MarilynBooker_edited

Past Monthly Messages from Marilyn

August 2023

August 25, 2023

Greetings, fellow Republicans,

 We are very fortunate to have Charlie Walter as our Sussex Region Volunteer Coordinator. The Sussex GOP will be very busy this year with a number of festivals and parades going into the fall.  We need assistance with staffing these efforts with enthusiastic volunteers. These are opportunities to “Be Somebody.”

Also, as we move full swing into “Election season,” we will also be working on reaching out to “no party” voters and absentee ballot voters.  It is imperative that we reach every Republican voter and get them to the polls either by absentee (if they qualify) and early voting.  

Please contact Charlie cewalter54@gmail.com to volunteer for the festivals, etc. listed below and to help us with our outreach activities.

Your Sussex County Republican Committee is ready to go!  Please join us in making a difference in our County and S.  Let’s do something small to change something BIG!

Marilyn Booker, Chair

Sussex County Republican Committee

Here is the short list of events:

  •                   Milford Riverwalk                                                 9/16 Milford

  •                   Hispanic Festival                                                 9/17 Georgetown

  •                  Wings and Wheels                                              10/7 Georgetown

  •                  Apple Scrapple                                                   10/14 Bridgeville

  •                  Sea Witch Parade                                               10/28 Rehoboth

Events Volunteer Sign Up Form – Sussex GOP

August 24, 2023

 

Greetings fellow Republicans,

 

I am pleased to announce that our Vice Chair, Lewis Briggs has been able to find us a meeting venue beginning next month.  We have secured arrangements on the 2nd Monday of the month through December, 2023 and we will resume our Regional meetings on September 11th. Please note that there are some conditions associated with our use.

We will be gathering at the Millsboro Fire Hall, 109 East State Street in Millsboro. The facility will be available to us at 6 PM; we will gavel at 6:30 PM; and adjourn at 8 PM.  This will  allow time for us to put the facility back in the condition in which we found it by 8:30 PM.  A member of the Fire Company will be required to secure the building when we leave so we will need to stick to these times.

Setting up chairs and replacing them in the storage room is our responsibility.  To this end, we will require volunteers to assist with this task.  The Fire Hall kitchen is not part of our arrangement and is “off limits.”  The facility is ADA compliant.

 

We expect that all attendees will comport themselves in a civil and responsible manner. 

 

Please pass this information on to any other interested parties. 

 

A major thank you to our Vice Chair for finding this location.  Know that meeting space is at a premium and finding a place that would accommodate us was not an easy task.

 

Finally, I wanted to inform you that the Sussex County Republican Committee will be making a donation of $100 in the name of Ron Sams to the Accent Hospice Care in Millsboro.  The family had requested a donation in lieu of flowers. 

 

As a reminder, Ron’s funeral is 3 PM this Sunday, August 27th, at the Millsboro United Methodist Church, 300 E. Church Street.

Looking forward to seeing each of you on September 11th at the Millsboro Fire Hall.  We have lots of work to do!

Marilyn Booker, Chair

Sussex County Republican Committee

 

 

August 18, 2023

Dear members of the Sussex County Republican Committee, 

We notified you of the death of our associate member, Ron Sams.  

Ron’s funeral is next Sunday, August 27th at 3 pm at the Grace United Methodist Church300 E. Church St., Millsboro, DE.

Expressions of sympathy can be sent to:  Mrs. Ron Sams and family, 32046 River Road, Millsboro, DE. 19966.

 

Marilyn Booker, Chair

Sussex County Republican Committee

 

August 15, 2023

 

Greetings fellow Republicans,

I was asked by a member of the Republican Women of Worcester County, MD to let you know about a couple of things happening that effect all the Delmarva coastal communities. If you are as concerned as I am about the plans to ruin our coastline with Offshore Windmills (OSW), please consider joining the Facebook group “Protect our Coast – Delmarva.”  This group page is dedicated to providing accurate information in opposition of OSW and is related to “Protect Our Coast – New Jersey,” “Protect Our Coast – Carolinas” and Protect Our Coast Ocean City”. As usual, these people are consumed with their green agenda and in their typical short-sighted way, they haven’t considered the ramifications to other systems – marine life, migratory birds, boating, Coast Guard Search and Rescue and the fishing industry – commercial and recreational.

If you think that just because you don’t live on the coast you are not going to be affected, think twice.  The loss of the revenue generated by our tourist-friendly beaches and the commercial and recreational fishing will surely be felt by all of Sussex County and up and down the First State.

I am constantly gob-smacked by these sycophants who are certain they can tell us what will happen in the next 10 years with the climate while I can’t even get an accurate weather forecast for tomorrow. This “religion” of climate change is affecting our everyday lives from our lightbulbs to how much water your toilet will use to flush to how much pressure you can get from your shower.

Please consider joining these Facebook pages to stay up-to-date on the latest information about OSW.  Don’t forget to “Like” and follow “Protect Our Coast – Delmarva.”  Please complete the petition included in this page.

 

 

You may also wish to read these Letters to the Editor authored by our friends in Worchester County:

Informative wind energy resources out there | Readers Forum | oceancitytoday.com

Impacts of offshore wind on sea life | Readers Forum | oceancitytoday.com

Something fishy about those wind feds | Readers Forum | oceancitytoday.com

 

 

Enjoy the unobstructed coastal views while you can.

 

Marilyn Booker, Chair

Sussex County Republican Committee

 

 

August 11,2023

 

Greetings fellow Republicans,

Earlier this month, my husband and I saw the movie that is shedding a spotlight on the disintegration of yet another of our values and ethical standards.  I was very hesitant about seeing a movie that focuses on Human Trafficking.  I was concerned it would be sordid.  I never want to see any graphic depictions of abuse and defilement of anyone and definitely not of children.  In spite of this, we were convinced by a number of our friends, so we went to see it. 

At the risk of this message sounding like a movie review, I must say “Sound of Freedom,” portrayed this true story of Tim Ballard’s efforts to save children from these evils without any of the sordid stuff.  The story is extremely compelling and very well done.  Jim Caviezel and the entire cast are excellent and Caviezel should be expecting an Academy Award nomination although I doubt that will happen.  You may have read that the film sat on the shelves at Disney Studios for 5 years before they would agree to release it.

Delaware is not among the states where these outrageous crimes are prevalent.  One would have to look at California for the leader in this depravity.  But sadly, child trafficking has found its way to the First State.  ANY incidence of the adulteration of this vulnerable population is unacceptable in an ethical, moral society.  Not unlike drug trafficking, human trafficking involves cartels and is a multibillion-dollar criminal enterprise.

 

Our Senator Richardson (SD 21) sits on the Governor’s Council on Human Trafficking.  He was instrumental in getting legislation passed this session to extend the requirement for signage related to Human Trafficking to additional state facilities and private establishments.  Raising awareness is critical to solving this problem. You can read more about this legislation here:  (Signs of Hope Act (Delaware Human Trafficking)

 

The Republican Caucus along with the Sussex County Republican Committee is sponsoring a Town Hall on September 12th at 6 PM at Sussex Central High School (926026 Patriots Way, Georgetown, DE 19947) to raise the awareness of this important issue. The speakers will describe the prevalence world-wide and discuss what is happening in Delaware and Sussex County in particular.

 

The speaker line-up includes:  Caroline Brittingham, Deputy Attorney General with the Human Trafficking Unit of the DE Attorney General’s office; Yolanda Montgomery, of Zoe Ministries; and Detective Hogate, of the DE State Police.

 

Hope Whaley is chairing this event.  Many thanks to Senators Pettyjohn and Richardson for their assistance and attention to this issue and to Amy Willey for taking on the herculean task of scheduling our speakers.

 

Please RSVP at: Human Trafficking Information Forum

 

People who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities.  Voltaire

 

Marilyn Booker, Chair

Sussex County Republican Committee

July 2023

July 29, 2023

Greetings fellow Republicans,

 I can’t believe the summer is more than halfway over!  It seems the older we get the faster the time passes.

As you know, we will be coming up on Election Season very soon.  If we are to be successful in 2024, we need to prepare and become active NOW!  This means we need to enlist Election District Committeemen, Committeewomen and Neighborhood Team Leaders to join our team.  Your volunteering and active participation is key to our success. 

Do you ever listen to the news on the radio or TV, or read what is happening with our local or national bureaucracies, shake your head, and think, “SOMEBODY has to do something.”  You are not alone.  Are you willing to be “SOMEBODY?”

