SBGOP: Two Slates, One Party

by James Fenkner

Discussing rhetoric and the Republic.

The future of the Santa Barbara GOP Committee is on this March 5 ballot. Registered Republicans (the only ones who can cast a ballot in these races) can either vote the incumbents back in, led by SBGOP Chairperson, Bobbi McGinnis, or they can bring in new blood, led by Colleen Estrada and a group called Unite2Win805. At its core, it’s a simple choice:  If you know and like what the Republicans are doing in Santa Barbara, reelect the incumbents. If you don’t, cast your vote for some new faces and new ideas.  

Santa Barbara Current has invited both Bobbi McGinnis and Colleen Estrada to make their slate’s respective cases directly to you. Ms. McGinnis’ email arrived first, so it is presented first. Colleen Estrada’s arguments continue after the line break. Please give equal attention to both visions of where the Santa Barbara GOP Committee is headed and/or where it should go. Then make an informed choice.

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We Can Win

By Bobbi McGinnis, Chairwoman, SBGOP and National delegate to the RNC Convention

The March 5^th Primary is an historic event for Santa Barbara County. Redistricting removed UCSB’s student voters from the 3^rd District Supervisor race. For the first time in decades, the 3rd District Supervisor race has a chance to break the power of the local Democrat party. Santa Ynez businessman Frank Troise is our Republican candidate. His vision for increasing revenue for Santa Barbara County is truly exciting and could not be timelier. The County Budget Director Paul Clementi in December hearings claimed the County will be broke in 48 months. Rather than adding more taxes or cutting budgets, Frank Troise wants Santa Barbara County to utilize our abundance of natural resources and talent. The Santa Barbara County budget problem is mismanagement due to the restrictive policy of the Democrat Party. To make change, we need Republicans and Independents to vote for Frank Troise.

It is important to VOTE in The Primary Election! The other reason is to keep 4^th District Supervisor Bob Nelson in his seat. He is the only Republican serving on the County Board of Supervisors. His vote, along with Steve Lavagnino is often the only dissenting voice. The 3 – 2 Democrat Vote has hindered our county government for decades.

Lastly, we are electing new representation to our Republican County Committee. This group of volunteers serve as the legal body of the local Republican Party. Currently, we have races in Supervisor District 1, 2 and 3. This is a friendly competition. The Current Committee works well together and has had great success in recruiting candidates and getting people elected to County School boards, City Councils, and Special Districts in 2020 and 2022. When you have more candidates for an open seat, you have an election. This is why we are listed on the ballot. Our committee decided that we had a fiduciary responsibility to endorse those candidates who bring experience and talent to the committee.

A meeting was held whereby each candidate had a chance to voice their reasons for running for the office and the skills they bring to the Committee. Those candidates that were endorsed by the 21 Committee members received over 2/3^rd of the votes. That is why you have two slates. On the SBGOP Official Voter Guide you have the endorsed candidates. The other slate has some that were endorsed, but others that were not.

Your ballot, the SBGOP voter guide and other election materials are here. Please VOTE and take advantage of early voting. Cast your ballot early to ensure your vote is counted. There are options for voting:  mail your ballot, drop it in a drop box or vote at the polls. Sign up for ballot tracking!, The important thing is that you participate and VOTE.

I invite you to engage with the Santa Barbara County Republican Party. Visit our website at www.sbcrp.org. We are one election away from changing the direction of Santa Barbara County. WE CAN WIN, IF REPUBLICANS VOTE.

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Time For Action

By Colleen Estrada, SBGOP District 3 Committee Member and Unite2Win805 Representative

Feeling disheartened by the direction of the Santa Barbara County Republican Party? Know that you're not alone. But amidst the challenges, there's a beacon of hope: Unite2Win805.

Unite2Win805 candidates are a powerhouse of expertise and dedication. From seasoned professionals to passionate volunteers, our team boasts a wealth of experience across Education, Business, Technology, and Community Service, inclusive of managing budgets for large corporates. Visit our site  (created by us, not a paid political consultant) to learn more about our team – your team if we earn your vote in the March 5^th Election.

We're not just another political group. We hail from Districts 1, 2, and 3, united in our mission to invigorate the local Republican Party. Whether seeking office or already serving on the Central Committee, our candidates are driven by transparency, strategic vision, and collaborative spirit. As grassroots volunteers, we're ignited by passion and a shared commitment to restore faith in our GOP through winning elections, keeping the money we raise here in our county and by growing the voter base through ‘door to door’ registering of Republicans.

Trust is the cornerstone of our endeavor. Transparency isn't just a buzzword for us; it's our creed. Gone are the days of closed-door dealings; we champion clear communication and unwavering accountability. Our promise is simple: to keep you informed, welcome your insights, and uphold the highest standards of honesty for all our core activities: Fundraising, Voter Registration, Candidate Recruitment and Support, and Getting out the Vote.

Strategy is our North Star. Guided by data, our decisions are purposeful and impactful. From safeguarding parents' rights to advocating for fiscal responsibility (beginning within the committee), our strategies are tailor-made to elevate our community, boost Republican voter engagement, and rally support for candidates, office holders and causes aligned with America First principles.

Collaboration fuels our progress. Together, let's forge a more inclusive and cohesive County Central Committee. Our team is dedicated to partnering with our constituents in South and North County, leveraging collective strength to achieve our shared objectives.

Unity is our driving force. We're committed to amplifying the diverse voices of Santa Barbara County, ensuring that our committee mirrors the rich tapestry of our community's values and aspirations.

But enough talk; it's time for action. It's time to reclaim Santa Barbara County for the principles we hold dear. We won't stand idly by as our county slips into the hands of the opposition. As reported by Josh Molina of Noozhawk at the September 4^th, 2023, Rally to Organize Against Republican “Infiltration”, Democrat Gregg Hart stated (about our county), “There were Republicans in the legislature, local government level, and we have pretty much extinguished that in Santa Barbara County.” And further, “We are turning our county and the whole state of California a deeper shade of blue.”

Despite numerous calls from community members for a formal response to this article from the Santa Barbara GOP, Hart's assertions went unchallenged by the current leadership. This lack of action serves as a testament to inertia, which consistently hampers success and represents just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the Committee's "missteps."

So, we urge you to stand with us. Explore our website to discover our vision for Santa Barbara County. Together, let's usher in an era of prosperity, progress, and victory. Join us, and together, we will unite to win!