New Orleans. It was a working meeting where much was accomplished. Here are the highlights of what happened:

Getting Our Message Out

RNC Chairman Reince Priebus is working non-stop to ensure Obama is a one-term president. Communication and messaging will be exceedingly important in this battle. To that end, in 2011the RNC had more television and radio time than in any other off year.

And we are using Obama’s own words against him. “The Obama Book” - 500 pages of Obama quotes and video links - will form the backbone of the party’s attack strategy against the president leading up to Election Day 2012. The document lays out the plan to use Obama’s words and voice as they build an argument for his defeat: that he made specific promises and entered office with lofty expectations and has failed to deliver on both.

Some of you have raised questions regarding the effectiveness of our messaging. I was initially concerned as well, but the RNC is doing everything it can to overcome the media bias. We are launching weekly videos, op-eds, research pieces and have a very robust social media effort underway on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Finances

As in every election, money is important. But in this cycle, with Obama boasting he will have $1 billion at his disposal, it is especially so. And the RNC is up to the task. This year we raised $87 million in gross income! Nearly $12 million was raised in December alone. At the same time staff and overhead expenses have been cut and internal controls have been put in place to ensure we keep expenses in line.

National Convention

Arrangements for the 2012 Republican National Convention are well underway. The convention will take place in Tampa the week of August 27, 2012, at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Security will be very tight, with the Secret Service and local law enforcement being responsible to ensure the event is a safe one.

Delegates will all be seated on the floor. But alternates need not worry. I was told many alternates will probably have a better view than delegates.

There are 99 hotels in the Greater Tampa Bay area, with over 15,000 rooms.  I was told the nicest hotels will be furthest from the convention hall.  Please know I will do everything I can to help Illinois get the best hotel and seating arrangements at the convention as possible…despite the fact that we are Obama’s home state! Transportation should not be a problem.  We anticipate an easy- to -use shuttle service to transport delegates, etc. from hotels to the convention site.

Florida Penalized by RNC Rules Committee

Florida, as many of you know, decided to hold its primary in January, in violation of RNC Rules. As a result of this infraction, four other states were forced to move up their primaries. All states were penalized by losing ½ of their delegates. However, the RNC Rules Committee, of which I am a member, determined additional penalties should be assessed against Florida. Therefore, in addition to losing ½ of their delegates, Florida will also receive reduced priority in housing and seating on the floor. Also delegates and alternate delegates will not receive guest passes.

RNC Resolutions

Substantive policy issues were also discussed at our winter meeting.  Two were particularly important: “Resolution Exposing United Nation Agenda 21” and “Resolution Supporting Taiwan’ Freedom and America’s Moral Leadership”.  I co-sponsored both resolutions, which the RNC passed unanimously.  The Washington Times had an article about the Taiwan resolution it last week. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/jan/10/rnc-directs-spotlight-to-issue-of-taiwan/

Illinois National Committeewoman to Lead RNC Delegation to Taiwan

The Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) extends an invitation for a delegation of RNC members to travel to Taiwan each year.  Chairman Reince Priebus has asked that I lead the RNC delegation going next month.  I am honored to represent the RNC and the state of Illinois and will do my very best to represent both with integrity and grace.

Illinois Activities

As someone who began her involvement as a precinct committeeman (still serving), served as county vice chairman for two years, and then county chairman for five years, I understand the grassroots and that elections are won on the ground. Since becoming National Committeewoman in 2008 I have traveled to most of the counties of Illinois meeting with you. I continue to travel our great state.

Many of you have asked if I’m available to speak at your Lincoln Day Dinners and events. And the answer is yes!  As your National Committeewoman I am here for you. I look forward to hearing from you.

Warmest regards,

Demetra DeMonte

You can e-mail Demetra Demonte at ademonte@grics.net.