SREC Member Jason Moore, National Committeewoman Borah Van Dormolen, Governor Rick Perry, SREC Member Russ Deurstine and RPT Chairman Steve Munisteri

On Tuesday, July 26th, the Tom Green County Republican Party, in conjunction with the Republican Party of Texas, hosted a fundraising event featuring Governor Rick Perry. The Governor's appearance in San Angelo was a reward for the performance of Tom Green County GOP volunteers, who during the 2010 elections logged more volunteer hours per capita than any other county party across Texas. The event was coordinated by SREC member and Tom Green County Republican Party Chairman Russ Deurstine, who received assistance on organizing the fundraiser from RPT Finance Director Keri Mason.

The event was kicked off by Russ Deurstine who thanked all the volunteers from Tom Green County who worked so diligently for the Governor and the Republican ticket in the past election cycle. He then went on to introduce State Party Chairman Steve Munisteri, who in turn introduced Governor Rick Perry. Chairman Munisteri noted in his remarks that the amount collected for the fundraiser was a record for the Tom Green County Republican Party. The Chairman also noted that the Governor, despite his busy schedule, has been instrumental in helping raising money for the Republican Party of Texas during the last year and should get much of the credit for the overall success of the Republican Party ticket during the last election.

An energized Governor Perry fired up the crowd with a rousing speech on Texas and American exceptionalism. He noted that the Texas economy has grown 50% faster than the rest of the country over the last decade and that the Texas' economy is number one in job creation in America. Following his speech, the Governor mingled with guests before heading back to Austin.

Before the close of the event, Russ Deurstine introduced National Committeewoman Borah Van Dormolen who gave an insightful update on the Republican National Committee and an analysis of the debt ceiling debate that continues in this country. She also added in her remarks to the guests in the room, an appeal to become ambassadors in their community to inform their friends and neighbors of the importance of voting in November 2012. She noted that we are at risk of losing as a Republican Party if our base does not realize what is at stake and stays home instead of going to the polls.

RPT Chairman Steve Munisteri commented on the success of the event, saying – "The RPT is very appreciative that Governor Perry would take the time to help build one of our local county party organizations, especially in light of all that he has going on currently. Russ Deurstine did a magnificent job putting together the event, and I congratulate him and the Tom Green County Republican Party for a wonderful evening."