Shelby County Chairman’s Corner: Rallying the Republican Spirit as Election Day Approaches

October brought energy and high stakes for the Republican Party as we ramped up campaign efforts across the nation. With a series of candidate rallies, town halls, and local engagement events, Republicans took their messages directly to the people, emphasizing issues that resonate with voters: economic stability, national security, and government accountability. This past month, we’ve seen an exceptional turnout across the country, a testament to the growing momentum and enthusiasm for our shared values.

As Election Day draws near, Republicans across the country are showing tremendous enthusiasm, driven by our shared commitment to America’s future and energized by recent events. The Vance-Walz debate was a key moment, bringing crucial issues to the forefront and reminding us of what’s at stake in this election. But it’s the actions and words surrounding the debate that have truly ignited our movement.

One of the most memorable recent moments was President Trump stopping by a McDonald’s to connect with everyday Americans. While the left talks down to our voters, Trump is out there, engaging directly with the people he’s working to serve. His genuine interaction at McDonald’s wasn’t just a campaign stop; it was a symbol of the values we stand for—respect for hard-working Americans and a dedication to the everyday concerns of our nation.

Meanwhile, we’ve seen an alarming trend from the other side. President Biden’s recent statement calling Trump supporters “garbage” was a disappointing reminder of how divided our country has become under his leadership. Rather than addressing Americans’ concerns with respect, Democrats are pushing divisive rhetoric. On top of that, recent Democratic messaging has implied that Trump supporters don’t represent “strong, intellectual women,”; an accusation that couldn’t be further from the truth. We know our supporters come from every background and represent the strength, intelligence, and resilience that define America.

These remarks only reinforce why this election matters so much. Our movement is not about politicians or party labels—it’s about everyday Americans who believe in freedom, opportunity, and unity. With Election Day just around the corner, I urge each of you to keep praying, keep talking to your neighbors, and keep sharing our message. This final stretch is crucial, and together, we can ensure our voices are heard loud and clear at the polls. Thank you for your hard work, and let’s make history together. #VOTERED2024

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The Shelby County Central Committee has been hard at work creating the first ever Shelby County Republicans Gun Raffle. The committee will be selling raffle tickets for $20 each with the chance to win three fantastic prizes. First prize is an AR15 plus $500 gift card to Foxhole Armament. Second prize is a 9MM Pistol with a $150 Foxhole Armament gift card. Third prize is a Liberty Biometric Handgun Safe. Please reach out to a central committee member to purchase tickets or contact Jeff Walton at 712-571-9388. The drawing will be at 5:00 pm on December 20, 2024, at Foxhole Armament.

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Shelby County Iowa Election info – Please share with family and friends

ELECTION DAY REGISTERING IS AVAILABLE BUT IS NOT CONVEINIENT. Time spent at your polling place changing or initiating a new registration will be increased and correct documentation must be presented. Please consider preregistering before 5:00 pm October 21 st 2024, to avoid delays on election day.

ABSENTEE Polling location for said election shall be as follows: October 16th to November 4th – First Floor Court House 612 Court St. Harlan

Upcoming Events

• Shelby County Central Committee gun raffle is open. The drawing will be December 20th.

Find more info at: Events – The Republican Party of Iowa (iowagop.org)

Important dates:

11/5/2024 General Election

11/25/2024 Shelby County Central Committee Meeting (Pizza Ranch 6:00 social hour, 7:00 meeting)

12/20/2024 Gun Raffle Drawing 5:00 at Foxhole Armament – Committee holiday celebration after (Mi Casa)

For the most up to date calendar of Iowa GOP events click: Iowa GOP Events

Please email [email protected] for more information.

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Shelby County Chairman’s Corner: As the leaves begin to change and the combines clear the fields, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the events that have shaped our nation and our party in recent months. Since our last update, our party and country have experienced significant developments that underscore both the challenges we face and the resilience we embody.