An Election District Committee person (EDC) is the first line of defense against the progressive legislation coming out of Dover and D.C.  Working along with another EDC in your election district, you contact registered voters to inform them about our party and our principles.  By chatting with them, you can find out what are the things that concern them.  Are they worried about 1st or 2nd Amendment rights? Are they willing to have the government dictate what type of vehicle they can drive?  Do they have school-age children? As parents, are they troubled by the sexualization of their children with age-inappropriate reading material or activities in their schools. How do they feel about the move to ignore or override parental rights?  Are they concerned about their children receiving an education that will prepare them to succeed in this technology-driven world?  Are they apprehensive about the rising crime we are seeing in our area? 

Election District Committeemen and women are members the Advisory Committee.  They play an active role in electing the Sussex GOP leadership and they may be delegates to the Delaware State Party Annual Convention.  Every two years, in the odd years, the State Party elects its leadership at the Organizational Convention.  Delegates choose the State Party Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary.  The Sussex County Region leadership is elected by the Advisory Committee every 4 years after the U.S. Presidential election.

We will be holding classes for EDCs and for those who want to volunteer but can’t make the commitment to being an EDC.  Sign up for a class.  We will be doing them via zoom.  I will send the link and Powerpoint before the class.  https://sussexgop.org/rdc-edc-volunteer-training-class-registration/

Now more than ever we need to be organized and active.  I find that recently I wake up each morning wondering, “What are they going to do to us today?”  It’s time to be “SOMEBODY” and take action.  If we work together, we can make a difference.

“If you do not take an interest in the affairs of your government, then you are doomed to live under the rule of fools.”  Plato

Marilyn Booker, Chair

Sussex County Republican Committee

 

July 4, 2023

 

Greetings fellow Republicans,

 

A very Happy Independence Day to all and Happy Birthday to our country!   How fortunate we are to live in this wonderful country!  We know that as citizens of this democratic republic, we have truly won the lottery.

 

We are not naïve enough to believe that everything in the country we love is perfect.  We know there are warts.  But more importantly we know that good people working together and holding fast to our God-given rights will prevail over any obstacles as we continue to work toward a “more perfect Union.” We must keep this fact in our minds and our hearts as we address the challenges facing our country today.   We know that the United States of America continues to be the most successful experiment in democracy ever.  We must hold fast to this notion and teach our children and grandchildren about the promise of America for “the advancement and diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty.” – James Madison.

 

So how should we celebrate our country’s birthday?  Our founding fathers had some ideas:

 

John Adams thought that “It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.  It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forever more.”

 

Benjamin Franklin believed “July the Fourth shall forever be a day where the people of this land come together to remember the importance of democracy and the true joy of freedom.”

 

One of our favorite quotes about how to celebrate the holiday comes from Erma Bombeck.  “You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4th, not with a parade of guns, tanks and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism.”

 

So have a safe and fun 4th!  Enjoy your families and friends.  Go to a parade; wear red, white and blue; have a picnic and overeat – after all it’s time to be patriotic!

 

Your Sussex County Republican Committee Executive Board

 

Marilyn Booker, Chair

Lewis W. Briggs, III, Vice Chair

Hylton Phillips-Page, Treasurer

Betty Bridgeman, Secretary

Michele Forzley, Parliamentarian

June 2023

June 23, 2023 

Greetings fellow Republicans,

As I mentioned at our last Region Meeting, we have a gentleman who is working as our Region Volunteer Coordinator. You will be hearing from Charlie Walter requesting assistance at upcoming events.  The Sussex GOP and the State Party will be very busy this year with a number of festivals and parades during the summer and into the fall.  Please contact Charlie to volunteer. http://cewalter54@gmail.com

Here’s a list:

                                   

Email from State Party about the State Fair

Volunteers are needed for the Delaware GOP Booth at the Delaware State Fair in Harrington beginning Thursday, July 20th, thru Saturday, July 29th, from 11 am until 10 pm. We have three timeslots available:  11-3 pm – 3-7 pm, and 7-10 pm. We need 4 volunteers for each time slot for 10 days.

State GOP provides gate passes for volunteers. A plan for Ticket Pickup is still being worked out.

Note:  Monday, July 24th, and Thursday July 27th Free Day for Seniors

            Wednesday, July 26th – Free Day Pass with Military ID

Our State GOP Booth is in the air-conditioned Exhibit Hall on the fairgrounds at the far end by the Grandstand and has restrooms and vending machines.

Volunteers should plan to be at the Exhibit Hall at least 15 minutes before their time slot to get the “lay of the land” from the volunteers finishing their scheduled timeslot. 

To register for a timeslot, please use the link below: https://form.jotform.com/231734535950155

Contact Nick Miles with any questions:  Nick@DelawareGOP.com    

 

At the last Region Meeting, Alison Monroe, a resident of RD 20, spoke to us about her initiative to gather signatures on a petition she is sending to DNREC Secretary Shawn Garvin and Governor Carney.  The petition is yet another attempt to have the Governor reconsider this mandate and keep Secretary Garvin from implementing the California standards and timeline here in Delaware.  Click on buttons below to download the petition, sign and regulation.  While we would all like to think that this representative government would actually be representative of the people’s will, we must realize that it is not likely to happen on this issue.  In fact, the House Democrats just codified a Clean Vehicle Rebate program.  The program has been available since 2014 to incentivize the purchase of electric or hybrid vehicles.  The Democrats continue to practice the new religion of Climate Change and try to force their agenda on everyone. 

Enjoy your July 4th holiday and remember how lucky you are to live in this wonderful country.

Marilyn Booker, Chair

Sussex County Republican Committee

June 17, 2023 Greetings SCRWC members! Our last meeting before our summer hiatus is scheduled for Wednesday, June 28th.   We will welcome Julianne Murray, the Delaware GOP Chair who was elected at the State Committee Organizational Convention in April as our speaker.  We have asked her to describe her plans for the Delaware State Republican Committee.   There is lots to do and I’m anxious to hear what our new Chair’s plans are to “Turn Delaware Red.” As voted by the members at our May meeting, this will also be our last meeting at Mulligan’s Pointe.  The Board spent quite a bit of time finding a new venue that will be able to meet our needs and keep our costs at a reasonable rate.  Although we’re told by the pundits that inflation is slowing, it continues to hit us at home and the same goes for the businesses we support.   When we reconvene in September, we will be gathering at the Virden Retreat Center in Lewes.  Please keep an eye on your emails and the SCRWC website over the summer for updates and more information. Have a pleasant, safe summer.  Enjoy your families and friends. Be well and I look forward to seeing you in our new meeting location at our September 27th dinner meeting. Marilyn Booker, President Sussex County Republican Women’s Club

 

June 9, 2023

 

Greetings, fellow Republicans, 

 

Please add this to the growing list of “You can’t make this stuff up” coming out of Dover, Don’t you sometimes feel like Alice Through the Looking Glass as things in our state capital get “curiouser and curiouser?”  I know I do.  Please read this excellent information from Charlie Copeland of the Caesar Rodney Institute.  Then send an email, call or text your Representatives and Senators to vote against this ridiculous bill.

 

You can find emails and phone numbers here:  https://www.scrwc.net/contact-your-legislator

 

Marilyn Booker, Chair

Sussex County Republican Committee

May 2023

May 27, 2023 Greetings fellow, Republicans,  This Monday, May 29, 2023, the country will celebrate Memorial Day.  There will be backyard cookouts, sales on cars, appliances, clothing and furniture.  Practically every town and city will hold some type of event or parade.  But more than potato salad and lower priced washing machines, what is the history and real meaning behind this holiday that marks the kick-off of the summer season in the United States? My Memorial Day research says that the holiday was started by newly freed African slaves who scattered flowers over the graves of Union Civil War soldiers in Charleston, South Carolina in 1865.  However, there are other recounts of similar ceremonies taking place in other areas of the country around this time.  This led to the day being named “Decoration Day.” On May 30 1868, Gen. John Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former Union sailors and soldiers, declared the day for “the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land.” After World War I, the day was expanded to include the remembrance of the fallen from all American wars. By then, most states had declared Decoration Day a legal holiday.  In 1967, Congress formally changed the name to Memorial Day.  With the passage of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act in 1971, this day of remembrance was established as the last Monday in May. Flag etiquette on Memorial Day is different from other days.  At the break of day, flags are briskly raised to full staff and then lowered to half-staff until noon.  At noon, flags are raised to full-staff for the rest of the day.  If you are unable to lower your flag to half-staff, proper flag etiquette dictates that a black mourning ribbon be applied to the flag to acknowledge the solemnity of the day. Please don’t allow the festivities to overshadow the true meaning of this sober day.  Say a prayer for all those who lost their lives protecting this country and its values.  This day reminds us that “Freedom is not free” and that over 1,000,000 men and women have paid the bill for us with their lives. God bless you and our country. Marilyn Booker, Chair Sussex County Republican Committee

