritage by engaging with more DC citizens and spreading the message of not only civil rights, but also of individual responsibility, personal freedoms and equal opportunity.”
Moten added, “It is imperative we teach the principles that helped build our communities in the past, because it will be these same principles that will rebuild our communities in the future.”
Date: Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Location: Denny’s at 4445 Benning Road, NE
Note: Members of the media are invited.
###
www.jillhoman.com
Paid for by Homan for DC NCW, Margaret Melady, Treasurer
202-695-3467
For Immediate Release
Washington, DC, February 27, 2012 –Republican National Committeewoman for DC candidate Jill Homan is joining Ward 7 Republican DC Council candidate Ron Moten to host a Black History Celebration in Ward 7 on Tuesday, February 28. Republicans, Democrats, and Independents are invited to the event which will include a line-up of speakers discussing African American contributions to the Republican Party and the DC community. Food will be served.
“As a Republican, our history is one of civil rights; we are the party of Booker T. Washington and Frederick Douglass.” Moten, co-founder & former chief operating officer of Peacoholics until 2009, explained. “If our history of fighting for civil rights has taught us anything, it’s that you don’t have a positive effect on a society or a political party by sitting on the sidelines. You must become an active citizen and a formidable participant. I’m pleased to work with Jill Homan who has demonstrated a level of commitment to our communities East of the River.”
“As a civil rights Republican, Ron draws upon his service to the community to articulate the heritage of our Republican Party,” stated Homan, DC Republican Committee Finance Chairperson and entrepreneur. “As a leader in the DC Republican Party, I believe we must preserve and protect this heritage by engaging with more DC citizens and spreading the message of not only civil rights, but also of individual responsibility, personal freedoms and equal opportunity.”
Moten added, “It is imperative we teach the principles that helped build our communities in the past, because it will be these same principles that will rebuild our communities in the future.”
Date: Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Location: Denny’s at 4445 Benning Road, NE
Note: Members of the media are invited.
###
www.jillhoman.com
Paid for by Homan for DC NCW, Margaret Melady, Treasurer
DC Republican Ward Chairs Endorse Jill Homan for GOP National Committeewoman for Washington, DC
…..Republican activist, entrepreneur vows to grow DC Party
Media Contact: Jill Homan
202-695-3467
For Immediate Release
Washington, DC, February 1, 2012 – Five DC Republican Ward Chairs overwhelmingly endorsed Jill Homan for Republican National Committeewoman for DC. Ward 1 Chair Jen Stello, Ward 2 Chair Rachel Hoff, Ward 5 Chair Darlene Glymph, Ward 6 Chair Gary Teal, and Ward 7 Chair Robert Richards came together to announce their support for Homan, who currently serves as Finance Chairman of the DC Republican Committee (DCRC). The Ward 4 and Ward 8 chairs are currently vacant.
Stello, Hoff, Glymph, Teal, and Richards explained, “Jill Homan has worked with us at the grassroots level to build the Republican Party in DC. We believe Jill has the experience, drive and substance to best build the DC Republican Party, and we are pleased to endorse her for Republican National Committeewoman for DC."
In addition to serving the DCRC as Finance Chairman, Homan holds the position of Executive Committee member, and she is an officer and a board member for the League of Republican Women of DC. In 1999 – 2001, Homan served as press secretary and legislative assistant to then-Congressman Bob Ehrlich of Maryland. Currently, she is a co-founder and principal in Javelin 19 Investments, a commercial real estate investment firm targeting metropolitan Washington, DC assets. Homan holds master’s degrees in business administration and public policy from Duke University.
“I have been privileged to work with Jen Stello, Rachel Hoff, Darlene Glymph, Gary Teal, and Robert Richards. I am honored to receive their endorsements, and look forward to working with them on the campaign and beyond to grow the DC Republican Party,” stated Homan.
This announcement follows the endorsement by all the 2010 Republican candidates for DC Council seats. In addition, former Maryland Governor Bob Ehrlich will hold a fundraiser in support of Homan’s candidacy on February 9.
