Mary Igo – Candidate for GOP National Committee

Minnesota Republican National Committee members, Evie Axdahl and Brian Sullivan announced their resignation of their posts during a State Executive Committee meeting in January. State Central Delegates for the GOP will elect their replacements during the State Central meeting on April 16, 2011.

National Committee members serve on the Executive Committee of the Republican Party of Minnesota as well as a vote on the Republican National Committee. These are very influential and powerful positions within the party. In the next month, BPOU's (Basic Political Organizational Units) will be electing state central delegates at their conventions who will vote for the new committee members.

Please meet candidate for GOP National Committeewoman: Mary Igo

PERSONAL BACKGROUND

Age:  39, suppose if I told you that you wouldn’t buy it.  I am 59.

Marital Status: Married to Pat Igo for 37 years

Children: Monica, 36, Dan, 34, Katie 21

Profession:  CEO, Minnesota Gastroenterology, PA

Education:  

AA in Nursing - Anoka Ramsey Community College

BS in Health Care Management - University of St. Francis

MBA - University of St. Thomas

Leadership for the 21st Century - Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University

Strategic Leadership - Cornell University

REPUBLICAN ACTIVISM HISTORY

National

National Excellence in Public Service Series Annual Meeting 2005, 2006, 2007

National Delegate for George W. Bush, New York City, 2004

National Republican Woman’s Leadership Conference, 2006.2007, 2008, 2009

Proxy, Republican National Committee 2008

Regional

Midwest Leadership Conference 2001 Minneapolis;

Southern Leadership Conference 2003, Memphis

Midwest Leadership Conference 2005 Indianapolis,

Minnesota

Founder, Minnesota Excellence in Public Service Series

Chair, Minnesota Excellence in Public Service Series, Board of Governors 2006-present

Board Member, MNGOP Elephant Club

Member, MNGOP Elephant Club

Chair, Count Them All Properly, Inc. 

Volunteer, Emmer’s recount team, 2010

Chair  MN Republican State Credentials Committee 2002 to present

Co-ChairMinnesota Republican Party StateFair Committee 2007

Volunteer Coleman for US Senate 2002, 2006

Volunteer Coleman for Governor Campaign, 1998

Local

President, Capitol Republican Woman’s’ Federation, 2006-2009

Ramsey County Chair, Bush for President Campaign 2004

Volunteer, McKasy for Senate Campaign 1996

Volunteer Coleman for Mayor Campaign, 1993

VolunteerRepublican Party Booth Minnesota StateFair

Republican Party Volunteer

*phone caller

*literature dropper

*parade walker

*BPOU Leadership, 54B, 65A

Elective Office sought/held: 

None, I am a grassroots leader, activist and volunteer like the people I hope to represent.

NATIONAL COMMITTEEWOMAN POSITION

Why do you want to run for National Committeewoman?

I believe that my strengths can help re establish credibility for the State of Minnesota at the RNC. I have strong business experience that can help the RNC along with a desire and understanding of the role the RNC needs to play and the coordination with MNGOP that needs to occur.   I have business expertise but I am not for “business as usual”.  I want to know the “why” we do what we do and if there are other ways that may be more successful.  It is my understanding that one of the reasons Minnesota did not receive more funding for the 2010 elections is because we did not have a viable plan or active Committee People.

I have been involved with Women’s leadership at the RNC level for the past two years.  I understand the divisiveness and lack of coordination that needs to be stopped and the energy that needs to be put into focusing on key issues as well as holding elected officials accountable. 

What is the biggest hurdle the RNC has to overcome? 

To present as a collaborative group that is focused on getting people elected and reinforcing with those elected that we are a party of conservative values that is fiscally conservative.  They need to have a common goal and hold them accountable to do what they promised.  To provide insight to all Republicans about the events, actions and how the funds are used.

What is the biggest hurdle MNGOP has to overcome? 

To obtain leadership at every level that can accomplish meeting the objectives of carrying our conservative principles forward.  That includes open and honest communication on all issues, engaging grass roots leadership and providing tools to get the job done.

What initiatives would you bring to the RNC?

• A regular newsletter that keeps people abreast of what is happening within the party.  This is absolutely necessary to keep people engaged to increase the likelihood of accomplishing a common goal. 
• A project that continues to break down the notion that the Republican Party is the party of wealthy business men but that of those believing in limited government and fiscal conservativeness regardless of race, sex , etc.  It is the party of women too.
• Finally, a viable plan that will support why Minnesota needs money from the RNC to break down the democratic hold of the cities.  Particularly collateral that addresses the new Americans.
• A clear understanding of what the health care dilemma means to Americans and Minnesotans.  I would be able to help assess candidates and their plans on this issue.

What initiatives would you bring to MNGOP?

• Open and straightforward communication methods that keep people aware of what is happening through out the state, where resources are being provided and where help is needed. 
• Communication regarding the use of money and what additional resources are needed.  I want to know where my money is going when I give it to the party just as I do when I provide it for my family.
• Identifying GREAT candidates in Metropolitan Areas that can WIN.

Why are you the best candidate for this position?

• Founder of Minnesota Excellence in Public Service Series (MEPS) in 2006, www.mnexcellenceseries.com.  A Minnesota Chapter of a National Program focused on training Conservative Women for elected or appointed Public Service positions.  Of the 3 year long series we have 8 women who have been elected to state and city offices, 3 women who have run successful campaigns for others (including Chip Cravaack’s campaign manager) and 4 others that started the Voices PAC, a PAC that raises funds to support Conservative Women candidates.  We are currently conducting the 4th series.
• My business credentials of implementation of ideas and concepts that can make a difference.
• Extensive Knowledge of Health Care Issues that will be a hot topic going forward.
• Ability to work with people at all levels behind the scenes getting the grassroots activities done.
• My listening skills and willingness to admit that there maybe other ways than just my way.
• Past experience of working with RNC Co-Chair Joann Davidson and RNC Co-Chair Jan Larimer on Women’s Leadership Activities
• Proxy to the RNC in 2006
• I have no conflict of interests with the position

CONTACT INFORMATION

 How should people contact you? 

Email: Mary.igo@gmail.com

Phone: 651-298-0000

Website:  www.igoformnrnc.com

Facebook Page: Mary Igo for National Committee Woman

Twitter:  #igomn