 

May 23, 2023 Greetings fellow Republicans, The time to be heard is now!  If you believe, as I do, in a government of, by and for the people, it is time for the people to speak out! Whether you are a climate change supporter or denier, the move to zero emission vehicles should be led by the people and not some elites who have made fortunes pushing the “green agenda.”   We did the mandate-thing recently and it was a disaster.  We are still trying to recover from that catastrophe.  This too was without the authorization of our elected officials.  Remember that notion of a representative government?  It seems that in Delaware that’s a pipe dream!  When technology has caught up to the desires of the climate change advocates, then I believe people will be interested in purchasing electric vehicles.  But NOT until then. Any mandate to prescribe what type of product free citizens must purchase is unconstitutional.  We all know that the Democrats and Governor Carney are not opposed to pushing unconstitutional decrees on the citizens of Delaware. Please take the time to voice your outrage at this unconstitutional decree.  Send an email to Governor Carney.  You can fill  in the form found here:  https://governor.delaware.gov/email-governor-carney/ Please, please do this before May 26th.  Even if you have voiced your concerns on this issue before, it doesn’t hurt to do it again!  Know that it is required that all public comments be included in the record. We must STOP this unacceptable transfer of our rights to the government.   Marilyn Booker, Chair Sussex County Republican Committee

May 23, 2023 Greetings again,  Thanks to Senator Pettyjohn (who actually reads our stuff) for alerting me to an error in my earlier email.  In order for your comments to be included in the public record, in the event of any legal proceedings, comments must go to the Hearing Officer.  The link below will provide an easy way to make your comments.  These will be provided to the Hearing Officer by our Republican Caucus. The link:    Send your comments to DNREC regarding the Electric Vehicle Mandatesurveymonkey.com A respectful but firm message to the Governor wouldn’t hurt either! Thanks to you all.  Again I apologize for the misinformation.   Please send those messages today. Marilyn Booker, Chair Sussex County Republican Committee

 

May 5, 2023 Greetings fellow Republicans, I am hopeful that the weather will improve soon and we will enjoy those moderate Spring temperatures to which we have become accustomed. Yesterday, the Delaware Federation of Republican Women went to Dover for its annual visit with our Representatives and Senators. It was a very nice day which started with a picture of the attendees on the front stairway. Representative Dukes joined our photo-op. We then had the opportunity to tour each chamber with a docent who gave us a history of the building and how Delaware was founded. It was very interesting and everyone enjoyed the presentation. When we were in the House Chamber, I sat in Representative Ron Gray’s seat. I’m very fortunate to have Rep. Gray as my voice in the House in Dover. We had a delicious lunch, sponsored by the Republican House Caucus and then moved to the balcony of the House Chamber to observe a very short legislative session. Representative Ramone invited us to join them in their Caucus Room for a brief discussion. We had a good discussion there and found that the Representatives were unaware of the true value that the Republican Women’s Clubs throughout the state provide them and the Party. DFRW President, Erin Wienner explained to the caucus that during the 2-year election cycle, the Federated Republican Women’s Clubs in DE donated 220,000 hours translating to $6,533,440! How’s that for support! A special thank you to Annie, Richardson our hostess and Republican Caucus staffer for organizing our visit and “herding the DFRW cats” as we made our way from place to place. On another note, on Tuesday, the Delaware Senate approved two new Delaware Supreme Court Justices. There are a few issues with the process and the outcome of this vote that I wanted to share with you. Foremost is the fact that one of Governor Carney’s nominees, N. Christopher Griffiths was charged in January of driving under the influence of alcohol. He pled guilty and the charge was downgraded to the lesser charge of reckless driving. His sentence of 30 days in jail was suspended for 11 months’ probation and he must complete an alcohol rehabilitation program. Not one Republican voted to confirm Mr. Griffiths. Two Democrat Senators said they would not vote to confirm this nomination. However, in the end, just like lemmings, they acquiesced to the party group-think and caved. Please be aware that SD 6, Senator Russ Huxtable followed the pack and voted to confirm this man to the highest court in Delaware. This is just another error that this ill-prepared legislator has made. The second issue is that the Governor, deviating from tradition, did not nominate anyone from Kent County. Having Supreme Court Justices from each county is a long-standing practice that has been violated by this Governor and the Democrat senators. Just add this to the list of actions that are in opposition to tradition and equity. I write this to you so you can inform those who do not follow who is doing what in Dover. I sincerely believe that if everyone were more informed, we would not be suffering from the one-party rule that plagues us now. We must be unified and active as we work to take back our state. It seems as though everything is “off the rails” in Dover and we must work even harder to make sure we take back SD 6 and RD 20 as well as hold on to those seats we have. We must recruit excellent candidates who can WIN! If you know of a potential candidate, please contact us. Marilyn Booker, Chair Sussex County Republican Committee President Sussex County Republican Women’s Club

 

May 5, 2023

 

IMPORTANT! School Board Elections are on Tuesday, May 9th!



A Critical Guide to the School Board Elections

A recap of the candidates & speakers who attended the ‘Save Our Schools’ town halls as well as the values we share

 

click on image below

April 2023

April 29, 2023

Greetings fellow Republicans,

Today, the Delaware Republican Party held its Organizational Convention.  The purpose of this convention was to elect the officers of that body.  The only contested election was for the Chair of the Party.  Julianne Murray was successful in this bid.  Congratulations to Julianne on her win.

The other, elections were uncontested.  The rest of our new officers are:

  • Jim Weldin for Vice-Chair

  • Brian Gregg for Treasurer

  • Brandon Brice for Secretary

I wish to thank those of you who spent your Saturday driving to Dover to participate in this important activity.  Your conviction and loyalty to our Republican Party is inspiring.  Major kudos to those of you who attended the dinner last evening with Kellyanne Conway.  Driving to Dover in that downpour and then driving back to Sussex afterwards shows an outstanding commitment.  Your Sussex County elected officers truly appreciate your dedication.

Marilyn Booker, Chair

Sussex County Republican Committee

 

April 20, 2023 Greetings, Fellow Republicans, Spring is finally here and it’s time to participate with fellow freedom-loving patriots to let our elected officials know how we feel about some of the outrageous proposals coming out of Dover. There are two hearings and rallies scheduled for April 26th in our state capitol.  The first is the bill requiring a “Permit to Purchase.” The Senate hearing will take place in Legislative Hall at 1:00 PM.  You can read more about yet another attempt to thwart our 2nd Amendment rights here:  https://www.scrwc.net/government. The Rally will take place on the mall across from Legislative Hall. DNREC will hear citizens’ testimonies on the Electric Vehicle Mandate at Levy Court that day.  Anyone wishing to testify must sign up by noon on 4/26.  To read more information and to sign up to testify click this link: https://dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/events/public-hearing-low-emission-vehicle-program/   You may watch the proceedings and testify virtually at the Levy Court, 555 S. Bay Road, Dover.  The Rally will take place at 5 PM at Levy Court. There is another event that I believe you may be interested in.  On Thursday, May 11, 2023 the 41st Republican Club will once again host the annual “Back the Blue Caravan” in honor of all the Law Enforcement agencies that serve both the 41st and 38th districts.  This year they have again invited the 38th Republican Club to join them in honoring the men and women in blue.  The caravan will visit 9 different law enforcement groups (DSP Troop 4, Probation and Parole, Millsboro Police, Dagsboro Police, Frankford Police, Selbyville Police, South Bethany Police, Bethany Beach Police and Ocean View Police) and deliver cookies and treats to say “Thank You” for all they do to keep us safe.  Participants in the Caravan decorate their vehicles in support of these agencies and the Caravan trip, from start to finish, is about 2 hours.  The caravan will start at Roses parking lot, 29859 Dupont Blvd., Millsboro.  If interested participants should contact Drew Sunderlin, President of the 41st Republican Club info@41strepublicanclub.com, to register by May 8th. Finally, I feel compelled to mention the assault on all women athletes and the desecration of Title IX. Since 1972, women were protected from discrimination in educational programs or activities that received Federal Funding by Title IX.   This important law has now been turned on its head with the entry of transgender males into female athletics and their locker rooms. After instructing us all about the need to “follow the science,” during the COVID crisis, it seems as though the Democrats have abandoned not only the science and basic biology, but common sense as well.  No matter how many hormones a person takes, or whatever surgeries they have, there will always be a physical advantage of biological men over biological women.  One has only to look at Lia Thomas, the U Penn swimmer.  When competing in the Men’s Division of the 200 yd freestyle event in 2021, Lia Thomas was ranked as 65th by the NCAA.  In 2022, when competing in the Women’s Division, she ranked #1.  It is difficult for most of us to believe that her skill improved that much in one year.  It did not.  In fact, it was her competition not her new-found capability. We believe that all people should be treated with respect.  But, no matter how often or loudly the transgender zealots proclaim it, there are differences between men and women and these differences give biological men advantages over biological women when it comes to participating in sports.  An athlete’s personal gender identification does not alter this scientific fact.  As the mother of a daughter, I would not support my daughter having to be exposed, literally, to biological men in her locker room.  I don’t know of any parent who finds this acceptable.  The solution is easy.  The NCAA and other athletic organizations should initiate a separate league for transgender men and transgender women.  It seems to me that this is the only equitable way to address this and keep the competition among men, women, and transgender athletes competitive. Marilyn Booker, Chair Sussex County Republican Committee