###
www.jillhoman.com
Paid for by Homan for DC NCW, Margaret Melady, Treasurer
202-695-3467
For Immediate Release
Washington, DC, February 1, 2012 – Five DC Republican Ward Chairs overwhelmingly endorsed Jill Homan for Republican National Committeewoman for DC. Ward 1 Chair Jen Stello, Ward 2 Chair Rachel Hoff, Ward 5 Chair Darlene Glymph, Ward 6 Chair Gary Teal, and Ward 7 Chair Robert Richards came together to announce their support for Homan, who currently serves as Finance Chairman of the DC Republican Committee (DCRC). The Ward 4 and Ward 8 chairs are currently vacant.
Stello, Hoff, Glymph, Teal, and Richards explained, “Jill Homan has worked with us at the grassroots level to build the Republican Party in DC. We believe Jill has the experience, drive and substance to best build the DC Republican Party, and we are pleased to endorse her for Republican National Committeewoman for DC."
In addition to serving the DCRC as Finance Chairman, Homan holds the position of Executive Committee member, and she is an officer and a board member for the League of Republican Women of DC. In 1999 – 2001, Homan served as press secretary and legislative assistant to then-Congressman Bob Ehrlich of Maryland. Currently, she is a co-founder and principal in Javelin 19 Investments, a commercial real estate investment firm targeting metropolitan Washington, DC assets. Homan holds master’s degrees in business administration and public policy from Duke University.
“I have been privileged to work with Jen Stello, Rachel Hoff, Darlene Glymph, Gary Teal, and Robert Richards. I am honored to receive their endorsements, and look forward to working with them on the campaign and beyond to grow the DC Republican Party,” stated Homan.
This announcement follows the endorsement by all the 2010 Republican candidates for DC Council seats. In addition, former Maryland Governor Bob Ehrlich will hold a fundraiser in support of Homan’s candidacy on February 9.
###
www.jillhoman.com
Paid for by Homan for DC NCW, Margaret Melady, Treasurer
Former Governor Bob Ehrlich to Speak at Fundraiser for Jill Homan for GOP National Committeewoman for Washington, DC
…..Republican activist, entrepreneur vows to grow DC Party
Media Contact: Jill Homan
202-695-3467
For Immediate Release
Washington, DC, January 19, 2011 – Today, Republican National Committeewoman for DC candidate Jill Homan announced that former Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr (R-MD) is speaking at a fundraiser in support of her campaign. The fundraising announcement with the former Maryland Governor and current chairman of Mitt Romney’s Maryland campaign follows the endorsement by all the 2010 Republican candidates for DC Council seats - former Ward 5 Republican Council candidate Tim Day, former Ward 3 Republican Council candidate Dave Hedgepeth, former Ward 1 Republican Council candidate and current LeDroit Park Civic Association President Marc Morgan, and former Ward 6 Council candidate Jim DeMartino.
“I am really pleased to support Jill’s campaign to represent DC on the Republican National Committee. Jill was a solid professional when I hired her as my press secretary ten years ago and she has continued to grow both professionally and politically as a leader ever since” Ehrlich explained.
In addition to serving the DCRC as Finance Chairman, Homan is an Executive Committee member of the DCRC and an Officer and Board of Directors member for the League of Republican Women of DC. In 1999 – 2001, Homan served as press secretary and legislative assistant to then-Congressman Bob Ehrlich of Maryland. Currently, she is a co-founder and principal in Javelin 19 Investments, a commercial real estate investment firm targeting metropolitan Washington, DC assets. Homan holds master’s degrees in business administration and public policy from Duke University.
“I am really honored Governor Ehrlich is supporting my campaign. He understands how important it is to grow the Republican Party in urban areas by doing the hard work required to attract new voters to our values and our principles, such as individual responsibility, personal freedoms and entrepreneurialism,” stated Homan.
The event will be held on Thursday, February 9 at 5:30PM in Washington, DC.
