“We must not allow the success Democrats have seen in voter registration in recent months lead to success at the ballot box,” state GOP Chairman Jim Greer declared Tuesday in announcing a major statewide voter registration drive. “With a U.S Senate Seat and four open Cabinet races in 2010, we must maintain our focus on the general election next November and work to build our infrastructure of registered voters and grass roots volunteers who will implement our nationally recognized GOTV Program.”

Updated voter registration numbers since the last election show Republicans have their work cut out for them. Nearly 40 percent of new registrations since October were Democrats, 35 percent independents, and 26 percent Republicans. Fewer than one in six Hispanic voters registered as Republican during that period, while more than half registered as Democrats. More than 40 percent of new registrations from voters under 35 were Democrats, while fewer than one in four registered Republican.

“A successful GOTV Program takes months to plan, build and manage,” said Greer. “This year, we are working from the ground up, starting with the county leadership. Local leaders will provide insight and information, suggest a time frame and training schedule, work with an RPOF Voter Registration Strike Team and finally carry out an aggressive calendar of voter registration activities focused on local needs.” 

They'd better get moving.

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