 

DFRW Legislative Day – Thursday, May 4, 2023 Wear Something Red! Time: 11:30 am Arrive DFRW Building 11:45 am Arrive Legislative Hall for a picture on the steps. Our visit plans include a tour of historic Legislative Hall, lunch, meeting our legislators and legislative sessions in the afternoon. See the schedule below. Parking is limited. You can park at the Delaware Federation of Republican Women’s Building at 116 East Water Street, Dover, DE. Please carpool. You must register in advance with Cathy Watts at 410 924 8596 or cwattsup2@gmail.com. Call or email with questions. While there is no charge for this event, we need to provide a head count by Friday, April 28th. This invitation includes both full and associate members. You must have a government photo id to get through security to enter the building. Wear Something Red and comfortable shoes! SCHEDULE 11:45 Arrive at The State Capital Building 411 Legislative Avenue, Dover 12:00 – 12:45 Tour of Legislative Hall with Heritage Park 1:00 Lunch – Light meal will be provided. Room 112 Tatnall Building 150 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd N. 2:00 Legislative Session Seating available in the House Chamber Balcony Approx. 2:20 (At the break for party caucus) Invitation from Representative Ramone to visit with the House Minority Caucus. Room H02 Lower Level * Please note: Schedule subject to change based on Legislative business of the day.

 

April 3, 2023 ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST! Greetings fellow Republicans, Well, on Tuesday, we saw yet another mainstay of our democracy bastardized and weaponized.  This is not the first time we’ve watched strongholds of our Constitution decimated.  Remember the way in which Lois Learner used the IRS to go after religious and conservative groups during the Obama-Biden Administration.  James Comey’s FBI was, and this agency continues to be another example of the Federal Government’s use of our Judicial System as a cudgel to bludgeon its citizens.  Neither Lerner nor Comey has been held accountable for these actions. As of Tuesday, it appears equal justice under the law no longer exists.  It makes no difference if you are a Donald Trump supporter or detractor.  What happened in the District Court of Manhattan was an affront to all of us who respect the Constitution and basic fairness.  What the left was expecting to be prime rib turned out to be pablum.  Even the liberal talking heads were disappointed with the lack of substance in the 34 counts brought against our former President by District Attorney Alvin Bragg.  We must be vigilant and pray for our beloved country as we are facing serious challenges. Marilyn Booker, Chair Sussex County Republican Committee

 

March 24, 2023 Greetings fellow Republicans,    I’m sending my April message out early because we are changing the date of our April Sussex Region Republican Committee General meeting to April 3rd.  We will gavel at 6:30 PM as usual.  I realize this is the same evening as the 41st District Republican Club PAC, but we were unable to secure the church any other evening that week.  We believe meeting on Easter Monday would put unnecessary burden on family time during the holiday.  Many of you will be traveling over the Easter Holiday and others will likely have guests visiting who want to share our lovely Spring weather.  So mark your calendars!   NEWS! Kellyanne Conway will be the speaker at the Annual State Party Dinner on April 28th!  The dinner will be held at the Modern Maturity Center, 1121 Forrest Avenue, Dover, DE.  Tickets are $90 pp.    Jane Brady is running for re-election as the Chair of the Delaware GOP.  As of today, her only challenger is Julianne Murray.   The election will take place on April 29th at the Convention.   SCHOOL BOARDS ELECTIONS – MAY 9TH Next month we are focused on School Boards.  Our guest speaker on 4/3 is Tanya Hettler, PhD.  Dr. Hettler is the Director of Caesar Rodney’s Center for Educational Excellence and the author of the recently published children’s book, Nary the Right Whale.  This well illustrated book addresses the challenges of whales and other sea creatures in the presence of off-shore wind farms.   We will also hear from Delmar School Board candidate, Shane Bowden.    As you are aware, School Board voter turnout is traditionally low.  I’ve heard some in my age group say they are disinterested since they don’t have any school-aged children and it really doesn’t affect them. Nothing could be further from the truth!   These Boards have a great deal of power from curricula to budget.  Because 90% of your property taxes go to the School System, the School Board actions can and have affected your property taxes.  We must support candidates who will focus on “traditional” education and not the separation of our children by skin color, language, sexual orientation or ethnicity.     In addition, recently, there has been an increase in violence in classrooms and on school buses. These incidents set up a hostile learning environment for those students who are interested getting an education.  We need Board members who are going to address the lack of discipline in schools.  Teachers and bus drivers should not have to tolerate or try to mediate these episodes.    Here are the Sussex County School Board Candidates and their contact information.  If you have any questions, I encourage you to reach out to the candidate.  Please note:  the larger School Districts – Cape Henlopen and Indian River have “Nominating Districts.”  In both of these, the candidate must live in the Nominating District for the seat that is being sought.     For Cape Henlopen, even if you do not live in that “Nominating District,” you may vote for the candidate running in ANY Nominating District in the Cape Henlopen School District.  That is not the case in the Indian River School District.  Only those living in the Nominating District in contention may vote for those candidates. If you are uncertain of your School District please check:  https://gis.elections.delaware.gov/   Cape Henlopen Nominating District A (Note:  Anyone living in the Cape Henlopen School District may vote for these candidates.  Shawn spoke at our Region Meeting on March 13th)   Shawn Lovenguth  302-381-381-4133 Jessica A. Tyndall Email:  jessica@tyndals.org 302-851-4142   Delmar – At Large. (Note:  Shane will be speaking at our April 3rd Region Meeting) Shane Bowden Email: bowdenconstructionde@gmail.com Phone: (410) 726-6427   Dawn M. Turner Email:  Dawn4Delmar@gmail.com 410-726-2184 Indian River School District (Note:  Nominating Districts 2 and 3.  You must live in the same Nominating District to vote for the candidate running in that district.  We will have a statement from Michael Bellerose at our Region Meeting on 4/3.  He is an airline pilot and will be out of the country that night.)   District 2 Michael R. Bellerose Email: Michael@DrBE.org Phone: (603) 391-8685   Leo J. Darmstadter, III Email:  Ljdiii20@hotmail.com 856-207-7955   Ivan D Neal Email:  Ivanneal7@gamil.com 302-933-0430   District 3 Leolga T. Wright Email:  leolgawright@gamil.com 302-945-0830   Laurel At Large Ivy Bonk Email: Ivy@everychildwhole.com Phone: (302) 245-0479   Sabrina Isler Email: Taylorisler427@comcast.net 302-875-0503 Seaford At Large Armore Rice Phone: (302) 344-3276   Stephanie Smith Email: Ssg9922@comcast.net 302-841-8244   David Tull Email: davidtull13@gmail.com Phone: (302) 745-2849   There are a few ways to vote in these elections.  I am attaching the link to the absentee ballot request for School Board Elections.  If you are unable to get to your polling place to vote in person on May 9th, you may download and print the request for an absentee ballot here:  https://elections.delaware.gov/pubs/pdfs/absentee_ballot_application_school_elections.pdf Please complete the application and send it to:   Department of Elections 119 N. Race Street Georgetown, DE. 19947 Submit your application for an absentee ballot by Noon on May 5th at the latest!  Return it to the Department of Elections by 8 PM on May 9th You may vote at the Department of Elections between 8:30 AM and noon on May 8th You may vote in person at the following locations.  IN PERSON VOTING LOCATIONS:  MAY 9, 2023 – 7 AM – 8 PM   CAPE HENLOPEN   CAPE HENLOPEN HIGH SCHOOL 1250 KINGS HWY, LEWES, DE  19958   MARINER MIDDLE SCHOOL 16391 HARBESON RD, MILTON, DE 19968   REJOBOTH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 500 STOCKLEY ST, REHOBOTH, DE 19971   LEWES FIRE HALL 347 SAVANNAH ROAD, LEWES, DE 19958   DELMAR  DELMAR HIGH SCHOOL 200 N. 8TH STREET, DELMAR, DE 19940   3C USA CHURCH 38238 OLD STAGE ROAD, DELMAR, DE 19940   GEORGETOWN GEORGETOWN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 301-A WEST MARKET ST.  GEORGETOWN, DE 19966   MILLSBORO MIDDLE SCHOOL 302 E. STATE STREET, MILLSBORO, DE 19966   LAUREL LAUREL HIGH SCHOOL 1133 S. CENTRAL AVE, LAUREL, DE 19956   LAUREL FIRE DEPARTMENT 205 W. 10TH STREET, LAUREL, DE 19956   SEAFORD SEAFORD SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 399 N. MARKET STREET, EXT, SEAFORD, DE 19963   DEPARTMENT OF ELECTIONS WAREHOUSE 200 ALLEN ST, SEAFORD, DE 19973   Please, please vote in the School Board Elections!  These elections are more important now than ever before!

