Contact: Jake Wagner, Chairman 100 St. Anselm Drive, #2143 Manchester, NH 03102 (716) 536-8190 jpwNH118@gmail.

com April 30, 2013 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

www.state.crnc.org/NewHampshire

New Hampshire College Republicans unite at Annual Convention, Wagner unanimously re-elected Chairman
MANCHESTER Just as academic semesters across New Hampshire draw to a close, the New Hampshire Federation of College Republicans (NHCR) gathered to host their 10th Annual Convention in the Aldermanic Chambers of Manchesters historic City Hall. Convening on Saturday, April 27th, the event marked the first time in over four years that New Hampshire College Republicans were able to host a larger-scaled event that featured various speakers and other guests. College Republican members and attendees met with and heard from many rising stars in New Hampshire politics, including former gubernatorial candidate Kevin Smith and District 3 Executive Councilor Chris Sununu, who delivered the conventions keynote address. Sununus eagerly anticipated speech was very warmly received by the College Republicans, who resonated deeply with his thoughts on the GOPs future, party modernization, and issues impacting the youth vote. In addition, Sununus appearance proved to be convenient as the first-ever NHCR Straw Poll included his name in three separate categories on the ballot of potential 2014 candidates. Also on the straw poll ballot for 2014 were former State Senator Gary Lambert and former House Speaker Bill OBrien, who both addressed the gathering in anticipation of their likely primary contest in New Hampshires 2nd congressional district. In addition to an exciting slate of guest speakers, NHCR was also able to completely re-structure the organization of leadership in their federation; guaranteeing more geographic diversity and more effective use of Executive Board positions. The approved amendments have created the position of a desperately needed Secretary, while also eliminating the position of Outreach Director. The position of Vice-Chair was also split into two new positions, incorporating one Vice-Chair from chapters within the 1st congressional district and another Vice-Chair from chapters within the states 2nd congressional district.

Reflecting on the changes, Elliot Gault, a sophomore and member of the UNH College Republicans, stated: last year, the notion that we could pass constitutional amendments during a convention was unthinkable. Its amazing how far weve come. State Chairman Jake Wagner, first elected in April 2012, agreed with this sentiment, recalling in his State of the Federation address: Upon taking office, it became clear to me and many in our chapters that the New Hampshire Federation of College Republicans had long been failing to adequately gain the exposure and credibility that it desperately needed. Continuing this theme, Chairman Wagners remarks highlighted the many positive reversals and accomplishments that this year produced, and with good reason. While selecting the NHCR leadership for the 2013-2014 term, Jake Wagner and his UniteNHCR team were unanimously elected without opposition. Elliot Gault, who previously served as NHCR Communications Director, was chosen as District 1 Vice-Chair, with Keene State College Republicans Chair Allie Bedell taking the position of District 2 Vice-Chair. In addition, freshman Dan Cheever of the Plymouth State University Republicans was elected Treasurer, and Chapter Chair Amanda Biundo of the New England College Republicans was elected as the federations Secretary. Saint Anselm College Chapter Chair Tara Sennick was immediately appointed and approved by the new Executive Board to become the organizations Executive Director. The unanimous election marked the first time in NHCR history that the elected members of the Executive Board each come from a different college/university chapter. It was incredibly humbling to hear what our members had to say while supporting my renomination and re-election as Chairman, said Wagner. The group we have assembled for the next term is truly a dream team of College Republican all-stars. Each member has stood out in their chapters for their inspiring passion and proven leadership ability. Naturally, it was time to bring those qualities into our state leadership, he continued. In detailing his goals for the coming term, Wagner also stated: This year, I made it a top priority to personally reach out to every new and forgotten chapter in the state, and that is something that I will strive to continue as we enter a second term. Chairman Wagner has said he is eager to expand to even more campuses by next spring, including Colby-Sawyer College, Franklin Pierce University, and Rivier University in Nashua. The convention ultimately proved to be a triumphant conclusion to what was an incredibly productive year for the political youth organization. During the fall of 2012, New Hampshire College Republicans mobilized grassroots efforts to complete more than 2,000 hours of volunteer campaign service, frequently assisting staff at events and spreading voter awareness throughout their campuses.

The federation expanded to two new chapters at Plymouth State University and New England College, and saw a complete strengthening in relations with the NHGOP and College Republican National Committee, something that has proven to be a truly beneficial development as NHCR continues to grow its influence within many GOP circles. The creation of a new logo, the launch of a new website, and even revamped activity in social media has also contributed to the College Republicans success this year. In addition, NHCRs six chapters have successfully proven to be driving forces behind much community service involvement, including a recent autism awareness drive at New England College and support for cancer awareness and research at Keene State College just last week. Our recent convention and our achievements this year have shown that our membership is strongly united and eager to win the future, said Chairman Jake Wagner. We are more than prepared to continue providing young voters across New Hampshire with the resources and opportunities they need to make a difference in their communities. The New Hampshire Federation of College Republicans, a branch of the College Republican National Committee founded in 1892, serves as the voice of the Granite States young conservatives from the campuses of New Hampshires major college and universities. ###