GEORGETOWN, Del., Aug. 16—Top Republican leaders in both the Delaware House and Senate took time to honor longtime Republican activist and former chair of the Sussex County Republican Committee Ron Sams during their August meeting in Georgetown. Senator Gerald Hocker opened the meeting by presenting a formal, signed tribute to the one-time Sussex GOP chair on behalf of the Delaware Senate.
“I won my first election by 57 votes,” said Hocker, “and Ron did so many things to whip up those 57 votes. I know a lot of hard-working Republicans, but I don’t know of any that have worked as hard as Ron.”
The Senate tribute presented by Hocker was signed by David Sokola, Senate President Pro Tem, Ron Duffy, Secretary of the Senate, and a long list of senators including Senators Hocker, Bonini, Lawson, Lopez, Pettyjohn, Richardson and Wilson.
This was followed by a separate tribute presented by Representative Rich Collins on behalf of the House side of the General Assembly. Collins stressed the pivotal role played by Sams in unifying the Republican Party during turbulent moments in the past. “What did Ron do, when the Party was literally falling apart in this county? He went out and formed a brand-new group that kept the ball rolling in a very spectacular way, getting the job done. I just thank you so much,” said Collins, who represents the Indian River district where Sams now lives.
Ruth Briggs King, who represents the 37th district, joined in the accolades: “I just want to say that I think you’ve been more instrumental than almost anybody in getting Republicans elected to Sussex County,” she said. “Moreover, I think you established a model for the Republican Party to follow. You showed that though we’re a big tent, and though there’s always room for differences of opinion, when we come together, we come together and elect Republican candidates. That’s what you stood for, and I appreciate you so very much.”
Sams was born in rural Kansas and grew up on a small family farm. He was a star athlete and began his education at the University of Kansas on a football scholarship. After graduation he landed a job at Boeing Aircraft only to get a better job a few years later at Hercules, Inc., which was based in Wilmington. Eventually he moved to Sussex County, where he became involved in the work of the Sussex County GOP. He has been married to his wife Suzanne for 66 years, and together they have three children, five grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. On November 26th Sams will celebrate his 90th birthday.
About the Sussex County Republican Committee
The Sussex County Republican Committee is a grassroots organization that strives to create an environment that holds dear our God-given rights and fosters an informed and active citizenry. It is the mission of the Sussex County Republican Committee to assist in the election of Republican candidates, to act as an advocate for the Republican Party’s principles, and to empower citizens to participate in the political process.
Media Contacts:
Marilyn Booker, Chair, Sussex County Republican Committee sussexdegop@outlook.com.
http://sussexgop.org