March 2023

March 31, 2023 

Greetings fellow Republicans,



Please take a look at this short but very informative video about Governor Carney’s latest mandate – Electric Vehicles!  Chris  Beronio is a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and engineer who worked in the nuclear power sector.  



 (4640) Pros and Cons of Electric Vehicles in 2023 – YouTube



Marilyn Booker, Chair

Sussex County Republican Committee

 

March 14, 2023 Greetings fellow Republicans, Happy Pi Day!  Today is the day to remember that irrational number, 3.141592653589793238!  Sadly, that’s not the only thing that’s irrational in Delaware.  Governor Carney’s electric vehicle mandate is moving forward with DNREC having the only say in what we will be driving in the future. ​If you’d like to be fully informed about the mandate; the science related to climate change; and the practical issues surrounding the move to Electric Vehicles, there will be a Town Hall on Tuesday, March 21st. at the Indian River Senior Center, 104 Irons Avenue, Millsboro.  This “don’t miss” event begins at 6:30 PM. ​ Representative Rich Collins, RD 41, David Legates, PhD, Climatologist, and David Stevenson, Director for the Center of Energy and the Environment at the Caesar Rodney Institute will speak and answer questions from the attendees. CONVENTION The State Party Convention is April 29th at the Modern Maturity Center, 1121 Forrest Ave, in Dover.  At this convention we will be electing our State Party Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer.  We are still looking for Convention Delegates to complete our Sussex County contingent of 107.  We also need 2 alternates for each Rep District.  If you are interested and able to serve, please contact our Secretary, Betty Bridgeman, edbridgeman@verizon.net.  Delegate names must be submitted by April 9th, 2023. ​THE FABULOUS GREASE BAND The Sussex County Republican Women’s Club is holding its Annual Dinner Dance after the Convention on April 29th.  The festivities will take place at St. Jude’s Catholic Church, 152 Tulip Drive in Lewes.  The featured entertainment is the Fabulous Greaseband.    Tickets are $50 per person for dinner and entertainment.   There will be live and silent auctions and raffles.  Doors open at 5:30 PM.  Proceeds from this fundraiser will help support statewide and local Sussex County candidates in 2024.  This promises to be a fun evening.  So, get out your dancing shoes and prepare to rock and roll to the hits of the 60’s, 70’s.  Tickets are available at:  https://www.scrwc.net/event-details/ DATE CHANGE! Our next Region Meeting will be April 3rd.  We are moving the meeting date to avoid Easter Monday.  Please mark your calendars!  Marilyn Booker, Chair Sussex County Republican Committee

 

March 3, 2023 Greetings, fellow Republicans, The State GOP’s Executive Committee met last Thursday evening. There were some things discussed that I wanted to share with you: The state party is seeking volunteers to make phone calls to voters and ask a few survey questions. Those who volunteer will be given a call list and a script. If you have some time and interest in helping with this project, please contact me: mail to mbooker3@icloud.com. School Board Elections will take place on May 9th. The last day to file to be a candidate is Today! March 3rd. We are still trying to identify people who are willing to represent our children on these boards and not the harmful ideology that is creeping into public school curricula throughout the state. For the School Board Elections on May 9th, there will be only 2 ways to cast a ballot in this election – either absentee or in person on May 9th. These elections typically have an extremely low turnout. It may be difficult to determine who the candidates are because after a candidate files and before the name is posted on the Department of Elections’ website, the candidate is put through background checks. This process may take a few weeks. As the candidates who share our values complete the vetting process, I will send you their names. Then, it is critical that you go the polls and vote for them! Members of the General Assembly are requesting that we send letters in opposition to the Electric Vehicle mandate to Governor Carney – John.Carney@Delaware.gov and Shawn Garvin – Shawn.Garvin@Delaware.gov. Please see the February Chair’s message for details. The State Party Convention will be held at the Modern Maturity Center in Dover this year. The annual dinner is April 28th. The price has yet to be determined. The Convention is the next day, Saturday, April 29th. The cost of the Convention is $50.00. At this convention we will elect a Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer as well as address any new State Party Rules. The Sussex Region has the largest contingent of Delegates with 107. We also need 2 alternates for each RD. If you are interested in being a delegate or alternate, please contact me very soon. We must submit the names of our Delegates to the state by April 9th. We will be offering an RDC/EDC Training on March 15th at Old Paths Church of Christ. There is no need to register, just arrive at the Church by 6:30 PM to attend the class. We will be discussing some of the latests tactics for getting out the vote and electioneering and how each of you can participate in turning Delaware Red. Marilyn Booker, Chair Sussex County Republican Committee

February 2023

Greetings Ladies, I hope you are staying warm. The recent temperatures make me wonder why my husband and I relocated here rather than in Florida! I am looking forward to the Spring and warmer weather, longer days, and sweaters rather than heavy coats. As I mentioned in a previous meeting, the workgroup that is looking at our mission and goals is recommending the following: •SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM: oA change in the Scholarship Program to focus on young women who are seeking a license or certification rather than only those seeking a university degree. This will require a total revamping of our forms, process and the schools to which we send invitations. The reason for this is that in the past we have granted money to very talented young women, who attend schools out of DE and then never return. We hear nothing from them after the dinner. In addition, we invite them and their parents to our June dinner meeting and never hear another thing from them either. The parents don’t join our club and that’s it. oAs the time is getting late, we will not be able to offer a scholarship this year. oHope Whaley has kindly agreed to be the new Chair of this committee. Please consider assisting her with revamping the forms, identifying and locating schools that will meet our new criteria. •ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Please, please, please send an email to the Governor – http://John.Carney@delaware.gov Kyle Krall – Kyle.Krall@delaware.gov; Shawn Garvin – Shawn.Garvin@delaware.gov. There are so many things wrong with this, I don’t know where to begin. oIt’s not legislation – it’s a mandate. The General Assembly – our elected officials have been completely cut out of the process. I never voted for anyone who works for DNREC, but someone or someone’s there will be deciding what I can drive in a few years. oThe grid can’t handle it. The state is spending a small fortune putting in charging stations and they will collect the fee to charge your car’s battery – direct competition to the small businesses out there. oIf the state decides that too much electricity is being used during a heat wave or cold snap, they can just turn off all the charging stations. oIf you have to park on the street, how do you recharge your car’s battery? oThe Fire Departments have been taking enhanced training to deal with battery fires that can occur when there is an accident. It takes 80,000 gallons of water to put out one of these fires. I’m certainly glad we live near the ocean! We definitely need to make some noise about this. I look forward to seeing you at our February 22nd meeting. Dr. Kevin Carson, Superintendent of Sussex Vocational Technical School will be our guest speaker. Marilyn Booker, Chair Sussex County Republican Committee

 

