MADISON - ST. CLAIR RECORD

Jason Plummer

The up and coming leader of Madison County's GOP organization hopes his energy and enthusiasm will make a difference in the "extraordinarily important" election of November 2006.

At the outset, Jason Plummer is setting his sights on incrementally improving the partisan balance in Madison County government.

"But that doesn't mean we're going to take control in one or two years," he said. "Before we start focusing on winning races we need to make sure we have the infrastructure in place."

Plummer believes the public has more confidence in a government that is representative of its body.

"That's why we have a two party system," he said. "People don't want all Democrats or all Republicans in an elected body. I think the public feels a little uncomfortable with a 28-1 balance. 18 to 11 maybe, or 15 to 14."

Plummer is expected to garner enough support from precinct committeemen in the county convention of April 19 to become the next party chairman.

Rosalie Davis, a long-time board member and current chairman of the Madison County Republican Central Committee, is stepping down after two years in a job she calls a "thankless" one.

Davis said she plans to focus on her family and travel, but will still be involved in helping local candidates get elected.

At age 23, Plummer ushers in a new era of fresh insight for the party.

"It's not that I plan to make all the decisions," he said. "I view this as a management position. Everybody will have an opportunity to share their views and have a voice."

He said his initial focus will be in developing technology, fund-raising and a volunteer base.

"You can't win races with just money or ideas," he said. "You need a solid grassroots foundation."

Plummer will have the opportunity to influence the following county races: