Young Republicans Starting Local Group
By SANDRA RHODES
A group is mounting a grass roots effort to form the McKean County Young Republicans organization.
Andrew Johnson of Port Allegany, along with Jeremy and Laura Yohe of Bradford, are starting a McKean County Young Republicans group as an effort to involve more young people in the political process.
“A lot of people say we are the future of the party,” Johnson said. “We are not just the future, we are the present, we are the here and now.
“We vote in elections … We need more involvement from young people.”
A kick-off event will be held from 7 to 11 p.m. May 8 at Kelly’s on Main Street in Bradford. U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson, R-Pa., will be the guest speaker. Other elected officials confirmed to attend are state Rep. Martin Causer, R-Turtlepoint, and Rep. Kathy Rapp, R-Warren.
This event will enable the group to present its goals as well as gauge interest. Applications will be available at the event. Snacks and the first drink will be provided; there will be a cash bar after that.
Johnson explained that the group’s goals are to “provide young people with the opportunity for political expression and recognition while also promoting fellowship and networking by organizing social events.”
Johnson himself is no stranger to politics or of starting a Young Republicans group. He is a member of the Port Allegany Borough Council and was a founding member of the Gannon University Campus Conservatives.
“A young Republican group would benefit this area,” said Johnson, who is optimistic this group will catch on even though there were attempts to start a Young Republican group in McKean County, which is predominantly a Republican county, before.
“With the advent of the social network (like Facebook) and the political climate, the timing is better now,” Johnson said. “Facebook is the biggest way of getting the word out. That and word of mouth.”
That is one thing that was an obstacle for previous attempts to start the group – getting the word out.
“What was a challenge they faced before is not a challenge anymore,” he said, adding there are about 50 people following the group on Facebook.
McKean County District Attorney Ray Learn is one, for example.
“I look forward to working with the McKean County Young
Republicans,” Learn said. “This group will benefit young people and the
Republican party alike by educating and involving a new generation of voters
and public servants.”
And, as you may ask, how young is young?
Johnson explained that the target age group is 18-35 year olds. However, anyone who is a registered Republican can join as well as those under 18 who show an interest in the goals of the group.
He said it is crucial for young adults to become involved.
“The decisions being made now on the local, state and federal levels affect us more than anybody.”
Johnson readily admits that he can’t take credit for the start of the group.
“Jeremy and Laura have done a lot of work,” he said. “None of us have official titles.”
In fact, the first official meeting date will be announced at the kick-off event.
In the meantime, Johnson is hoping that the more people know about the group, the more will join and share in his enthusiasm.
“The ideals of the Republican party are the ones that most match what I think makes this country great.”
Pictured, Andrew Johnson of Port Allegany and Laura Yohe of Bradford are among those planning an upcoming kick-off event of the McKean County Young Republicans. The event will be held from 7 to 11 p.m. May 8 at Kelly’s on Main Street in Bradford.
Photo by Sandra Rhodes
A group is mounting a grass roots effort to form the McKean County Young Republicans organization.
Andrew Johnson of Port Allegany, along with Jeremy and Laura Yohe of Bradford, are starting a McKean County Young Republicans group as an effort to involve more young people in the political process.“A lot of people say we are the future of the party,” Johnson said. “We are not just the future, we are the present, we are the here and now.
“We vote in elections … We need more involvement from young people.”
A kick-off event will be held from 7 to 11 p.m. May 8 at Kelly’s on Main Street in Bradford. U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson, R-Pa., will be the guest speaker. Other elected officials confirmed to attend are state Rep. Martin Causer, R-Turtlepoint, and Rep. Kathy Rapp, R-Warren.
This event will enable the group to present its goals as well as gauge interest. Applications will be available at the event. Snacks and the first drink will be provided; there will be a cash bar after that.
Johnson explained that the group’s goals are to “provide young people with the opportunity for political expression and recognition while also promoting fellowship and networking by organizing social events.”
Johnson himself is no stranger to politics or of starting a Young Republicans group. He is a member of the Port Allegany Borough Council and was a founding member of the Gannon University Campus Conservatives.
“A young Republican group would benefit this area,” said Johnson, who is optimistic this group will catch on even though there were attempts to start a Young Republican group in McKean County, which is predominantly a Republican county, before.
“With the advent of the social network (like Facebook) and the political climate, the timing is better now,” Johnson said. “Facebook is the biggest way of getting the word out. That and word of mouth.”
That is one thing that was an obstacle for previous attempts to start the group – getting the word out.
“What was a challenge they faced before is not a challenge anymore,” he said, adding there are about 50 people following the group on Facebook.
McKean County District Attorney Ray Learn is one, for example.
“I look forward to working with the McKean County Young
Republicans,” Learn said. “This group will benefit young people and the
Republican party alike by educating and involving a new generation of voters
and public servants.”
And, as you may ask, how young is young?
Johnson explained that the target age group is 18-35 year olds. However, anyone who is a registered Republican can join as well as those under 18 who show an interest in the goals of the group.
He said it is crucial for young adults to become involved.
“The decisions being made now on the local, state and federal levels affect us more than anybody.”
Johnson readily admits that he can’t take credit for the start of the group.
“Jeremy and Laura have done a lot of work,” he said. “None of us have official titles.”
In fact, the first official meeting date will be announced at the kick-off event.
In the meantime, Johnson is hoping that the more people know about the group, the more will join and share in his enthusiasm.
“The ideals of the Republican party are the ones that most match what I think makes this country great.”
Pictured, Andrew Johnson of Port Allegany and Laura Yohe of Bradford are among those planning an upcoming kick-off event of the McKean County Young Republicans. The event will be held from 7 to 11 p.m. May 8 at Kelly’s on Main Street in Bradford.
Photo by Sandra Rhodes
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