First, we must acknowledge the two assassination attempts on President Donald Trump. Regardless of where one stands politically, these shocking acts remind us of the importance of preserving the safety and security of all leaders. It is in moments like these that we, as Americans, must come together to condemn violence and recommit ourselves to democratic principles. Thankfully, President Trump remains safe and undeterred, continuing his campaign with strength and conviction. We lift up prayers for his safety as we continue this journey.

The 2024 Republican National Convention in July was a powerful display of unity and purpose as Republicans from across the nation gathered to reaffirm their commitment to conservative values. With a focus on securing the future of America, key speakers emphasized strengthening the economy, protecting individual liberties, and ensuring national security. The convention also showcased the party’s dedication to supporting law enforcement, securing borders, and upholding traditional values. As the GOP looks ahead to the November election, the convention energized the base and solidified the party’s vision for a prosperous, free, and secure America. It was an honor to represent Iowa and Shelby County as part of the official delegation.

This week, JD Vance faced off against Tim Walz in a debate that garnered significant attention from conservatives and independents nationwide. Vance’s sharp, articulate defense of conservative principles highlighted why he continues to be a rising force in the Republican Party. His dedication to resisting leftist overreach and advocating for American families struck a powerful chord. We stand united for President Trump and JD Vance’s success in their efforts to restore strong leadership and bring a Red Wave to our nation on November 5th.

As we look beyond our local communities, we also want to extend our heartfelt prayers to those affected by the recent hurricanes. The devastation in the southeast has been immense, and we stand in solidarity with all Americans in the affected regions. Their courage in the face of adversity is inspiring. Finally, we turn our thoughts and prayers to Israel, a cherished ally, as they fight the war against Hamas. We remain firm in our support for Israel and stand united in their struggle for peace and security.

We are one month away from the most important election of our lifetimes – let us remain committed to our conservative values and dedicated to ensuring that we elect leaders who will protect freedom, faith, and family. The road ahead may be challenging, but with unity and perseverance, we will prevail. #VOTERED2024

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Shelby County Iowa Election info – Please share with family and friends

October 16, 2024 – Absentee Ballots may be mailed to voters, in person absentee voting begins at the Shelby County Courthouse 1st floor.

October 21, 2024 – Deadline to submit the required signed request for an absentee ballot by mail. 5:00 P.M.

ELECTION DAY REGISTERING IS AVAILABLE BUT IS NOT CONVEINIENT. Time spent at your polling place changing or initiating a new registration will be increased and correct documentation must be presented. Please consider preregistering before 5:00 pm October 21st 2024, to avoid delays on election day.

ABSENTEE Polling location for said election shall be as follows:

October 16th to November 4th – First Floor Court House 612 Court St. Harlan

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If you would like Trump, Randy Feenstra, Jason Schultz, Steve Holt, or Craig Williams yard signs please reach out to Tammi Schulz at 712-249-7336 or [email protected].

Upcoming Events Volunteer daily to call voters in Swing States for Trump/Vance – Trump Talk (donaldjtrump.com) Shelby County Door knocking (various dates) – You can hand out the Faith & Freedom Coalition palm cards on your own or in addition to helping one of our local candidates. Please reach out to Sara Ferneding at [email protected] for more information and dates. Shelby County Central Committee is making plans for a gun raffle starting late October with the drawing on December 20th. More details will be available shortly. 10/13/2024 – Trump Parade – Swan Lake, Carroll, IA 10/15/2024 – Holt’s Sweet Freedom Rally – Ida Grove, IA 10/17/2024 – Lincoln Reagan Dinner – Pottawattamie County Find more info at: Events – The Republican Party of Iowa (iowagop.org)

Important dates:

• 10/16/2024 Iowa Early Voting Opens – In person at the Shelby County Courthouse 1st Floor
• 10/28/2024 Shelby County Central Committee Meeting (location TBD)
• 11/5/2024 General Election

For the most up to date calendar of Iowa GOP events click: Iowa GOP Events

Please email [email protected] for more information.

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in Shelby County Iowa!

