Desert Hot Springs Republican Women Federated has started its aggressive endorsement process with no plans to endorse any candidate until after the primaries.
“My process is simple,” said President Yvonne Parks. “My plan is to get as many candidates as I can to come speak to our club.”
Photo courtesy of Doug Hassett
The club, about two dozen members strong, has already interviewed Doug Hassett, a La Quinta resident seeking the Republican nomination for the 36th Congressional District. The seat is now held by Democratic Congressman Raul Ruiz.
Parks said she tried to make contact with Kimberlin Brown Pelzer, who is also challenging Ruiz, but she has not yet responded.
Parks said she has not yet reached out to Dan Ball, one of four Republicans hoping to unseat Ruiz, but “may do that in future months.”
The group meets once monthly. In January, Secretary of State Mark Meuser is scheduled to meet with the group. Future candidates Parks she has on her radar are Jan Harnik, Republican candidate for Riverside County Fourth District Supervisor. She is also working on finding a date in April when Assemblyman Travis Allen, a gubernatorial candidate, can meet with the group.
“In comparison with other clubs, we are small,” Parks said. “Perhaps that is the reason I do not get responses from every one of my inquiries.” Many of the members are active in the city and local politics. The mission of the group is to promote Republican politicians, especially women.
The group often “goes dark” in the summer, but given it is an election year; Parks said the group might reconsider.
Parks said the reason Desert Hot Springs Republican Women Federated will not endorse until after the primaries is simple: Rules and regulations it.
East Valley Republican Women Federated in October endorsed Brown Pelzer. That group was able to endorse before the June Primary because she is a member of the group.
