Friday, September 29, 2000
Bush has friends in N.Ky.
New 'Young Professionals' group promotes his candidacy
By Patrick Crowley
The Cincinnati Enquirer
NEWPORT — Republican George W. Bush's presidential campaign got another local boost Thursday with the announcement of an organization of young business people working toward his election.
Young Professionals for George W. Bush already has 103 members and plans to add more in the five weeks leading up to the Nov. 7 election, said Trey Grayson, a lawyer heading up the local chapter.
“There are chapters forming in Lexington and Louisville as we speak,” Mr. Grayson, of Park Hills, said Thursday during a news conference at the World Peace Bell park in Newport.
“This is an official Bush campaign organization with chapters all over the country,” he said. “The goal is to mobilize young professionals to get out the vote for the Bush/Cheney ticket.”
The group will use what the 28-year-old Mr. Grayson called “e-technology,” such as e-mails, to recruit and keep members informed. It will also host political events, such as a presidential debate party Tuesday night at Jillian's in Covington, and organize community service projects. Those include volunteering at a haunted house to raise money for the Diocesan Children's Home in Covington.
“We'll also provide policy and political information, that members can use as ammo when debating their Gore friends ... and to persuade more importantly the undecided” voters.
Another goal of the group is to inspire young people to vote.
“We need to make sure our friends and colleagues who are Bush supporters actually do vote on Election Day,” he said.
Mr. Bush is expected to carry Northern Kentucky on Election Day, as his father, George Bush, and Sen. Bob Dole did in the 1992 and 1996 presidential elections.
But Democrats aren't ready to concede, said Terry Mann, a member of the Campbell County Democratic Executive Committee.
“I truly believe Al Gore is going to do better in Northern Kentucky, and at least in Campbell County, than people believe,” Mr. Mann said. “I had some Gore yard signs and bumper stickers, but I keep running out. That shows me Al Gore and Joe Lieberman are attracting voters this year.”
Mr. Grayson said Mr. Bush's platform of tax cuts, reforming Social Security by allowing some money to be invested in the stock market, and child tax credits should attract voters.
The inclusion of young people has helped Republicans become the dominant political party in Northern Kentucky, said Ken Harper, a retired state lawmaker and veteran GOP leader and strategist.
“While this group is new, having young people active in the party is not,” said Mr. Harper of Crestview Hills. “That's one of the main reasons we've been so successful. We invite young people to get involved. That makes a difference.”
More information on the group, including how to join, can be found on the Kenton County Republican Party's Web site, www.KCRP.org.
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