###
www.jillhoman.com
Paid for by Homan for DC NCW, Margaret Melady, Treasurer
202-695-3467
For Immediate Release
Washington, DC, January 19, 2011 – Today, Republican National Committeewoman for DC candidate Jill Homan announced that former Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr (R-MD) is speaking at a fundraiser in support of her campaign. The fundraising announcement with the former Maryland Governor and current chairman of Mitt Romney’s Maryland campaign follows the endorsement by all the 2010 Republican candidates for DC Council seats - former Ward 5 Republican Council candidate Tim Day, former Ward 3 Republican Council candidate Dave Hedgepeth, former Ward 1 Republican Council candidate and current LeDroit Park Civic Association President Marc Morgan, and former Ward 6 Council candidate Jim DeMartino.
“I am really pleased to support Jill’s campaign to represent DC on the Republican National Committee. Jill was a solid professional when I hired her as my press secretary ten years ago and she has continued to grow both professionally and politically as a leader ever since” Ehrlich explained.
In addition to serving the DCRC as Finance Chairman, Homan is an Executive Committee member of the DCRC and an Officer and Board of Directors member for the League of Republican Women of DC. In 1999 – 2001, Homan served as press secretary and legislative assistant to then-Congressman Bob Ehrlich of Maryland. Currently, she is a co-founder and principal in Javelin 19 Investments, a commercial real estate investment firm targeting metropolitan Washington, DC assets. Homan holds master’s degrees in business administration and public policy from Duke University.
“I am really honored Governor Ehrlich is supporting my campaign. He understands how important it is to grow the Republican Party in urban areas by doing the hard work required to attract new voters to our values and our principles, such as individual responsibility, personal freedoms and entrepreneurialism,” stated Homan.
The event will be held on Thursday, February 9 at 5:30PM in Washington, DC.
###
www.jillhoman.com
Paid for by Homan for DC NCW, Margaret Melady, Treasurer
Four Former Republican DC Council Candidates Endorse Jill Homan for GOP National Committeewoman for Washington, DC
…..Republican activist, entrepreneur vows to grow DC Party
Media Contact: Jill Homan
202-695-3467
For Immediate Release
Washington, DC, January 9, 2011 – Today, the 2010 Republican candidates for Ward Council seats overwhelmingly endorsed Jill Homan for Republican National Committeewoman for DC. Former Ward 5 Republican Council candidate Tim Day, former Ward 3 Republican Council candidate Dave Hedgepeth, former Ward 1 Republican Council candidate and current LeDroit Park Civic Association President Marc Morgan, and former Ward 6 Council candidate Jim DeMartino came together to announce their support for Homan, who currently serves as Finance Chairman of the DC Republican Committee (DCRC).
Day, Hedgepeth, Morgan, and DeMartino explained, “Jill Homan's organizational ability and her work as Finance Chairman have significantly benefited the DC GOP. Jill is thoughtful, knowledgeable and energetic. In our opinion, she is exactly the type of person DC Republicans need to represent us on the Republican National Committee.
“We are truly grateful for Jill's ability and willingness to carry our message to all neighborhoods of the District."
In addition to serving the DCRC as Finance Chairman, Homan is an Executive Committee member of the DCRC and an Officer and Board of Directors member for the League of Republican Women of DC. In 1999 – 2001, Homan served as press secretary and legislative assistant to then-Congressman Bob Ehrlich of Maryland. Currently, she is a co-founder and principal in Javelin 19 Investments, a commercial real estate investment firm targeting metropolitan Washington, DC assets. Homan holds master’s degrees in business administration and public policy from Duke University.
“I am honored to receive the endorsements from Tim Day, Dave Hedgepeth, Marc Morgan, and Jim DeMartino. They have continued to grow the Republican Party in their respective wards, and I look forward to working with them throughout my campaign” stated Homan.
###
www.jillhoman.com
Paid for by Homan for DC NCW, Margaret Melady, Treasurer
202-695-3467
For Immediate Release
Washington, DC, January 9, 2011 – Today, the 2010 Republican candidates for Ward Council seats overwhelmingly endorsed Jill Homan for Republican National Committeewoman for DC. Former Ward 5 Republican Council candidate Tim Day, former Ward 3 Republican Council candidate Dave Hedgepeth, former Ward 1 Republican Council candidate and current LeDroit Park Civic Association President Marc Morgan, and former Ward 6 Council candidate Jim DeMartino came together to announce their support for Homan, who currently serves as Finance Chairman of the DC Republican Committee (DCRC).
