	2001 AVRA Endorsements
	FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE From: Antelope Valley Republican Assembly Subject: AVRA Endorses Candidates for November 6, 2001 election (PALMDALE) On September 24, 2001 the Antelope Valley Republican Assembly(AVRA) held a general membership meeting to consider and then vote on endorsements for Palmdale Mayor, Palmdale City Council, and a variety of local school boards positions throughout the Antelope Valley. A forum was held on September 10, 2001 to spotlight the candidates for Palmdale Mayor and City Council. All Republican Candidates running for those seats were invited to attend and present their campaign platforms and answer several questions presented by various individuals. Those candidates wishing to obtain the AVRA endorsement included Rick Norris, Richard Loa, and Celeste Eckley. Candidates who chose to abstain from participation stated that they preferred to run for office without the blessing of Republican support. Those candidates included Jim Ledford, Jim Root, and Rod Penner. As a result of this event, and based upon a history of conservative activism, Rick Norris, Richard Loa, and Celeste Eckley were recommended for AVRA endorsements. The requirement for an official AVRA endorsement is that candidates receive a two-thirds vote of the general membership in attendance at the general membership AVRA meeting. Norris, Loa, and Eckley easily obtained the two-thirds vote requirement from the AVRA membership. The school board endorsements were based upon a careful analysis. A five member committee was established to create a questionnaire that was mailed to all school board candidates. Only candidates that returned the questionnaire were considered for endorsement. According to AVRA’s by-laws only candidates that were registered Republicans were eligible for endorsement. Another important factor was familiarity with the candidates. Republican incumbents that were doing a good job were given priority for recommendation for endorsement. It is also important to note that AVRA membership is not a requirement for endorsement. In fact, many AVRA and non-AVRA members were endorsed, while not all of AVRA’s members received an endorsement. The questionnaire can be viewed at the AVRA web site at www.avgop.com. On September 24, 2001 the following candidates for school board received two-thirds of the AVRA general membership vote and have been endorsed. Antelope Valley College – two year term Jack Seefus Antelope Valley College – full term Michael R. Adams Steve Buffalo Betty Weinke Antelope Valley Union High School District Richard Cook James Lott Brett A. Nelson Keppel School District Jeff Sauer Lancaster School District Keith Giles Greg Tepe Palmdale School District Shawny Barcelona Tim Dura Westside School District Christine LeBeau Robin Kessler Donna Margherita
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