Special Messages from Marilyn

February 18 – Republican State Party Executive Committee Takeaways

Greetings, fellow Republicans, The State GOP’s Executive Committee met Thursday evening. There were some things discussed that I wanted to share with you: 1) The state party is seeking volunteers to make phone calls to voters and ask a few survey questions. Those who volunteer will be given a call list and a script. If you have some time and interest in helping with this project, please contact me: mailto mbooker3@icloud.com. 2) Our RNC Political Advisor will be in DE to provide training on “Pushing, Chasing and Curing” absentee ballots. The class will be offered in Newark at the Colonial Headquarters located in the Peoples’ Plaza, Newark on 2/22. There will be a repeat of this class on 2/23 in Lincoln at Senator Dave Wilson’s Auction House on Rt #113. The class will be in the Red Barn. Both classes will begin at 6:30 PM. 3) School Board Elections will take place on May 9th. The last day to file to be a candidate is March 3rd – less than 2 weeks from today. We are still trying to identify people who are willing to represent our children on these boards and not the harmful ideology that is creeping into public school curricula throughout the state. 4) For the School Board Elections on May 9th, there will be only 2 ways to cast a ballot in this election – either absentee or in person on May 9th. These elections typically have an extremely low turnout. It may be difficult to determine who the candidates are because after a candidate files and before the name is posted on the Department of Elections’ website, the candidate is put through background checks. This process may take a few weeks. As the candidates who share our values complete the vetting process, I will send you their names. Then, it is critical that you go the polls and vote for them! 5) Members of the General Assembly are requesting that we send letters in opposition to the Electric Vehicle mandate to Governor Carney – John.Carney@Delaware.gov and Shawn Garvin – Shawn.Garvin@Delaware.gov. Please see the February Chair’s message for details. 6) The State Party Convention will be held at the Modern Maturity Center in Dover this year. The annual dinner is April 28th. The price has yet to be determined. The Convention is the next day, Saturday, April 29th. The cost of the Convention is $50.00. At this convention we will elect a Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer as well as address any new State Party Rules. The Sussex Region has the largest contingent of Delegates with 107. We also need 2 alternates for each RD. If you are interested in being a delegate or alternate, please contact me very soon. We must submit the names of our Delegates to the state by April 9th. 7) We will be offering an RDC/EDC Training on March 15th at Old Paths Church of Christ. There is no need to register, just arrive at the Church by 6:30 PM to attend the class. We will be discussing some of the latests tactics for getting out the vote and electioneering and how each of you can participate in turning Delaware Red. Marilyn Booker, Chair Sussex County Republican Committee

 

February 9 – Call to ACTION!

Greetings Fellow Republicans,

There are a couple of issues that are “hot” right now and I am asking that you take the time to take action and send emails in opposition if you agree with my position.  The first is the mandate that by 2035, Delaware will adopt the California Electric Vehicle Standards and the second is another attempt by the Democrats in the General Assembly to legalize recreational marijuana.

January 2023

Greetings, ladies and gentlemen,   Happy New Year to all!  I hope you all had a wonderful holiday with lots of fun with family and friends.     It is time to submit our Political and Campaign Award hours.  I have attached a couple of documents to assist you in your efforts.  Please review them and complete your hours/calls and submit them to Kris Kessler by January 8th.  Kris will collect them and submit them to the NFRW by the January 15th deadline.   Our next meeting on January 25th will feature David Legates, PhD, the climatologist I told you about.  Dr. Legates will be speaking on Governor Carney’s EV mandate.  We expect this to be a very interesting and educational meetings.  Please invite your friends.   Finally, the Sussex County Republican Committee is hosting the Cabin Fever Relief Night on January 28th at the Millsboro Fire Department.  Political commentator and economist, Loren Spivack will be our guest speaker.  Tickets are $35 pp and available on the Sussex GOP website at:  Order Your Tickets Online or call us 302-856-6323.    Further details are available on the attached flyer.   Click here: UPDATED: Political & Campaign Award Form Instructions, 2022-2023  Click here:  UPDATED: Political & Campaign Awards Frequently Asked Questions, 2022-2023 Click here:  Political & Campaign Award Biannual Report Form, 2022-2023 Click here:  Youtube Tutorial: Tips and Tricks on How to Maximize Your Calls and Hours to Win!   Sincerely, Marilyn Booker, Chair Sussex County Republican Committee

Special Message from Marilyn

January 7 – And Yet Another Mandate!

Greetings fellow Republicans! As a young girl in Baltimore, I remember learning civics. My teachers spoke in glowing terms about our Representative Government and how the governed elected their representatives and held these officials accountable. However, since moving to DE, I find that a Representative Government is more a pipe dream rather than a reality. For the past two years we have been under mandates by a Governor who believes he has the right to bypass our local elected representatives and continue to independently renew States of Emergency due to COVID, dictating to Delaware citizens. While the rest of the world has moved on, after 27 renewals of these States of Emergency, it appears that Governor Carney is quite fond of this power and has now decided to turn his decrees to another arena – energy! Without input from our local Representatives or Senators, the Governor has deemed that the Secretary of DNREC, an unelected and unaccountable bureaucrat, should be in charge of what we will be allowed to drive. Please note that NO bill has been presented. The General Assembly did not have a chance to debate or discuss this. Our Governor, who is term-limited and is likely to make a bid for U.S. Senate after he’s finished bullying us, is focused on adopting the California Standards for electric vehicles which will begin to take effect in 2026 – a mere 3 years from now. He obviously didn’t pay attention this past summer when California told their electric vehicle owning citizens not to charge their EVs because the grid couldn’t handle it during a heat wave. Nor did he pay attention to a message from his own Emergency Management Agency over the Christmas weekend when they explained that we were to cut back on electricity usage because PJM, the company from which we and 12 other states and the District of Columbia purchase electricity, warned that the grid would not be able to meet demand during the Christmas cold snap. Imagine if we were all dependent on the grid to go to work, the doctors, the store or our children to school! I guess this is just an “unintended consequence.” These are the things that bureaucrats blame all the time when they haven’t considered all the possible outcomes of their actions or “look past their noses”. As residents of a coastal area, consider what would happen if we had to evacuate Bethany, Dewey and Rehoboth due to a mid-summer hurricane. Think about sitting in your electric vehicle in bumper- to-bumper traffic on Rt. 1 or 113 or 13 watching your EV’s battery drain. Imposing Electric Vehicles on Delaware citizens because CA is doing it or it’s the mandate du jour or because all the “cool governors” are doing it, makes no sense. We need to address the issues of the here and now and invest in technology to address our future energy needs. Governing by fiat is not the answer – technology is. The latest advancement in fusion technology is particularly interesting and appealing. If the Governor is looking for a project, DE has some current issues that are quite severe. We are a Medically Underserved Area (MUA), as designated by the Federal Government. Perhaps our Governor could turn his efforts toward mitigating this problem. Our education system could use some attention as well. Delaware was 11th highest in spending for education, investing $15,639 per student. Considering the abysmal performance of our students in national testing, (31% proficiency in reading and only 29% proficiency in math), perhaps the Governor could address this. These are just two items crying out for intervention. There are others. If you are opposed to this governmental overreach please take action! Make some noise! Let your voice be heard! Kyle Krall is the Secretary of DNREC and his office will be writing the regulations that will be imposed on us. You can email him with your respectful comments at: kyle.krall@delaware.gov. You may also consider contacting the Governor at this link: Contact & Connect – Governor John Carney – State of Delaware. Marilyn Booker, Chair Sussex County Republican Committee

December 2022

SCRWC Annual Report – 2022 The Sussex County Republican Women’s Club has had a very busy and successful year. We have a total of 94 Regular and 37 Associate members. In April, we hosted our “Don’t Be Lonesome Tonight” dance and fundraiser which had been delayed due to the pandemic.  It was very successful with 150 in attendance.  Bob Lougheed and the Memphis Mafia had most of us dancing the night away.  Thankfully no one broke anything.  Senator Wilson held 2 live auctions.  One for a 2-hour cocktail cruise for four on a sailboat and the other for one week at a 2-bedroom beach condo.  Thanks to our fundraiser extraordinaire, George Chambers, we had these and many other outstanding silent auction and raffle prizes to include 10-$100 gift cards for So Del restaurants and many other items. We have had lots of exposure with press releases.  Denise Perez has filed a write up of every event we’ve had all year.  This has given us coverage in the local papers as well as publicity. We continue doing our new member orientations in conjunction with the Seaford Republican Women’s Club.  We include a structure of the Republican Party when we do those as many new members who are new to DE as well as many who have been here do not understand what the party structure looks like.  Our next orientation is January 21st. Our website team led by Carolyn Grob has done an outstanding job keeping our site up to date with the latest information.  We also launched a section dedicated to Legislative activities.  Kathy Enedy has done an wonderful job highlighting bills of import.  They are featured on the site with a synopsis of the content and a recommendation.  In addition to the excellent information about pending legislation, Senator Richardson has contributed information on how to testify before legislative committees and how to write letters or emails to legislators and editors.  All of this and more can be found at http://www.scrwc.net/.  As we track the traffic to our site, we find that there has been a steady increase in unique as well as repeat users.  We have invited any club with a website and interest in legislation to link our page to their websites. Our Legislative Committee Chair, Michele Forzley is launching a Legislative Internship and is seeking to engage adults and students who have an interest in learning about the legislative process to work with her.  They will review legislation pending in Dover and assist with distilling them into clear, understandable language for consumption by the general public.  These will feed into our website’s Legislative Updates page. We hosted each of our local as well as statewide candidates at our meetings this year to make sure our members were informed about their platforms.  A number of our members volunteered to assist with their campaigns hopefully making another DFRW Diamond Award a slam dunk. The SCRWC celebrated its 70th Anniversary with an outstanding party.  Jane Thompson and her committee orchestrated a phenomenal evening. The party was a throwback to our founding year of 1952.  The menu was typically ‘50’s as was the music.  We were joined by many of our local Representatives and Senators and were honored to receive proclamations from the Delaware House and Senate.  We also made contributions to each statewide, local and row office candidate.  I’m very proud to report that our contributions totaled $14,100.  We continued with our MELP project by providing Spanish to English Dictionaries to the students at Phillip Showell Elementary School in Selbyville.  This year we added 2 books on Civics to each classroom.  We have recently decided that we will begin a new initiative.  Next month we will have a representative from the Sussex Pregnancy Center join us.  We will be discussing ways in which we can support them with needed items for their moms and babies. I am very proud to tell you about an honor recently bestowed upon one our members.  Ruth Briggs King, the only Republican woman in the Delaware General Assembly, was featured in Elysian Magazine.  Ruth is listed as “One of the Women Who Inspire Us” by The National Foundation for Women Legislators. Plans for next year include another April Fundraiser which we hope will be as successful as our 2022 event.  We will also be convening a “working group” to review our mission and the programs that support it.  We will be determining numeric goals for member recruitment, diamond award hours, website traffic and fundraising.  We will report these metrics to the membership each month listing the actual vs projected.  As, Carly Fiorini says, “The goal is to turn data into information, and information into insight.”  We will evaluate missed as well as achieved goals so we will know where we are related to where we want to be.  Essentially, we are moving to a “business model” which I don’t think has been done before.  We want to be the Elon Musk of the NFRW!   Marilyn Booker, Chair Sussex County Republican Committee ​

