Henry Mitchell

Henry Mitchell nipped Chris Eck to win the chairmanship of the Buncombe County Republican Party during its annual Convention and Precinct Meetings on March 26 in the Buncombe County Courthouse in downtown Asheville.

The convention drew a standing-room-only crowd of 173 party members, not including guests and news media representatives. In contrast, last year’s session drew 104 party members, BCGOP activist Mike Fryar told The Tribune on Tuesday. He attributed the jump in the turnout to the competitive race between Mitchell and Eck.

Mitchell, endorsed by the BCGOP’s nominating committee, edged Eck on a 62-51 vote. Last year, Eck had stepped down from his post as BCGOP first vice chairman after expressing strong disagreement with the leadership of then-Chairman Chad Nesbitt and some other party officers.

After Mitchell accepted the BCGOP chairmanship, he was congratulated by Eck. Mitchell said he would strive to involve Eck with the party.

A native of Asheville, Mitchell was narrowly defeated by Lisa Baldwin in his run last November for the Reynolds district seat on the Buncombe County school board. Former BCGOP Chairman said Mitchell is “energetic and not afraid to tackle the tough issues.”

Other officers elected include Danny Radcliff, first vice chairman; Trish Smothers, second vice chairman; Loretta Reynolds, secretary; and Toni Rogers, treasurer. The officers will serve a two-year term.

Convention highlights included remarks by Robin Hayes, chairman of the state Republican Party, who said he wants to work with all of the county parties and help win elections. To that end, he urged the BCGOP to stay in close contact with him. Also, the BCGOP heard from Republicans seeking public office and its club presidents.

Outgoing Treasurer Dorothea Alderfer said the BCGOP has $4,075.54 in its checking account, $480.33 in savings and $16,000 in a certificate of deposit. She also said the party “took in just over $9,000 from the Lincoln-Reagan Dinner ... As of this moment, all bills are paid.”

The party also approved 173 county delegates, of which 128 are qualified to attend the state GOP convention in Raleigh.