NEA Holds First Conference for Republican Members

GOP Educators Take Lessons in Political Activism

More than 80 Republican educators from across the nation attended NEA's first-ever Republican Leaders Conference in Minneapolis August 2-5, 2007.

The conference, which featured panel discussions by NEA Republican members who are state legislators and party activists, was sponsored by the NEA Government Relations Department to assist NEA Republican members in becoming more active in their local and state Republican parties.

Approximately one million of NEA's 3.2 million members are Republicans, and they have the potential to have a significant impact on Republican Party activities, organization and platforms in 2008.

During the conference, NEA hosted a reception for Republican National Committee (RNC) members that was also attended by NEA President Reg Weaver; GOP Presidential candidate Mitt Romney and his wife, Ann; the campaign manager for Presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani, Mike DuHaime; and the White House political director, Jonathan Felts.

Attendees also heard from political consultants who advised NEA Republicans to get involved in party activities, participate in political campaigns at all levels and work to become party leaders and delegates to county, state and national Republican conventions.

The NEA Republican Leaders Conference was held in Minneapolis at the same time as the RNC's summer meeting. The Twin Cities will host the Republican National Convention, September 1-4, 2008. Conference attendees heard a presentation from the chair of the Convention Host Committee, Jeff Larson.

RNC staff participated in many NEA Republican Leaders Conference activities, and Republican National Committee members from many states attended the August 3, reception, which featured remarks by NEA President Weaver. He reiterated NEA's commitment to bipartisanship in its political and legislative advocacy.

The NEA Republican Leaders Conference is part of NEA's initiative to recognize the support of its Republican members, increase its presence in Republican Party activities and support pro-public education Republican candidates and lawmakers at the state and national levels.