November 2022

WHAT’S AT STAKE! Greetings, fellow Republicans,    We’re one week away and counting.     If you are as concerned about the direction our state has taken recently as I am, you must vote!  There is no doubt that the Democrats in Delaware have moved more and more to the progressive left.  In fact, 10 of them have been endorsed by the Delaware Democratic Socialists of America.  Who are they?  I think the name says it all!     If Delaware continues with one-party rule, you can expect that there will be more and more bills that try to circumvent the U.S. and Delaware Constitutions submitted and passed in Dover.  Our children will be subjected to more sexualization and age-inappropriate content.  The government will continue to insert itself into our families and undermine parent-child relationships and trust.  The 2nd Amendment as written is at risk.     I’m not trying to vilify all Democrats. Certainly, there are moderates among them with whom we can negotiate and work.  I am just sounding the alarm that if we allow the status quo, the progressives in the party who are gaining in numbers, will take it as a mandate to continue their activities and get even more outrageous in their legislative agenda.   We have an excellent slate of candidates both statewide and local.  Some of these are novice candidates who have been very quick to learn the political ropes.  Some have run before.  Statewide we have Lee Murphy for US Congress, Julianne Murray for DE Attorney General, Greg Coverdale for State Treasurer, and Janice Lorrah, for Auditor of Accounts.  Each of these is far more qualified for the positions they seek than their opponents.    In Sussex County, Jeff Hilovsky in our new RD 4, Dallas Wingate in RD 20, and Carl Phelps in RD 14 have worked very hard and deserve our support.  Certainly, our incumbents with opponents deserve our backing as well.  In the General Assembly these incumbents have opponents: SD 18 – Dave Wilson, SD 41- Bryant Richardson, RD 39 – Danny Short, and RD 41- Rich Collins.  Our two County Councilmen who are on the ballot, CC 4 – Doug Hudson and CC 5- John Rieley are being challenged. Finally, Robert Lee, our Sheriff, has a rival for that office.   I’m so proud of the efforts Republicans have put forth during this election cycle.  We’ve had Republican volunteers work as Checker-Challengers during early voting for the Primary, the General and on Primary Election Day.  We also have quite a few who are working the polls as Checker-Challengers next Tuesday, for the General Election.  Republicans are also working as Poll Workers for the Department of Elections during Early Voting and on Election Day.    We’ve written letters to the editor in support of our candidates and dropped literature and waved signs and knocked on doors.  We’ve placed signs in our yards and on the various roadways throughout the county.   Let’s not forget the financial support we’ve given candidates and the party!   We will be joining the meetings at the Department of Elections to observe the opening and processing of Absentee Ballots, making certain that these ballots meet the criteria set in Delaware Code.   We will continue making Get Out the Vote calls at the Sussex GOP office, 131 E. Market St. in Georgetown, every day between now and 6 PM on November 8th.  If you are able, please contact Lewis Briggs II at: lewis@cooperealty.com.  Please put “PHONE BANK” in the subject line.     All these efforts are extremely important but they are not the only things to be done.  EVERY Republican MUST vote by November 8th at 8 PM.  Please make sure that you encourage your Republican family members, friends and persuadable Independents and Democrats to vote.  Offer to drive those who are not planning to vote to the polls.   I look forward to November 9th for a number of reasons but most of all to be able to write to you about how the Red Wave came to our shores and washed over Delaware.   Marilyn Booker, Chair Sussex County Republican Committee ​

Special Messages from Marilyn

November 7 – Fentanyl poisoning of our state

Good evening, fellow Republicans, This Tuesday we are looking forward to a Red Wave. We’ve been hearing about it for months now. Let’s hope this wave comes to our shores and washes across our state. I have attached a video that you should find not only interesting but scary. (You may need to copy and paste the url into your browser.). It discusses the fentanyl poisonings that are plaguing our country. As you know this is directly related to our open border. Delaware has been particularly hard hit. Please pass this along to your lists. We must sound the alarm and make our fellow citizens aware. Sometimes I feel as though we think that just because we are small and live in this wonderful area we are immune to these types of catastrophes. Sadly, that’s not so. Click to Download 3671617720474272599delaware_overdose.mp4 0 bytes Finally, instead of our regular Region Meeting on 11/14, we will be having a pizza party. We want to thank everyone for all the hard work they’ve done over this election period. Anyone who has worked as a checker-challenger, absentee ballot observer, made phone calls, canvassed, sign waved, addressed envelopes, or worked as a greeter at the polls is invited. Please pass this invitation to anyone who may not receive this message. In order to be certain we have enough food, please RSVP by Sunday, 11/13 to: SussexGop@protonmail.com. Put PIZZA in the subject line. Please pray and encourage your Republican friends and family members to vote. We must get every Republican to the polls to vote. Marilyn Booker, Chair Sussex County Republican Committee

