Thank you Rep Wendelboe for taking the time to answer our 10 Questions internet interview.

NHI: What role do you see the Internet and New Media playing in the future of the NH GOP?

Rep. Wendelboe: I see the Internet playing a large role, particularly with young voters. I-chats, pod casts, and instant messenger are tools that a forward looking re-organized Republican party will embrace in speaking the language of technology. These new tools as well as a fresher website and an electronic newsletter will be part of my communication strategy.

NHI: To what do you attribute the recent trouncing Republicans saw at the ballots during the Mid-term and State elections this past November?

Rep. Wendelboe: We all know that national politics had a big impact on the state races—the straight ticket voting proved that. I saw it more of a perfect storm on the state level. You had the national situation (the war, immigration, too much spending, ethics) and then locally you had a popular governor, a very organized, well funded and motivated Democratic Party, and an embattled financially strapped Republican Party.

NHI: How do you propose the GOP gain back their majority status? Can it be done in one two-year cycle or will it take more than one election cycle to recover some of the lost voters?

Rep. Wendelboe: Absolutely it can be gained back in the next cycle. Despite that “perfect storm” Republicans lost the majority in the House by only 3400 votes. We lost control of the executive council by roughly 1200 votes and a congressional seat by 6,000. I see at least three State Senate seats that are winnable in the next cycle. We will win back the majority in the House, the Senate and take control back of the executive council with a return to a strong grass roots structure, getting financially back on our feet, and articulating a strong communication message. That message will be based on core Republican issues like small government, frugal spending, and low taxes along with our belief in personal responsibility and protection of personal liberties.

NHI: When you have a free weekend, where in NH is your favorite place to visit and why?

Rep. Wendelboe: A weekend at one of our beautiful lakes is always a truly relaxing treat.

NHI: What role do you envision the NH GOP playing in the upcoming 2008 Presidential primaries?

Rep. Wendelboe: The Republican Party in NH will continue to fight to preserve our first in the Nation Primary. As party chairman, I will guarantee a level playing field and warm welcome to ALL Presidential candidates.

NHI: How do you propose getting new people involved with the party including getting them to run for various government offices?

Rep. Wendelboe: My focus will be on communication, organization, outreach to new voters, and fundraising. The way you motivate people to get involved is for them to see positive things happening. We will turn to growing our local town committees and seek new candidates from their ranks. Training and brainstorming sessions will become priorities. I don’t have all the answers but will focus on team building and encouraging others to share their ideas.

NHI: Why are you the most qualified candidate for the NH GOP Chair position?

Rep. Wendelboe: My ten years legislative experience, particularly on the budget, gives me an immediate grasp of the issues that define the differences between Republicans and Democrats. I won’t need briefings or opposition research before I can respond to the media as counterpoint to actions by the Democrats.

I have been known during my decade plus in NH politics as one of the most quoted voices in our state. I am known as someone who knows the issues, as someone who doesn’t fear going on record, and as someone who can be relied on to deliver insight in a concise and quotable manner.

I have strong organizational skills and will be a full time chair in Concord on a daily basis. I do not work and no one depends on me for their support so I can commit a huge block of time to the chairmanship. I have the strongest record of participation in our state party structure—I’ve been a state committee member five times, on annual dinner committees, on the platform committee three times, I’ve run for Executive Board positions twice in the past, and have attended Lincoln Day dinners and events all over the state for a decade.

NHI: The pundits have said that the Congressional candidates won because of their ‘Grassroots’ campaigns, what would you propose the NH GOP do to awaken their base?

Rep. Wendelboe: I think the results of November 7^th awoke Republicans. The two Democratic congressional winners did not win on their merits but on the broad backlash against incumbent Republicans over national issues. That will not happen again.

NHI: With the new Minority Party status of the GOP in NH, how does this change the daily operation of the party?

Rep. Wendelboe: It makes us the underdog. It makes us more likely to become a more united party. It gives us new purpose.

NHI: Due to some unfortunate incidents and management the NH GOP finds itself basically broke, what do you propose doing to change that situation?

Rep. Wendelboe: I will be very aggressive on fundraising and believe when Republicans see positive things happening in message, organization and outreach, they will open their checkbooks. We need to broaden our donor base. While big donors are much appreciated, I will challenge large numbers of Republicans to invest financially in the re-building of the party even if it is only a $2 a month pledge. Motivating our very large email list to participate this way will carry all the costs of the day to day operation and will enable us to use the annual fundraising drive, semi annual dinner revenue and large donor funds to assist with the cost of funding candidates. I also will spearhead a special fund raising effort to pay off the phone jamming settlement in full as soon as possible.

Rep. Wendelboe has a website for her campaign to win the NHGOP Chairmanship

http://www.franforrepublicanchairman.com/