HAMILTON COUNTY REPUBLICAN AFRICAN AMERICAN CAUCUS
Rev. Dr. Shirley Ray, Hamilton County Chair
TNRAAC's Websites:
March 1, 2011
Posted by: Dr. Jean Howard-Hill
NRAAC Nat'l Chair
NRAAC's National Chair Response to HCGOP Chair Von Schaaf
Normally as national chair of the National Republican African American Caucus (NRAAC), I do not get involved in our local caucuses, and leave this to the state chairs. But in this case, because I also serve as the Tennessee Vice Chair of the Tennessee Republican African American Caucus (TNRAAC), I am more involved in what happens within the state of Tennessee.
Our goal at the national and state levels is to facilitate inclusion of African Americans who share some of the same core values of the Republican Party. To this end, we remain committed.
As a part of that commitment, as the national chair, and as one who is home based in Hamilton County, I remain grieved at the lack of inclusion at the local county GOP level. Despite us having in excess of over 1000 African American Republicans, we still feel unwanted, under utilized and devalued by those in leadership. As a result of this, many have become greatly discouraged. Recently under the helm of Delores Vinson, we saw a lifting of that veil as she sought to include us in meaningful ways and with a welcoming spirit. We appreciate this. However, our fear is that we now have returned to the exclusive atmosphere that began in 2000.
It is unfortunate that Mr. Schaaf took our local position on inclusion so personal. As an experienced leader at the national level, I respect the right of anyone to criticize or to voice an opinion, without me taking it personal. So in the case of Mr. Schaaf's e-mail response to me, I will not resort to personal attacks against him. However we do not recant our position on inclusion. Nevertheless, we do feel the need to clear the record.
The statement regarding targeting the two black legislative districts was made at the January 2011 Hamilton County Reorganization Convention. Mr. Schaaf is correct in saying he did not specifically call Representatives Brown or Favors by name. However, since they are the only African American legislators, it was assumed. Our position remains the same on this.
"To this our Hamilton County Republican African American Caucus says, none of us are interested. Because if the only way a qualified African American Republican can be elected in Hamilton County is to be elected out of districts that are comprised of people of our own race; and this is the only way in which the local party seeks parity and opportunities for African American Republicans, then it is discrimination and we say no thank you.
We have qualified candidates who as Republicans ought to be able to run out of any Republican district and win. That is, if the local GOP is color blind and there truly is no racial issue, as some have suggested. So either you give us the same rights as others within the party or you don't do it at all."
As to the other statements made regarding me personally, I will not comment. My 32 year GOP reputation, commitment and leadership across America, speak for itself.
We wish Chairman Schaaf well, along with his slate of officers, in their roles as HCGOP leaders. It is my hope that as chairman, he will find it necessary to take the time to roll out the welcoming mat, and make his tenure as party chair one in which leaves a legacy of inclusion.
We have and will continue to extend the olive branch. But should that olive branch continue to be rejected by the local Hamilton County GOP, it still makes us no less Republicans, and we will continue to strive for meaningful inclusion at all levels of appointed and elected leadership.
Below is the e-mail response from County Chairman Schaaf:
Dr. Hill,
Once again, you have proven to be self-serving in all you words, attitude and efforts. If only you really were a serious candidate with the elect ability to go along with your passion. Truly, I say to you that the use of "fly in the buttermilk" is abused. I was born the shortest in my class for the better part of twelve years of school and I NEVER considered carrying on the way you do. Your methodology is much more harmful than helpful.
With your ability to misquote and misinform, you could easily work for the local media. I never mentioned Tommie Brown or Joanne Favors. Again, just something you dreamed up to use to your own advantage.
Am I to assume, based on your tirade of so-called reasoning, that you are looking for some caucasian Republican candidates to come run in predominately African-American, generally democrat districts? Please let me know how the laugh-ometer scores when you share that one with your caucus.
These direct personal attacks (without the use of names(mine is Marty VonSchaaf, Chairman)you insist on using are exactly the types of divisive tactics that I seek to end. Why can't you accept that we are no longer living in the '50's and '60's and put away all the "us versus ya'll" racial rhetoric. This is not constructive. It only demonstrates your own inability to negotiate instead of using bully tactics.
As for Councilman McGary, I have had no conversation with him whatsoever. I have been invited to appear on his radio show, which I have politely declined. I might sit down and speak with him. If I do, I don't believe I will feel so inclined to report our conversation to you.
Again, I wish to be constructive, not destructive. The only common ground you and I currently share is the wariness concerning Mr. McGary's true intentions. Personally, I believe he is seeking political opportunity because he feels he cannot win as a Democrat.
In closing, I highly recommend self-inspection rather than self-promotion. Remember, they say you attract more flies with honey. That would help keep you from being the only one in the buttermilk.
Marty Von Schaaf
Chairman
Hamilton County Republican Party
To reach the NRAAC National Chair and Tennessee Co-chair:
Dr. Jean Howard-Hill
423-544-9696
423-521-4294 NRAAC office
chair@nraacaucus.org
tncochair@tnraacaucus.org
Dr. Jean Howard-Hill
423-544-9696
423-521-4294 NRAAC office
chair@nraacaucus.org
tncochair@tnraacaucus.org
Dr. Shirley Dean Ray
HCRAAC Chair
423-505-2624423-521-4294 office
hcaarcchair@tnraacaucus.org
