Last Saturday marked a significant milestone for the Republican Party as we celebrated 100 days away from the 2020 Republican National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. While there has been a lot of speculation about whether the convention would go on as planned, to repeat the words of our leader, RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, “we are moving full steam ahead.” 

At the end of August, thousands of excited Republicans will descend on the Queen City to experience more than a year’s worth of hard work, preparation, and organization – a world-class gathering that will celebrate the legacy of President Trump’s administration and culminate the nomination of President Donald J. Trump as he seeks to win his re-election. The eyes of the nation will watch as we showcase our principles, our ideas, and above all the results President Trump’s leadership has delivered over these past three and a half years.

Those results – a direct outcome of President Trump’s bold “Promises Made, Promises Kept” agenda – are what will power him to another resounding victory in November. In just his first term, President Trump has passed historic tax cuts, renegotiate unfair trade deals to the benefit of our farmers, passed landmark VA reform, and created innovative policies to protect our border. He has appointed two conservative Supreme Court justices in Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh and built the greatest economy the world has ever seen, which he will do again once we are through the coronavirus crisis. That process of re-building, of continued success, will begin with an incredible—and safe—Republican National Convention.

Unfortunately, as the coronavirus has done with everything else, it has forced the RNC to adapt its plans for the convention in August. Thankfully, the convention’s CEO Marcia Lee Kelly, and her team have been working around the clock to ensure that our convention is safe. In their resilience, Marcia’s team and their thoughtful preparation have allowed them to stay ahead of schedule – which has allowed them to stay ahead of schedule and remain flexible in their planning. 

In addition to having the team helmed by CEO Marcia Lee Kelly – who has a significant background in complex operations and large-scale events – the RNC recently announced the important step of hiring an experienced health and medical preparedness expert to advise on the implementation of health and safety protocols. Dr. Jeffrey W. Runge, MD, FACEP is joining their team with over 35 years of experience as a board-certified physician, as well as extensive experience in safety and risk management, medical preparedness, and planning. Dr. Runge’s expertise will be invaluable in ensuring the safety of the Convention, which will also invigorate North Carolina and South Carolina’s local economies during this difficult time.

The RNC is also working with health experts, medical professionals, and entities such as the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the White House Coronavirus Task Force to keep everyone who attends the convention safe. These are uncertain times. It’s not par for the course that those running the convention would work so closely with health care professions, but, in their desire to keep their members safe, the RNC is taking every step necessary to ensure that happens.  

Since our first Republican nominating convention in June 1856, the process of choosing our next presidential candidate has been a time-honored tradition that is so representative of our right as Americans to choose the leader of our country. While these last few months have been difficult, I know that this year will be special because as America watches, we will nominate President Trump – ushering in an era of rebuilding and revitalization. Our American comeback will continue on the national stage in Charlotte. 

So today, I join my fellow Republicans in counting down the days until we can be together in Charlotte – where we will make history once again.

CODY HOEFERT
CO-CHAIRMAN, REPUBLICAN PARTY OF IOWA

Cody Hoefert is a Chiropractor. He resides in Lyon Co. Iowa. He and his wife Jennifer have four young children