First the big news. It was officially announced at the last meeting, it’s been in the works for some time now. Beginning in 2010, the Biscayne Bay Young Republicans will be known as Miami Young Republicans. We’ll continue to celebrate the rich history of an organization that’s advanced local candidates and causes continuously since 1981, the new name will make it clearer for people who come to South Florida looking for ways to get involved.

The November meeting was another one of our largest events of the year, and we thank everybody who made it out. One of our guests was Robert “Bob” Lowry, candidate for U.S. House, who is looking for volunteers and people interested in getting involved --- check out his Web site at www.lowryforcongress.com for more information.  Also joining us was former Senator Bob Smith, www.friendsofsenatorbobsmith.com.

While there is no regular meeting for December, we still have a full calendar for the party and for partying!

Wednesday, December 2 from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm, come out and meet Lt. Gov Jeff Kottkamp, Republican candidate for Florida’s attorney general. This special fundraiser is at the home of Andy Haggard, senior partner at The Haggard Law Firm.   The event is located at 9335 Gallardo Street, Coral Gables, FL 33156. If you’re planning on attending, please RSVP to 561-889-1008 and mention Miami Young Republicans.

Another option on December 2 is a fundraiser for David Rivera, candidate for state senate. The event runs from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the Las Vegas Cuban Restaurant at 11500 NW 41^st Street, Doral, FL 33178. To RSVP please contact Jennifer Brown at 904.346.3088 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and mention Miami Young Republicans.

Our northern buddies, the Broward County YRs, have their holiday party on Saturday, December 5 from 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm at Nick’s Italian Restaurant, 3496 N. Ocean Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL. The cost is $30 per person. More information at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=194865713209&index=1.

Our own holiday party is a cocktail party we’ll be holding on Tuesday, December 15 from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm. You’ll find the invitation attached, it’s at Por Fin Restaurant & Lounge in Coral Gables. We hope you’ll join us!

If you’re interested in learning more about Miami Young Republicans, getting involved in campaigns or even joining our board, please let me know!

More opportunities to get involved, meet your fellow local Young Republicans, and have direct contact with major Republican candidates.

Here is some club news:

The Miami-Dade County Republican Executive Committee tells us they're hosting a booth this weekend at the Feria de Las Americas in Tamiami Park. The booth will be for general party outreach and voter registration. The event is 5-11 pm on Friday, 12 noon - 11pm on Saturday and 11am - 11pm on Sunday.

We're looking for volunteers for 3-hour shifts at any point during those times. Spanish-language skills are essential. If you’re free to volunteer, contact Brian Gaither at 305-608-0750.

David Rivera, candidate for state senate district 38, hosts a fundraiser Friday, Nov. 13 from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm at the Cuba Ocho Art & Research Center (1465 SW 8^th Street, Miami). The special guest is Steven Bauer, co-star of the classic film Scarface.

Also on Friday, November 13, the Christian Family Coalition hosts its 2009 Annual Gala Dinner, featuring Governor Charlie Crist, Rep. Anitere Flores, Rep. Eddy Gonzalez, Rep. Erik Fresen, Rep. Julio Robaina and Rep. Juan Zapata. The event takes place at the Signature Gardens, 12725 SW 122^nd Avenue, Miami. Contact 305-222-8196 or visit https://secure4.afo.net/cfc/reservations.php. Seats are $65 per person. The Republican Majority Campaign PAC is also hosting a rally in favor of Marco Rubio concurrent with this event. For information, contact Daniel Diaz at 954-834-3429 or visit www.rmcpacfl.com.

Whilly Bermudez, candidate for state rep. district 116, hosts a fundraiser Saturday, Nov. 14 from 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm at the Epic Hotel & River Lounge, 270 Biscayne Blvd Way, Miami. The guest will be Phillip Michael Thomas, “Tubbs” from Miami Vice.

Saturday, Nov 14 and Sunday, Nov. 15 several of us will be headed to T.Y. Park in Hollywood for Camelot Days, the annual Renaissance Fair that’s coordinated by our special projects & outreach director, Sarah Gerber. More information, including details of the photo contest, are available at www.camelotdays.com.

Our next general meeting is Tuesday, November 17. We’ll have several special guests. Former U.S. Senator Bob Smith is entering the race for Florida’s 2010 U.S. Senate seat.Also joining us is Robert Lowry, who is running to face off against Debbie Wasserman-Schultz for the U.S. House. Several other state rep and state senate candidates may also be in attendance. The meeting is at Havana Harry’s, 4612 S. LeJeune Road, Coral Gables. The cocktail hour begins at 6:30, and the general meeting begins at 7:30.

The Miami City Commissioner run-off race is also November 17. Manolo Reyes (http://manoloreyes2009.com/contact.html) and Francis Suarez (http://suarezmiami.com/en/content/contact-us) are both Republicans and are both looking for people eager to get involved.

Marco Rubio speaks to the Republican Business Network Wednesday, November 18 at Mullins Park (1000 NW 28^th Street, Coral Springs, FL). For more information, contact Doug at 954-461-4195.

Whilly Bermudez is organizing a food and clothing drive to benefit the Miami Rescue Mission. The “One Day of Kindness” takes place Saturday, November 21. The daylong event will help provide some holiday cheer for the Thanksgiving holiday for families in need. Contact Whilly Bermudez at 305-807-1621 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for how you can help.

Hope to see you at our Tuesday meeting. Bring a friend!