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Shelby County Chairman’s Corner: Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Iowa dealing with the severe flooding. The impact on homes, businesses, and communities is immense, and the challenges faced by those affected are profound. We stand in solidarity with all Iowans during this difficult time, offering our support, compassion and prayers. May God grant them strength and perseverance.

Thank you to Senator Jason Schultz for attending our June meeting and educating us on the legislative process. It was extremely informative and provided a lens into the process a bill follows to become law. He also addressed questions from attendees on specific bills, timelines, and votes.

Calling all parade goers……Our next parade will be the Shelby County Fair parade on Thursday, July 11th in Harlan – all are welcome to ride the float or walk along. The parade starts at 6:00 pm. We will meet at 4:00 pm or a little before on the west side of the Shelby County Fairgrounds. Bring your lawn chairs and ride along!

With summer in full swing, we will forgo meetings in July and August. Mark your calendars – our next meeting will be Monday, September 23rd with the location and speaker TBD. If anyone has ideas or recommendations for upcoming educational speakers, please email them to [email protected].

Happy Independence Day! July 4th is a day of celebration and reflection for Americans, marking the birth of our nation and the values it stands for. It commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, reminding us of

the courage and vision of our Founding Fathers. This day is about more than just fireworks and barbecues; it’s about appreciating the sacrifices made for our independence and honoring the principles of freedom and democracy. As we

gather with family and friends, let’s celebrate our shared history and our collective commitment to preserve the enduring spirit of our nation.

Disappointing news this week….The Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) has approved the use of eminent domain for the proposed carbon pipeline project. This decision allows the pipeline company to acquire private land for the construction of the pipeline, even if landowners are unwilling to sell. The project aims to transport carbon dioxide from ethanol plants to storage sites, but it has faced significant opposition from property owners and environmental groups. The IUB’s approval marks a critical step forward for the project, although legal challenges and public resistance are expected to continue. If you have an opinion on the carbon pipelines, please contact your representatives to make your voice heard.

Co-Chair Rant: The world now knows what we have understood for years; President Biden is not fit to be President. Thursday night’s debate removed all doubt. Even the media that has been telling us that Biden is, ‘sharp, in control, on top of things’ has had to admit that he is none of those things. Democrats are conveniently suggesting he drop out of the race to open the door for Gavin Newsome, Michelle Obama, or maybe even Michigan’s disaster of a Governor, Gretchen Whitmer. So what is a Conservative Republican to do? Demand to know who is, and has been, running the country! Biden in charge is a nation security threat. Our Republican leaders should start an investigation into who has been perpetrating this fraud on the American people. The media should quit covering for the Democrats and start demanding answers. We should also do what we are doing; register people to vote, and make sure EVERY Republican goes to the polls and votes for Donald Trump! The survival of our country depends on it.

Upcoming Events:

Find more info at: Events – The Republican Party of Iowa (iowagop.org)

Important dates:

7/2/2024 Iowa GOP Reception – Council Bluffs, IA

7/11/2024 Shelby County Fair Parade – Harlan, IA

7/15-7/18/24 Republican National Convention – Milwaukee, WI

9/23/2024 Shelby County Central Committee Meeting

11/5/2024 General Election

For the most up to date calendar of Iowa GOP events click: Iowa GOP Events Please email [email protected] for more information

Shelby County Chairman’s Corner: Thank you to all who participated in the Tivoli Fest Parade in Elk Horn on Memorial Day weekend. We had a beautiful day with many candidates and their supporters in attendance.

Our next parade will be the Shelby County Fair parade on Thursday, July 11 th in Harlan – all are welcome to ride the float or walk along.

Luke Wolff is the new Communications Director for the Republican Party of Iowa. Congratulations & Welcome Luke! He comes to us from Peoria, IL. With his onboarding complete, the weekly rundown newsletters will resume.

Find the latest at: IAGOP Weekly Rundown

The 2024 Iowa Primaries are in the books – Congratulations to the candidates advancing to the general election on November 5th.

