From Staff Reports

Those who already are not members of the Buncombe County Republican Party need to register as Republicans so that they can influence and reform the party, about 50 attendees were told at a seminar on the night of Jan. 27 in Asheville.

The event, which drew about 50 tea party members, Libertarians and others, was hosted by the Asheville Tea Party, Asheville Tea PAC and Liberty Asheville. It was billed as the first in a series of seminars on constitutional government, free markets, fiscal responsibility, freedom and the prospects for restoring the republic. The seminar was held in Simpson Auditorium at A-B Tech.

Pep talks were provided by the two keynote speakers, Dr. Dan Eichenbaum and Michael Beitler. The men recently failed in their bids for House and Senate seats, respectively. Both are former Libertarians who have changed to GOP affiliations.

Eichenbaum, running as a Republican, failed in his bid to win the GOP nomination, falling 73 votes short — in a field of six candidates — of forcing a runoff with party nominee Jeff Miller. In last November’s midterm election, Miller lost to Rep. Heath Shuler, D-Waynesville.

Beitler, who ran as a Libertarian, changed his party affiliation to Republican after losing in his election bid.
Welcoming the crowd was Gary Shoemaker, who noted that the purpose of the seminar series is “to bring about a free and viable society ... Ours is not a viable society now ... We are literally mortgaging the future of our children and grandchildren” as the nation’s debt skyrockets because of government overspending.

Shoemaker acknowledged he is membership chairman of the BCGOP, but pointed to his patriot movement roots, noting he has been involved with both the ATP and Liberty Asheville since their inceptions. Speaking of the GOP, Shoemaker asserted, “I could be as critical of that party as anyone. But I think it offers a vehicle for change.”

With a nod toward the lone reporter covering the meeting, he prompted laughter from the crowd when he quipped, “I’m not plotting a takeover of the Buncombe County GOP, even though I’m sure that’ll be how it’s reported.”