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I am proud to support David Queen for re-election to the Republican Party State Executive Committee (SEC) in District 11. My support is rooted in nearly 40 years of friendship with David and in watching, firsthand, what he has done for our community and for the Republican Party.

The core responsibility of an SEC member is to lead the party while representing the district, and above all, to ensure that Republicans get elected to office. Anyone who tells you otherwise simply does not understand the job.

As a two-term chairman of our local Republican Party, I worked alongside David for many years, and together we built a track record of real success in electing Republicans locally. David was always there for our candidates, doing the work, often unseen, that it takes to help Republicans win. When the SEC seat for our district opened four years ago, David answered the call has been an outstanding State Executive Committeeman, continuing the work he has always done getting Republicans elected.

Beyond politics, look at what David has built for our community. He established Friends of Hixson to keep the public informed about what's happening where we live. He founded the North River Pachyderm Club, giving Republican candidates and elected officials a regular forum to meet directly with Republican voters. He has served the Hixson Kiwanis Club. And he has done all of this while running a successful local business.

In this race, as in many others, you will hear plenty of name-calling. Some Republicans lose sight of the principle that President Ronald Reagan always said - We shouldn't speak ill of fellow Republicans.  Labels like "establishment," "RINO," and "votes liberal" are often tossed around by those who believe everyone should have the same political opinions when in fact, they agree most of the time, especially on the core issues that matter.  It’s the 1-2% percent of time when they disagree is why they believe someone is a bad Republican. It's little more than noise, and it should be treated that way.

David Queen is the real deal. I am proud to support him in his reelection bid to keep doing what he does best: helping Republicans win.

Tony Sanders