In this important election year, Republicans are dedicated to reclaiming the conservative leadership that you deserve. Working together, we have the chance to reassert our common-sense conservative principles, rebuild our base supporters, and promote responsible choices for the upcoming election. But, we cannot do it without your help.

I am honored to be your Chairman for the opportunity to serve the Florence County Republican Party (FCGOP). We have made major strides so far this year to build a stronger foundation for the FCGOP. Our active membership is growing. We are seeing younger age groups getting more involved. The FCGOP as a whole is more active and is making our presence known not only in Florence County, but the whole Pee Dee Region, the South Carolina GOP and at the State Capitol.

2011 has been an exciting year!

For the first time in decades the FCGOP Bylaws have been updated and an Operations Policy has been established. These two items have enabled the FCGOP to better identify its purpose, rules and provides a road map to follow as we take this trip of self improvement. Just a couple of years ago would you believe we would have a policy on "Social Networking"? With the advent of Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, YouTube and other Social Media outlets, there is a whole new world for communication and promotions. With these avenues of communication have come so many advantages and dangers.

2011 has already provide us with so many opportunities to change our county, region and State. Most of Florence County and the Pee Dee Region are once again one big family. After decades of being torn apart and represented by several different representatives in Washington DC, we are back together as the NEW 7th Congressional District! For the first time in decades, we have the opportunity to have our own representative. A representative who will be elected from the Pee Dee to serve the Pee Dee!

In addition, we have members who have been appointed to the SCGOP Candidate Recruitment Committee, the SCGOP Fundraising Committee, SCGOP Coalitions Committee, as well as the SCGOP Awards Committee. As far as I can tell, the FCGOP has never had so many members involved at the State level.

Although separate entities, we now have two viable Young Republican organizations. Republican women have a great organization and their Florence County Republican Women's Club has been an immeasurable contributor to the growth of the Republican Party in Florence County.

What really excites me? The FCGOP is just getting started!

On August 18th, the Iowa Caucus winner, Michele Bachman will holding a rally at the Florence Civic Center. On August 19th, Texas Governor Rick Perry will be in Florence spreading his Texas charm and conservative message. These two Presidential candidates are just the beginning of a long line of candidates headed this way.

There's been a great deal more going on, but I think you get the point.

I am very optimistic about the remainder of this year and look to 2012 with great expectations.

To have a successful 2012, we must remind voters in Florence County and the Pee Dee why the core principles of the Republican Party—lower taxes, strong national security, improved schools, and limited government—are essential for the future of our State. The policies that support our principles are what separate Republicans from other political parties, and we should be quick to highlight these differences.

I hope that you will take a moment to navigate this website. You can meet our Republican candidates, consider joining a Republican club, join us as a volunteer, become a Sustaining Member, or make a financial donation.

Please let me know if there is ever any question I can answer for you.

Yours in service,

Bill Pickle, Chairman

Florence County Republican Party