Day, Hedgepeth, Morgan, and DeMartino explained, “Jill Homan's organizational ability and her work as Finance Chairman have significantly benefited the DC GOP. Jill is thoughtful, knowledgeable and energetic. In our opinion, she is exactly the type of person DC Republicans need to represent us on the Republican National Committee.
“We are truly grateful for Jill's ability and willingness to carry our message to all neighborhoods of the District."
In addition to serving the DCRC as Finance Chairman, Homan is an Executive Committee member of the DCRC and an Officer and Board of Directors member for the League of Republican Women of DC. In 1999 – 2001, Homan served as press secretary and legislative assistant to then-Congressman Bob Ehrlich of Maryland. Currently, she is a co-founder and principal in Javelin 19 Investments, a commercial real estate investment firm targeting metropolitan Washington, DC assets. Homan holds master’s degrees in business administration and public policy from Duke University.
“I am honored to receive the endorsements from Tim Day, Dave Hedgepeth, Marc Morgan, and Jim DeMartino. They have continued to grow the Republican Party in their respective wards, and I look forward to working with them throughout my campaign” stated Homan.
###
www.jillhoman.com
Paid for by Homan for DC NCW, Margaret Melady, Treasurer
Commercial Real Estate Women DC Interview.
December 6, 201 -- Commercial Real Estate Women DC (CREW DC), a well-regarded 30+year old, 400 member organization, just published their interview with me. http://crewdc.org/news/120211.html
Currently, I serve on the board as the Treasurer and have found this to be an organization of DC’s best and brightest commercial real estate professionals. I encourage you to check out the article!
###
www.jillhoman.com
Paid for by Homan for DC NCW, Margaret Melady, Treasurer
Currently, I serve on the board as the Treasurer and have found this to be an organization of DC’s best and brightest commercial real estate professionals. I encourage you to check out the article!
###
www.jillhoman.com
Paid for by Homan for DC NCW, Margaret Melady, Treasurer
Jill Homan Announces Candidacy for GOP National Committeewoman for DC
…..Republican activist, entrepreneur vows to build DC Party
Media Contact: Jill Homan
202-695-3467
For Immediate Release
Washington, DC, October 3, 2011 -- Jill Homan, Finance Chairman of the DC Republican Committee (DCRC), today announced her candidacy for the National Committeewoman position on the Republican National Committee representing the District of Columbia.
Homan, a Ward 6 activist, is seeking to succeed incumbent National Committeewoman Betsy Werronen, who is term limited.
“I am honored to run to replace Betsy and her strong leadership,” said Homan. “I look forward to sharing my own vision—urban Republicanism—for the party in the nation’s capital. I think that I am part of the new emerging generation of DC residents who can strengthen the future of the District and the DCGOP."
In addition to serving the DCRC as Finance Chairman, Homan has volunteered for the campaign of DC Council candidate Patrick Mara and chaired the Advisory Council, an organization dedicated to developing high donor support for the DC Republican Party. She is a member of the Executive Committees for the DCRC and the League of Republican Women of DC. In 1999 – 2001, Homan served as press secretary to then Congressman Bob Ehrlich of Maryland.
Homan is a co-founder and principal in Javelin 19 Investments, a commercial real estate investment firm targeting metropolitan Washington, DC assets. She serves on the board of directors for Commercial Real Estate Women DC (CREW DC). Homan holds master’s degrees in business administration and public policy from Duke University.
“Our efforts to build the Republican Party in DC are important to the success of our Party nationally,” said Homan. “We have a vibrant DC community who is ready and receptive to the urban Republican message of personal freedom, individual responsibility, greater transparency in local government, and fiscal responsibility to our local budget.”
Homan’s campaign today unveiled a web site, www.jillhoman.com, with direct mail, web-based voter contact and a volunteer effort to follow, in an effort to reach into every corner of the District. “To grow, we must take our Party's message into neighborhoods and to individuals,” said Homan. “I am prepared and committed to spread our message of a thriving DC Republican Party to our Party's national leadership and to every member of the national committee, representing every state in America.”
###
www.jillhoman.com
Paid for by Homan for DC NCW, Margaret Melady, Treasurer
