For over a decade, the Republican Party has been losing its prominence in Sacramento. This decline is more than just electoral defeats; it is the slow but progressive draining of the dearest principles from every corner of our lives. During this painful era, our leaders announced numerous plans – big, bold, expensive plans. As each of those plans failed, their architects just kept on planning, dreaming up bigger and bolder ideas, all the while ignoring the rising liberal tide.



The Republican Party of California has tried to out-elite the elites, and has failed completely. As we face a Democratic super majority in both houses of our state government, it is time to get back to our roots of hard work and activism. It’s time to once again be the Grand Old Party - the volunteer-based, grassroots party of fairness, equality, and prosperity.



California Republicans need a new breed of leader. We need leaders who put down the smart phone, step away from the computer, set aside the polling data and roll up their sleeves. We need leaders who will walk neighborhoods, talking to voters, handing out yard signs and materials, and tirelessly doing the groundwork necessary for Election Day success. We need leaders who will be seen pounding the pavement of Main Street, not just gracing the editorial pages.



Rodney Stanhope is one of these leaders.



Most Republican activists who have been involved in statewide or targeted legislative campaigns know Stanhope well as the man willing to drive from his home in El Dorado to ANY district in the state to deliver campaign signs, join a day of precinct walking or phone banking, or invigorate a crowd on behalf of conservative Republican candidates throughout California. While there are others within the state party who have volunteered extensively on the grassroots level, few can boast both the service time and knowledge through hands-on experience that Stanhope can.

ABOUT RODNEY

Rodney Stanhope began his political involvement in 1984, with the simple act of placing a yard sign on his front lawn for Ronald Reagan. After graduation, Stanhope enlisted in the US Navy and served a complete tour before his honorary discharge. His tour of duty complete, Stanhope relocated to Sacramento and began to offer his services assisting with fundraising for the Muscular Dystrophy Association with Mark S. Allen of FM102.5. With a background in radio, he was then able to promote, create, and develop a wide variety of fundraising events throughout the Sacramento Region, including the United Way, the March of Dimes, Run to Feed the Homeless, and many others. Rodney believes it is our job, not government’s, to take care of our own community.

​

While attending American River College, Stanhope worked on the Pete Wilson for Governor Campaign as his campus volunteer coordinator. He got involved in efforts to raise funds for the military families in need during Operation Desert Storm. With so many service members deploying to Afghanistan and Iraq, Stanhope began spending even more time fundraising for these families, using his extensive connections in both the political and business communities.

In November of 2003, Stanhope created and assisted with the development of "Toys for Troops Kids", living in a Tough Shed during the 12 days of Christmas to raise money to provide toys for children of deployed service members. In its first year, "Toys for Troops Kids" raised nearly $200,000 in just 18 days.

Rodney has been content, until recently, to work with select candidates who share our party’s principles, work ethic, and dedication to community. He’s sought out people with a true vision for the office they were seeking, and dug in wherever his talents could best be put to use. Today, Stanhope’s concern over the perilous state of the California Republican Party has convinced him that his experience and energy can be used in a more impactful way – to continue his hands-on efforts as our new Republican Vice-Chair.



Rodney Stanhope believes that with hard work and involved leadership, our party can regain not just relevance, but also the prominence we once possessed – prominence we must have to protect everything we’ve worked so long to build. That we together, out of a great many – one, will restore and preserve for our children and grandchildren this golden state.

California Republicans looking for that new brand of party leader can look no further than to Rodney Stanhope, who has declared his candidacy for Vice-Chairman of the California Republican Party.