Our next Central Committee meeting will be Monday, June 24th at Mi Casa in Harlan, IA. Social hour at 6:00 pm, Speaker at 6:30 pm and the meeting at 7:00 pm. Our June speaker will be Iowa Senator Jason Schultz.

Statement by Jeff Kaufmann on the Unfair Trial of President Trump: “The Democrat Party is lost as we know it, to the point of no return. This decision is a disgrace to the rule of law. It’s disgusting they are mobilizing the federal government for political gain. A corrupt Soros-funded prosecutor just carried out the will of the Democrats who are terrified of President Trump returning to the White House. With sentencing scheduled right before the GOP Convention in Milwaukee, the corruption and malice is as prevalent as ever here. Shameful.”

Upcoming Events:

Important dates:

6/24/2024 Shelby County Central Committee Meeting – Mi Casa, Harlan

7/2/2024 Iowa GOP Reception – Council Bluffs, IA

7/11/2024 Shelby County Fair Parade – Harlan, IA

7/15-7/18/24 Republican National Convention – Milwaukee, WI

11/5/2024 General Election

For the most up to date calendar of Iowa GOP events click: Iowa GOP Events

Please email [email protected] for more information.

Our thoughts and prayers are with those impacted by the recent storms in southwest Iowa. We send our heartfelt condolences and support to all affected during this challenging time.

Shelby County Chairman’s Corner: Thank you to all who participated in the State Convention on May 4 th in Des Moines. The Shelby County delegation included Mike Shaw, Sara Ferneding, Jeff Walton, Aida Brown, Nicholas Kohles, Ruth Anne Grimsley, Larry Hopp, and Tammi Schulz. The day was filled with motivating speeches, networking with fellow Republicans, and finalizing the 2024 Iowa Platform.

Congratulations to Steve Scheffler and Tamara Scott for being re-elected as our National Committee team!

The April Central Committee was a success! We heard from Mike Kolbe, Alexis Carter and Charles Parkhurst, all candidates for Shelby County Supervisor, and from Taryn Knapp, candidate for Shelby County Auditor. Melissa Arkfeld, candidate for Shelby County Auditor, was unable to attend due to a prior commitment. Thank you to all for

participating and sharing your visions for Shelby County’s future!

Senator Chuck Grassley spoke to a standing room only crowd at the library in downtown Harlan on April 25th. It was his Shelby County stop as he is once again on a listening tour of all of Iowa’s 99 Counties. Grassley listened to concerns about; the CO2 Pipeline, California’s Proposition 12, the FBI & CIA, and more. He also explained his support of appropriating billions of dollars to Ukraine.

As Memorial Day approaches, let us pause to honor the profound sacrifices and unwavering service of our veterans. With deep gratitude, we extend a sincere THANK YOU to all who have bravely served our country. Freedom isn’t free. Some gave all.

It’s also time to organize our annual parades. Kudos to Jeff Walton and Nicholas Kohles for building our parade float!

The first parade is Saturday, May 25 th in Elk Horn. All Republicans are welcome to ride or walk with the float – don’t forget your lawn chair. Afterwards, head downtown to enjoy the Danish offerings of Tivoli Fest including Aebleskivers, Folk Dancing, and live music.

Next up, the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a candidate forum on Thursday, May 23 rd at 6:30 pm at the Harlan High School. This will be a great event to meet the candidates, ask questions, and hear their visions.

The Republican Primaries will be held on Tuesday, June 4th. Please encourage your friends and neighbors to make a difference by voting in 2024. Shelby County Republican candidates include:

Our next Central Committee meeting will be Monday, May 20th at Mi Casa in Harlan, IA. Social hour at 6:00 pm, Speaker at 6:30 pm and the meeting at 7:00 pm.

