After a dismal year for statewide candidates, Missouri Republicans decided to appoint new leadership to lead the party as it attempts to rebuild a statewide infrastructure.
On Saturday, the Missouri Republican State Committee elected Ed Martin to serve as party chairman, voting 34 to 32 against incumbent David Cole. The vote came down to a second ballot. Former State Sen. Jane Cunningham pulled seven votes in the first round, which was not enough to advance.
Martin, a former staff member for Gov. Matt Blunt and most recently chairman of the Republican National Committee’s ‘Victory 2012’ effort in Missouri, told committee members he hopes to make the party more “relevant” to more voters in the state.
via Ed Martin Ousts David Cole as Missouri GOP Chairman.
