Greenbrier County Republican Club Regular Meeting with Special Guest Alex Gaaserud

The Greenbrier County Republican Club held its regular meeting, which featured a guest speaker, U.S. Senate candidate Alex Gaaserud. The meeting covered financial reports, committee updates, and discussions on upcoming initiatives.

Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

The meeting commenced with an invocation led by Mr. Kirk, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Treasurer's Report and Audit Committee Findings

Treasurer Allie Beard provided an update on the club’s financial status:

• Bank balance: $11,208.15

• Cash on hand: $380

• Upcoming deposit: $1,850 from ticket sales

• No outstanding obligations at present

Ron Kirk presented the Audit Committee’s report, confirming that all financial records were in order. The club began 2024 with a balance of $11,214.16, generated an income of $6,161.89, and had total expenditures of $9,439.14, leaving an end-of-year balance of $7,936.91. Major expenses included $5,500 in candidate contributions, $1,210.32 for the state fair booth, and $1,818.30 for parade and event expenses.

Motion for Humane Society Donation

A motion was made and seconded to donate $100 to the Humane Society in memory of Sue Spicers. The motion was approved.

Guest Speaker: Alex Gaaserud

Alex Gaaserud, a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in 2026, addressed the club, outlining his vision for West Virginia. He criticized incumbent Senator Shelley Moore Capito’s long tenure, stating that West Virginia has suffered from poor leadership. His key platform points included:

1. Economic and Workforce Revitalization

   • Addressing West Virginia’s low workforce participation rate

   • Developing vocational training and STEM education

   • Strengthening energy independence through coal and natural gas production

2. Border Security and Immigration Policy

   • Advocating for military deployment to the southern border

   • Supporting mass deportation of illegal immigrants

   • Ending the current asylum system

3. Government Reform and Fiscal Responsibility

   • Reducing the national debt, currently at nearly $37 trillion

   • Eliminating omnibus spending packages in favor of single-subject appropriation bills

   • Enforcing term limits and banning stock trading for members of Congress

4. Social and Cultural Issues

   • Opposing transgender ideology and left-wing academic indoctrination

   • Reforming the education system to focus on financial literacy and vocational training

   • Strengthening Second Amendment rights

Education Reform and School Consolidation

Gaaserud expressed concerns over school consolidations and declining education standards. He called for:

• The dissolution of the federal Department of Education

• State-led education funding and audits

• Increased investment in local schools to prevent further consolidations

Legislative Advocacy and Political Recruitment

Club members discussed methods for engaging with state legislators and promoting conservative candidates. Concerns were raised about the misallocation of state funds, particularly a recent $5 million donation to an Ohio educational institution while West Virginia communities struggle with clean water access.

Doug McKinney provided updates on an upcoming dinner event for Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, noting strong ticket sales and ad revenue.

Closing Remarks

Gaaserud encouraged club members to recruit younger candidates for public office, emphasizing grassroots political engagement. His campaign website, Gaaserud4WV.com, was shared for further inquiries and donations.

The meeting concluded with discussions on future events and legislative priorities for the Greenbrier County Republican Club.