May 23 2009
N.C. GOP Chair Candidate Marcus Kindley
Marcus Kindley was the second chair candidate to respond to our questionnaire. Mr. Kindley is the former chair of the Guilford County GOP (2001-2007) and is the co-founder and CEO of Intercarolina Financial Services, a full service brokerage firm. He has also served on the 6th Congressional District Executive Board and the NCGOP State Executive Committee. For more information about his and his stances, please visit his website at http://www.ncgopchairman.com.
CPO thanks Mr. Kindley for answering our questionnaire.
As with the other candidates, Mr. Kindley’s remarks were not edited.
1. Last year the NCGOP produced and aired an infamous commercial using
Jeremiah Wright to attack Richard Moore and Beverly Perdue. Some
Republicans, including John McCain, thought the commercial was in poor
taste. What’s your opinion on the commercial? Would you have aired it?
The commercial was aired to create contributions to the state
party, because the Party has not been able to generate funds to pay those
working at the Headquarters. That being the case, it served it’s purpose. I
can and would be able to raise money in a more consistent manner.
2. Why do you think Pat McCrory and Elizabeth Dole lost last year? Had you been the GOP chairman last year, what would you have done differently to ensure a different outcome?
There was a total lack of organization. Victrory office managers were paid on Phone Calls made, therefore they did not encourage working at polls, poll observers, door to door campaigning etc. this led to the defeat of Pat McCory, Elizabeth Dole’s campaign thought it was in the bag and did not plan or effectively campaign. In fact the McCain campaign had determined to to spend any funds for offices in NC as early as June, but when the numbers turned they scrambled to put together the Vicotry offices with the result shown in the election.
3. The GOP has a weak candidate bench. What will you do to recruit and train stronger candidates?
It goes back to a simple formula. UNTIL we have a CEO of the party who can organize statewide, lead with a message supported by the rank and file, raise necessary funds then we will have poor Candidates. Why? because we ask candidates to get a second mortgage on their house and then wish them good luck, If they win it is usually because of their own efforts WITHOUT the help of the Party. Therefore there is no loyalty to the Party and no effort to BUILD the party by elected officials. ( until three months before the elections)
4. Why, in your opinion, has North Carolina been unable to elect strong
Republican leaders to both state and federal office, while other southern
states like Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina have?
the chairman’s office has been used as a stepping stone to higher office, It has been run by individuals who run it like a political Campaign not as a business, the results is a waste of time talent and money election after election. We have put politicos in Charge and not those with a servants heart and an intelligent mind. ( I have and continue to run a successful business for 23 years, We should talk of economy of scale, marketing and so much more here!)
5. Without naming names, do you think the current staff at state Republican headquarters are doing a good job? Would you keep many of them, or would you make replacements?
Those at the State headquarters are led by the Chairmen, As an Employer I know that individuals respond to leadership and expectations, a functioning Chain of Command and so on. they have not had the organization ran as a business enterprise. Therefore, results are hit and miss. There may be those at the HQ who may decide to explore other opportunities or may not wish to continue under a new administration. I will make sure we have a smooth functioning TEAM that understands we are there to Serve the Republicans of NC by defeating Democrats.
6. The state Democrats out-raised the Republicans last year by a large
margin. What is your plan to raise more money?
They are to numerous to put here. As a County Chairman I raised more funds than any other Chairman. As the owner of a Stock Brokerage Firm I make my living raising money, so… One thing is certain if we do not establish our brand, what we stand for we will continue to have poor fundraising. When less than 30% of the State Executive Committee gives to the Party there are problems….
7. Looking at the other 49 state Republican Parties, which state party
organizations would you would emulate? Why?
Each one is different. South Carolina is not North Carolina. I am open to looking at and using tactics and ideas used by our counterparts. I believe Georgia several years ago and Mississippi under Haley Barbour along with SC all offer ideas we can use.
8. The Republican Party must retake either the state house or state senate
in 2010 to have a say in redistricting. What’s your plan to make that
happen?
8a. Assume for a second the Republicans take both houses. Will you push for partisan redistricting, or will you push for an independent bi-partisan
panel to draw the lines?
We must have a Contract With NC, A Statement of Principles simple enough that every man, womenand Child in NC knows and understands it. As far as redistricting… we have a State Constitution that lays our how we should do it… We should follow our Constitution!!!!!
9. The General Assembly recently passed a ban on smoking in restaurants
(HB2). What?s your opinion on this bill?
9a. If you disagree with its passage, will you take any action against the
Republican representatives and senators who voted for it?
Private Property rights should be upheld for all citizens I see this as the right of the owner to decide what he offers his customer. The market
place will decide if it is right or not.
As far as taking action against GOP Reps… We must have teeth in the tiger
first. Until we can deliver votes, volunteers, organization and money those
elected will have nothing to fear or worry about… as has been shown, in
that there is no solid front against the Democrats.
10. On what issue do you disagree with mainstream Republicans the
most?
Let me just say I am a Ronald Reagan Conservative who is unwilling
to compromise my principles to gain favor with the Mainstream
media!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
11. Do you believe that individuals have a right to make choices you morally disagree with, so long as a third party is not hurt by their actions?
Yes and No… any action taken will affect a third party no matter
what that is.. Abortion, Drug Use,Etc.
11a. Do you support legalized gambling? No
11b. Do you support the legalization of marijuana? No
11c. Do you support seatbelt and helmet laws?
This is a personal choice, but as a Motorcycle rider myself I believe that riding without a helmet can lead to death or lead to someone being paralyzed becoming a ward of the state receiving Tax funds to support them for their Choice…. Ie that third party thing again.
11d. State Sen. Purcell (D) has introduced a bill banning the sale of Salvia
Divinorum, a hallucinogenic plant. Do you support this bill?
Since the Dems control everything in Raleigh, until we have control our opinions are moot!
12. CPO is running a series of articles called Dead Republican Walking,
wherein we keep track of which state Republicans vote for bills that expand the size of government, spend unwisely, or reduce individual liberty. At the end of this session, we will encourage our readers to support and even induce primary challenges against these Republicans.If an elected Republican works with the Democrat Party to undermine the Party Platform this should be pointed out and they should be held accountable the Chairman Should not interfer in Primaries, Period! Suppose I have a personal friend who wants to run against a sitting REPUBLICAN, who is a stand up Conservative and upholds our values on and off the field…. should I use the Party apparatus to throw him out just for my friend…. It’s been done before and Should not happen.
a. If you were chairman, at what point -if any- would you look at a certain
Republican’s voting record and decide that s/he does not represent
conservative values?
c. Would you actively discourage a primary campaign against such a
Republican? If so, why?
d. Assume an open seat and no ideological differences between two primary candidates- should the state party should intervene in this primary, or should it remain neutral?
The Party should remain neutral and support the winner… but we should have closed primaries!!!!!!!!
