Thank you!
By Rob Roper

Dear Fellow Vermont Republicans,

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for all of your hard work and support over the past three years. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as your chairman. 

To be sure, 2007 to 2009 was a tough time to be a Republican, but I couldn't be more proud of how the Vermont Republican Party carried itself and fought to maintain our numbers in the statehouse while holding on to the Governorship and the Lieutenant Governorship. We have, indeed, built a strong foundation on which to rebuild our numbers now that the political tides are changing. 

And they are changing. 

Because we demonstrated that it is possible to maintain strong Republican principles while simultaneously reaching out to independents and common-sense Democrats, Auditor Tom Salmon, son of a Vermont Democratic governor, made the dramatic decision to join our Party. 

Tom has since proven to be a tireless champion of fiscal responsibility and an energizing agent for Vermont Republicans. Now he serves as vivid example to tens of thousands of voters worried about our jobs, the economy, and falling revenues as to what Party they really belong. Vermonters of all political stripes are, increasingly turned off by the reckless, ideological agenda of the Democrats, and if we continue to show them that they are welcome and have a home in the VTGOP, 2010 promises to be a good year for Republicans and for the state of Vermont. 

With Brian Dubie now topping our ticket, Auditor Salmon running for reelection, and open seats with strong Republican candidates for Secretary of State and Lieutenant Governor, we have a very real chance of capturing a majority of statewide offices. Our chances of picking up house and senate seats are equally promising. I am confident that we will take full advantage of these opportunities. The fact that we just experienced the most successful Fall Dinner in memory - if not ever - reinforces my optimism. 

Being your chairman has been a truly rewarding experience, and I can't thank you all enough for giving me the opportunity to serve. I'm looking forward to working with you all, and our new chairman, for a successful 2010.

Rob Roper is a Past Chairman of the Vermont GOP