Important dates:

5/20/2024 Shelby County Central Committee – Harlan, IA

5/23/2024 Chamber Candidate Forum – Harlan High School

5/25/2024 Tivoli Fest Parade – Elk Horn, IA

6/4/2024 Primary Voting (early voting opens late May)

7/11/2024 Shelby County Fair Parade – Harlan, IA

7/15-7/18/24 Republican National Convention – Milwaukee, WI

11/5/2024 General Election

For the most up to date calendar of Iowa GOP events click: Iowa GOP Events

Please email [email protected] for more information.

April 2024 Newsletter

Welcome to our very first Shelby County Iowa Republican’s Newsletter! Our goal is to publish monthly to inform our local community of upcoming events and relevant information.

Shelby County Chairman’s Corner: Thank you to all who participated in the Caucus and subsequent County Convention. We had 477 caucus participants in extremely adverse weather conditions! Results are posted at Caucus 2024 Results – Shelby County Iowa GOP.

The District 4 Convention was held Saturday, April 6th . Congratulations to Shelby County’s Mike Shaw for being elected to the State Platform Committee and to Tammi Schulz for being elected as an alternate delegate to the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee this July.

The new District 4 State Central Committee will be Steve Holt, Jim Boyer, Gary Nystrom, and Starlyn Perdue.

Republican National Convention Delegates were Gary Nystrom, Lynn Evans and Jeff Taylor.

Next up, the State Convention on May 4th in Clive.

The Shelby County Iowa GOP website is up and running – Please visit Shelby County Iowa GOP and sign up for the monthly newsletter. We are continuing to build content and will post information on 2024 Republican candidates in the near future.

We had a very successful showing of the documentary, Gridshock. 93 individuals attended to view the movie, learn about the human trafficking case from Shelby County, and engage in positive dialogue with the Shelby County Sheriff’s department. Thank you to all who made this event possible!

Our next Central Committee meeting will be Monday, April 22 at Mi Casa in Harlan, IA. Social hour at 6:00 pm, Speaker at 6:30 pm and the meeting at 7:00 pm.

State & District Updates

RPI Chairman’s Comments: Accolades to everyone involved in the 2024 Iowa Republican Caucuses. It was by any standard a great success. 110,000+ Iowa Republicans braved extreme weather to participate in the most transparent election process in the country. It could not have been done without the 10,000+ volunteers across the state and a dedicated team at RPI.

The Democrats, in contrast, decided to have a mail in ballot to appease the DNC and end Iowa’s First in the Nation position. About 20,000 Iowa Democrats requested ballots. Less than 14,000 returned their ballots. 614 voted “uncommitted.” The Iowa Democrat Chair applauded the new accessibility of the mail in process that resulted in lower voter turnout.

Iowa Federation of Republican Women: Michelle Crawford, IFRW’s new President, shared that everyone is settling into new leadership roles and planning for the upcoming year has begun. The Federation has big growth goals and a plan to spread their message across the state to increase clubs and membership numbers. The Spring Conference is April 25-26 in Davenport. Riley Gaines will be the Davenport speaker!

Iowa Federation of Young Republicans: IFYR Chair, Mary Weston, shared the 2024 goals which included chartering three new chapters, recruiting new members with a focus on graduating college Republicans. They successfully hosted the National YR quarterly meeting in Des Moines, held their annual Christmas party, and volunteered with caucuses.

Important dates:

4/13/2024 State Convention Committee meetings

4/19/2024 RPI Chairman’s Reception at Cardiff Center – 3232 1st Ave Fort Dodge – 6:00 pm – Special Guest – Congressman Wesley Hunt – $60/individual, $100/couple

4/25-4/26/24 IFRW Spring Conference – Davenport – Speaker Riley Gaines

5/4/2024 State Convention – Horizons Event Center, Clive, IA

5/25/2024 Tivoli Fest Parade – Elk Horn, IA

6/4/2024 Primary Voting

7/11/2024 Shelby County Fair Parade

7/15-7/18/24 Republican National Convention – Milwaukee, WI

11/5/2024 General Election

For the most up to date calendar of GOP events click: Iowa GOP Events

Please email [email protected] for more information.