Hermanson running for state party chairmanship

Pinal County Republican Party Chairman and Maricopa resident Marty Hermanson hopes to become chairman of the state party. Hermanson said he decided to run for the position in late October because he is concerned about the future of the Arizona Republican Party.

“We had a great 2010 election, but 2012 will be a different ballgame,” he said. “There will be new players on both sides. If we don’t start raising more money and bring some structure and organization to the state party, 2012 could be another 2008 for us.”

The new chairman will be chosen by about 1,500 delegates at the Republican Party State Convention in Phoenix on Jan. 22.

Between now and then, Hermanson said he will be addressing at least 16 county Republican clubs, doing radio interviews and meeting with elected Republican officials to seek their support.

Hermanson said that Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu was instrumental in convincing him to seek the chairman’s post, and that the sheriff is campaigning for him. Hermanson said that if elected he will work to increase fundraising, return power to the grassroots precinct level and institute a statewide training program for precinct committeemen with the aim of increasing their political effectiveness.