Dana Report readers already know that there are two slates running for leadership of the California College Republicans; Revolutionize CCR headed up by Michael Antonopoulos, and Red State Rising headed by Adam Ellison. The drama has already been boiling over in a way that only CR drama can, rumors, gossip, backstabbing, and online comment wars.

We’ve had a platform from Revolutionize since January, and now we have one from Red State Rising, it’s time to look at both, look at the candidates, and decide who you think will be the best leaders to take CCR into the first year of the Obama administration and the 2010 election cycle.

The Revolutionize CCR platform is here, at RevolutionizeCCR.com. The Red State Rising platform is here, in PDF. (We’ve heard the RSR website should be up by the end of the week.)

The word in California Republican circles is that the Revolutionize CCR hospitality suite at CRP this weekend was one of the most successful party of the convention:

College Republicans Candidate for Chairman Michael Antonopoulos, who contributed to Fox&Hounds last year, hosted what most agree was the most popular hospitality suite of the weekend, packed wall to wall throughout the night; several GOP electeds and party officials dropped by to vocalize their support of his plan to expand youth outreach throughout California.

As someone who attended the hospitality suite I have to agree that it was a huge hit. The suite was full, as Chandra Sharma writes above in the Fox & Hounds Daily, from the time the party began and late into the night. Not only CR’s attended the event, California Republican leaders were also in attendance, there were speeches by Assemblyman Chuck DeVore who co-hosted the event, Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher, Assemblywoman Diane Harkey, San Diego City Councilman Carl DeMaio, and CRP Vice-Chair Tom Del Beccaro (don’t think I’m missing anyone). DeMaio, Fletcher, Harkey and Del Beccaro endorsed Michael Antonopoulos for CCR Chair, and all vocalized support for his consistent and determined leadership as a CR. Here’s a picture of the event released by Revolutionize CCR:

(From left to right) Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher, Current CCR Executive Director Matthew Dobler, Current CCR Co-Chair Leigh Wolf, Candidate for CCR Co-Chair Falicia Mandel, Campaign Manager Matt Donnellan, Candidate for CCR Chair Michael Antonopoulos

There will be more to re-cap come from CRP tomorrow, especially the CCR meeting which was also a tremendous success, with over 175 in attendance and a great speakers line-up.

Early this week we posted about some internal strife at USC College Republicans. The organization has come together in the best interest of the group, and is now looking towards the future.

A Press Release from USC College Republicans:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 28, 2009

USC College Republicans’ Statement on Chairman’s Resignation

“At our chapter meeting yesterday, Chairman Ben Myers resigned his position with the USC College Republicans, saying a change in leadership was necessary for our organization to move forward and repair the damage caused by a series of mistakes he made while acting on behalf of the organization. Several of his actions were made unilaterally, reflected poorly on our organization, and were conducted without the consent or authorization of the USC College Republicans Executive Board. He is welcome to remain a member of the group, but is not authorized to speak on behalf of the organization.

“Our group serves a purpose that is greater than a single member, event or chapter leader. While we are working toward college degrees, the Democratic Congress has proposed a federal spending spree that threatens to burden our generation with trillions of dollars in debt and higher taxes. Even worse, their spending plans won’t create the jobs they promise, nor stimulate our nation’s crippled economy.

“The Republican ideals of low taxes, strong national defense and more responsible governance are a winning message for our generation’s future. USC College Republicans are committed to spreading that important message across this campus. Empowered by the enthusiasm of our members, we’re looking forward to an active slate of campus events, state conferences and chapter meetings throughout the upcoming semester.”

NOTES:

- Consistent with the chapter’s Constitution, Vice Chairman Steve Hagemann assumed the duties of Acting Chairman upon Ben Myers’ resignation last night. At present, no special election has been scheduled prior to our annual chapter elections at the end of the spring semester. All other officer positions remain the same.

# # #

As reported in an earlier post, a second slate is forming to challenge Michael Antonopoulos and Revolutionize CCR for leadership of California College Republicans. The earlier post included a rough sketch of the expected opposition slate. Now we can flesh it out in more detail, and clarify positions that have tentatively been confirmed by TDR sources. There is a pending website launch for RedStateRising.org, and a press release expected soon. Here is the slate as we know it:

Positions confirmed by our sources:

Adam Ellison, Pacific – Chairman
Ben Myers, USC – Co-Chair
Wade Holden, Pacific – Admin Vice-Chair
Misty Tienken, Grossmont – Treasurer
Alvaro Day, UCLA – Secretary
Nick Pagnucci, SFSU – Bay Area Regional Vice-Chair
Brenna Miller, UCI – Southern Regional Vice-Chair

Unconfirmed positions:

Ryan McNicholas, UCSB – Executive Director
Marshall Roe, PCC – LA Regional Vice-Chair

Changes from the last published slate: Ben Myers is now co-chair, Sidney Hilario is no longer on the slate (as far as we know), and Matthew Schenk is no longer listed for an elected position.

Developing…

UPDATE: CR Nation: Press Release Announcing Ellison’s candidacy. CR Nation is calling Ellison the third candidate in the race, but TDR sources confirm that there is not a new ticket. Ellison is running for chair on the previously announced second slate. Also, the press release says RedStateRising.org will not be up until early February.

The Revolutionize CCR ticket, headed by Michael Antonopoulos, updated their platform today after a weekend retreat full of new ideas, and brainstorming on the future of CCR. They’ve included a YouTube video explaining how they will use new media to revolutionize the way CCR conducts business, help chapters better serve Republican candidates across the state, and empower grassroots efforts on campuses.

You can find the updated platform at RevolutionizeCCR.com

Revolutionize CCR Slate Retreat in South Lake Tahoe

Sources report that a second slate is about to announce in the California College Republican race. This new slate will be up against the more experienced and seasoned slate of Revolutionize CCR headed by Michael Antonopoulos. This surprising announcement could break up a long standing coalition of College Republicans in the state. The slate as TDR knows it so far is:

Ben Myers, Chair
Matthew Schenk, Co-Chair
Alvaro Day, Admin vice-chair
Misty Tienken, Treasurer
Ryan McNicholas, Executive Director
Sydney Hilario, Secretary
Marshall Roe, LA Regional Vice Chair
Brenna Miller, Southern Regional Vice Chair

Developing…

UPDATE: Late Night Jan. 18, TruthCaucus: CCR Fight, Fight, Fight

Jan. 19, CRNation: Rumor: 2nd Ticket Forming in CA

Jan. 19, CRNation Update: Blog: Second Ticket Set to Announce in CA

UPDATE: Jan. 21, Slate updated here Adam Ellison as Chair, Ben Myers Co-chair.

With the simultaneous launch of a Facebook group and website, the first slate for the leadership of California College Republicans was announced this morning. Spearheaded by Michael Antonopoulos and Falicia Mandel, the ticket put forward a list of experienced, capable, and energetic candidates.

Under the tag line, Revolutionize CCR, their platform calls for an active grassroots movement using, new media, a local focus, and high-tech communication, to win elections for Republicans across the Golden State.

The Dana Report is proud to endorse Revolutionize CCR. We look forward to the revolution!

Revolutionize CCR Website

Facebook Group

UPDATE: Press Release: Antonopoulos Announces Candidacy for CR Chairman, from CRNation