TERRE HAUTE —
Randy Gentry, Vigo County GOP secretary and a member of the state party committee, appears set to become the next chairman of the Vigo County Republican Party.
Gentry, 44, was the only person to file for the chairman’s post after Bill Treadway, former chairman, stepped down last week. The deadline for filing for the position was 10 a.m. Wednesday, party leaders said.
Although there is only one candidate, the Vigo County Republican Party must still conduct a formal caucus to elect a chairman. The caucus is set for 10 a.m. Saturday at the Vigo County Public Library.
The meeting will be closed to the public with a media availability scheduled to 11:30 a.m., GOP officials said.
Gentry has more than 20 years experience in party politics, starting when a family member sought a school board position in Hendricks County, he said. He has worked on numerous campaigns, including Gov. Mitch Daniels, former United States Rep. John Hostettler and currently serves as the 8th District chairman for the Republican Party state committee.
“I’ve done a little bit of everything,” said Gentry, who returned recently from serving as a delegate at the Republican National Convention in Tampa.
Treadway endorsed Gentry on Wednesday.
“I can’t think of anyone better qualified,” Treadway said. “Randy and I have worked together for eight years. He’s a fantastic guy.”
Gentry’s biggest challenge going forward will be to maintain the party’s momentum, Treadway said. In the past six years, Republicans have twice won some big local races, including Vigo County prosecutor and Terre Haute mayor. The party also has a much stronger primary turnout than it did years ago, Treadway said. In the May primary, Vigo County residents taking Democratic ballots outnumbered those taking Republican ballots, but by a much smaller margin than in years past, he said.
Gentry will complete Treadway’s four-year term, which expires in March. At that time, Gentry will have to stand for re-election along with all members of the local GOP leadership. In the meantime, Gentry will need to appoint a new party secretary to fill the position he is vacating.
There are approximately 90 precinct officials eligible to take part in Saturday’s party caucus. However, it is not clear how many will show up at the library to cast votes. It only takes one vote in an uncontested race to win the position, party officials said.
Until Saturday, Vada Long, Vigo County GOP vice chairman, will serve as acting party chairman.
Reporter Arthur Foulkes can be reached at (812) 231-4232 or arthur.foulkes@tribstar.com.
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