By Joe Parmon
Wednesday, October 27, 2004
Secretary of State addresses county Republicans at fall dinner
MIDDLEVILLE - A commanding speech by the state's Secretary of State Randy Daniels highlighted
the Herkimer County Republican Committee's Annual Fall Dinner held last night at the Crystal Chandelier restaurant in Middleville.
More than 225 Republicans were in attendance, among them local office holders and a host of dignitaries including State
Sen. James Seward, Assemblyman Marc Butler, State Sen. Ray Meier, and county chairpersons from surrounding counties.
Following a reception, the guests adjourned to the main banquet room for dinner and to listen to various speakers.
Leading off was Daniels, a charismatic and engaging speaker who was introduced by Seward as a rising political star among
New York state Republicans.
Daniels, who became Secretary of State in April of 2001 following a nomination by Gov. George Pataki, stressed the importance
of mobilizing on Election Day, getting out the vote in support of President Bush and all Republican candidates at all levels.
Daniels went on to remark that it was important to broaden and expand the Republican party, spreading the message of
"inclusion and hope." To accomplish the goal of inclusion, Daniels said party members "do not have to change what we believe,
what our values are, and what our principles are. Right now we are the minority party, but if we do that we will be the majority party."
Daniels, who last visited the valley area three years ago, boasts an impressive track record both in government and in the private sector,
which includes serving as a foreign correspondent for CBS News for several years.
As Secretary of State, Daniels oversees various state agencies and is in charge of licensing, incorporation, managing coastal resources,
and provides technical assistance to local governments, among other duties. Daniels is also chairman of the state Real Estate and 911
Call boards and is a member of many other state boards as well.
