Origin and function of the Maryland Grassroots Republicans (MGR)

Mobilizing the power of grassroots volunteers for self-governing society

The Maryland Grassroots Republicans (MGR) was organized after the 2016 primary election, to help unify ALL Republicans for greater success in the political process. I came up with this idea based on my experience in organizing an independent grassroots organization of volunteers in Maryland for the Ted Cruz for president campaign. During this campaign, as state volunteer coordinator, I realized the need to mobilize grassroots bottom-up activity that involves individuals more directly in political leadership and outreach.

In Maryland, lopsided in favor of the Democrat politics for many years, Republicans have failed to overcome this imbalance due to lack of grassroots organization and unifying effort in support for ALL Republican candidates. In this disorganized state, many Republicans feel defeated and discouraged, even before making any effort at all. The result is a self-fulfilling prophesy of failure, especially in the heavy Democrat areas near Washington, DC. To reverse this condition, the MGR aims to build up a positive unifying message and outreach action for the Republican cause.

The MGR focuses on a few key points that will easily unify our side: Freedom, Prosperity, and Security. Organizing around these ideas, there are two main functions: (1) Unified canvassing and outreach for ALL Republican candidates and (2) Purchase and distribution of signs that that say basically “Vote Republican – Freedom, Prosperity, Security”.

So far, we have managed to raise funds and purchase some 5,000 canvassing postcard that are now being put into circulation for door-to-door and telephone follow up as well. In addition, we have purchased over 500 signs, which will be distributed in key property locations around the state, as well as at polling locations. We will make a priority in our campaign for success in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties and Baltimore city.

At present, our current number of volunteers and donors is about 400, with many of these giving their attention to the more ordinary campaign activity in support of specific issues and individual candidates. Nevertheless, I’m confident that, in time, our unifying message and purpose will be better understood, and we will ultimately achieve more visible results in the future, which will certainly materialize in more committed principled Republican elected officials.

By Lee Havis, state volunteer coordinator

mgr@patriotvoting.com

240-481-1566