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

October 2022

Greetings, fellow Republicans!   After an outstanding win before the Superior Court on Friday, we capped off the week with the Delaware Freedom Festival!  If you missed it, you missed out.  Our speakers were great!  Steve Moore was excellent on Friday evening and again on Saturday morning.  Lt. Col Oliver North held a captive audience at the Festival and thrilled the attendees at the cocktail party Saturday evening.  Doug Collins wowed the audience at the Festival with his very upbeat message.  He was encouraging about November but cautioned the audience that we can’t be complacent and we must help our candidates and GOTV (get out the vote)!   I realize this is a long message but please be patient and read through the entire message.  We’re down to the wire and we need each of you to put on your activist hat and sign up to take action!   Here are some opportunities to assist our candidates:   Checker Challenger Training (C-C):  We will hold this in person training at Old Paths Church of Christ, 18295 Redden Road on October 13th and October 17th at 6 PM and again on October 22nd at 10 AM.  You only need to attend one session.  If you wish to take this training, you can just show up and sign in.  Please bring your personal calendar with you as you will have the opportunity to sign up to work at the polls after the class.    If you have taken this training already, you need not take it again.  However, you must send an email with your schedule time and location preference.  In addition, I need to send you an authorization form.  FOR THE GENERAL ELECTION YOU ARE WORKING ON BEHALF OF THE PARTY AND YOUR AUTHORIZATION MUST HAVE MY SIGNATURE ON IT.  Send an email to:  http://sussexgop@protonmail.com with: C-C SCHEDULE in the subject line.  Include the location and time(s) you wish to work in the body of the email.  To work on General Election Day just let us know where and when.  We can have only one person at a time for each Election District.  Note that some locations serve more than one Election District so it is possible to have two or more people at one location each observing a different Election District.                                                                          Early Voting starts on October 28th at the same five locations used for the Primary Election in September.   Millville Community Center: 32517 Dukes Drive, Millville DE 19967 Lewes Fire Department Station #2: 32198 Janice Rd, Lewes DE 19958 Laurel Fire Hall: 205 W. 10th St, Laurel DE 19956 Dept of Elections-Warehouse (Georgetown): 542 South Bedford St, Georgetown DE 19947 Dept of Elections-Warehouse (Seaford): 200 Allen St, Seaford DE 19973 The dates and times are as follows:                   Friday, October 28th                         11 AM – 7 PM                   Saturday, October 29th                  11 AM – 7PM                   Sunday, October 30th                     11 AM – 7 PM                   Monday, October 31st                   11AM – 7 PM                   Tuesday, November 1st.                            11 AM – 7 PM                   Wednesday, November 2nd     7 AM – 7 PM                   Thursday, November 3rd              7 AM – 7 PM                   Friday, November 4th                      7 AM – 7 PM                   Saturday, November 5th               7 AM – 7 PM                   Sunday, November 6th                  7 AM – 7 PM   On the General Election Day, the polls are open from 7:00 AM until 8:00 PM.  Please go to:  https://elections.delaware.gov/information/elections/votinglocations.shtml to see the locations for General Election Day.   Checker Challenger Training – Ballot Watcher:  These volunteers attend the Sussex County Department of Elections meetings at 119 N. Race Street in Georgetown when the absentee ballots are processed and scanned.  You will learn what constitutes a valid ballot and observe the scanning.  We will do this training via ZOOM.  If you are interested in taking this training, you must send an email to:  http://sussexgop@protonmail.com.  Please put BALLOT WATCHER in the subject line.    The meetings during which the Absentee Ballots are being processed and scanned are as follows:   November 4th – 10 AM & 3 PM November 5th – 11 AM & 8:30 PM November 6th – 11 AM & 2 PM & 8:30 PM November 7th – 10 AM & 3 PM  November 8th – 6 PM   These meetings convene and reconvene as necessary to complete the processing of ballots that have arrived at the Department of Elections.   PHONE BANKING:   We will be phone banking at the office beginning Monday, October 17th right through Election Day.  We’ll provide you with a script and information about each of our candidates as well as their opponents.  We will make our calls beginning at 6:30 PM until 9 PM each Monday through Friday and on Saturday’s from 10 AM to 5:30 PM.  We will not make calls on Sunday’s.  We can accommodate 15 people at a time in the office.   We would prefer that calls be made from the office at 131 E Market Street in Georgetown so we can manage the lists.  We don’t want to have multiple people calling the same person.  If this happens, it will likely annoy them – the last thing we want to do!  If you cannot make it to the office and are willing to assist, we need you to be able to report which people you contacted after each time you make calls.  You will need to make a notation on a list and scan and email it to:  http://sussexgop@protonmail.com.  Please put RESULTS in the subject line.   If you are willing to help out with this very important task, please send an email to:  http://sussexgop@protonmail.comwith PHONE BANKING in the subject line.   Thanks for reading this.  Now, please get ready to take action and ride the RED WAVE to keep Sussex Red!   Marilyn Booker, Chair Sussex County Republican Committee

A Special Message from Marilyn

Good evening, Fellow Republicans! I wanted to share with you a letter to the editor that I wrote in response to the Sussex County Democratic Committee’s ad that ran in the Cape Gazette about a week ago. I have submitted it to the Cape Gazette but of course I’m not certain they will publish it. In the event that any of your friends or family accuse Republicans of “suppressing” the vote or taking away a women’s right to choose, here is the truth about how these issues were decided and most importantly, by whom! Dear editor, I realize that it is the “silly” season and that political ads generally go to hyperbole, but I felt that it is important to clear up a few misstatements in an ad paid for by the Sussex County Democratic Committee. The ad takes issue with the fact that the Delaware Superior Court found that circumventing the State Constitution by allowing Mail-In Voting and Same Day Registration, passed by the Democrat majority during this last session, were unconstitutional. This is the same Constitution that these elected officials take an oath to uphold. The SCDC places the upholding of the State Constitution at the feet of the Republicans. To make this an emotional issue, the SCDC states that the Republicans are “suppressing the vote.” No, the Republicans are just doing what Speaker of the House, Pete Schwartzkopf advised, “If you don’t like it, get a lawyer and sue.” We didn’t, we did, and the Delaware Constitution and citizens won! The ad also states that “they” took away a women’s right to control her own body. I just want to remind them that the Supreme Court overturned a decision that many legal scholars believe was wrongly decided. Even Ruth Bader Ginsberg, the icon of women’s rights, agreed that the Roe vs Wade decision was wrongly decided. There will still be plenty of abortions performed in Delaware and in this country – not to worry. The only change is that the parameters will be determined by the states. The inaccurate and overheated statement that a women’s right to choose has been taken away is just false. Certainly, there are different ways at looking at each of these issues. However, if there is to be some type of agreement across party lines, falsehoods such as these, are just wrong and certainly dampen the possibility of a civil discourse.

September 2022

Greetings, fellow Republicans,  The summer is almost gone.  We are almost into what some call the “locals’ season.”  The children are back in school, thank goodness. No remote learning this year!  It is also time really get serious about the elections.  We can’t stress enough the importance of the elections this year. Early voting has started and it’s time to get out and vote.  In Sussex County we have two county-wide races.  Everyone who goes to the polls in Sussex County will find a primary for Register of Wills, and one for Recorder of Deeds. Your choices for Register of Wills include Ellen Magee, the incumbent, Candice Green Wilkinson and Greg Fuller.  The Recorder of Deeds race finds Incumbent Scott Dailey being challenged by Alexandra Reed Baker. If you live in RD 36, there is a primary between Incumbent Bryan Shupe and challenger Patrick Smith.  In our new Representative District, 4 Bradley Layfied and Jeff Hilovsky are each seeking this seat. County Council District 5 finds a contest between incumbent John Rieley and Keller Hopkins. I encourage you to read up on the candidates and use your precious vote wisely.  There’s a lot at stake in these races. There are 5 voting locations in Sussex County for early voting and 10 days to vote.  Early voting began on August 31st.  The locations in Sussex County are: Millville Community Center: 32517 Dukes Drive, Millville DE 19967 Lewes Fire Department Station #2: 32198 Janice Rd, Lewes DE 19958 Laurel Fire Hall: 205 W. 10th St, Laurel DE 19956 Dept of Elections-Warehouse (Georgetown): 542 South Bedford St, Georgetown DE 19947 Dept of Elections-Warehouse (Seaford): 200 Allen St, Seaford DE 19973 Know that for Early Voting, you can vote at any of these locations.  On Primary Election Day, you must vote in your designated election district. The schedule is as follows: Date / Time Wed, Aug 31, 2022: 11AM – 7PM Thu, Sep 1, 2022: 11AM – 7PM Fri, Sep 2, 2022: 11AM – 7PM Sat, Sep 3, 2022: 11AM – 7PM Tue, Sep 6, 2022: 11AM – 7PM Wed, Sep 7, 2022: 7AM – 7PM Thu, Sep 8, 2022: 7AM – 7PM Fri, Sep 9, 2022: 7AM – 7PM Sat, Sep 10, 2022:  7AM – 7PM Sun, Sep 11, 2022: 7AM – 7PM Now is the time for all good men (and women) to come to the aid of their party (and their candidates)!  If you ever took personal use typing, you probably remember this phrase.  (The additions in the parentheses are mine!). However, the sentiment remains current. We have candidates who are in need of volunteers to assist with canvassing.  For those of you who have taken the EDC//Volunteer Training class, now is the time to exercise what I hoped you learned.  Contact the candidates you wish to support and offer to help canvass with them.  If you need information on getting in contact with a particular candidate or candidates, contact me and I’ll put you in touch with the campaign or the candidate.  The statewide candidates should be part of your discussion when you speak with voters.  As a reminder these are Lee Murphy for U.S. Congress, Julianne Murray for Attorney General, Greg Coverdale for State Treasurer, and Janet Lorrah for Auditor of Accounts.  Each of these candidates is eminently qualified for the jobs they seek. Finally we are still looking for volunteers for the Delaware Freedom Festival.  Please consider helping with the Festival on October 8th.  We are looking for assistance with directing parking, checking in people who have purchased tickets in advance and selling tickets to those paying at the gate.   We also need Event Ambassadors to check with the vendors during the day and make certain they have what they need or if they have any questions.  We need people to work as closers to make sure that all the trash is in the containers and that we turn Hudson Fields back as we found it. Please contact me if you are able to volunteer – 410-925-2200.  Leave a voicemail and I will get back with you shortly or send me an email: mbooker3@icloud.com. Marilyn Booker, Chair Sussex County Republican Committee