Will Rogers, a longtime Republican Party activist, lobbyist and former 2008-10 Polk County Republican Co-Chairman, came back to the Party’s helm in a hard-fought campaign against Dave Edwards. Chad Brown was elected Co-Chairman with Joe Heuertz named Secretary and Cheryl Weisheit, Treasurer.
The outgoing Polk GOP Chairman Kevin McLaughlin did not seek re-election, instead taking note of the many accomplishments of his current Administration in 2010-12 which was highlighted with record inroads into the inner-city organizations, recognition and participation of the Sudanese, Asian and black community as well as record fundraising events which included Former United Nations Ambassador John Bolton and all 2012 Republican Presidential candidates participating with the organization.
In accepting the Chairmanship for the upcoming two-year cycle, Will Rogers told the crowd that his issues are the Republican core values: 1) Republican unity 2) electing Republicans to office at all levels 3) advancing the Party platform and 4) voter outreach, including but not limited to, a fiscally sound operations budget and a strong grassroots organization.
Will Rogers is a Des Moines, Iowa native, married with one daughter. He served in the U.S. Army as part of Desert Shield-Desert Storm. He majored in political science at Drake University, serving later as the field staff member for former U.S. Congressman Dr. Greg Ganske.
In 2003, Rogers was the first Executive Director for Polk County Republicans and later served as the Producer Services Coordinator for the Iowa Soybean Association. He currently serves as the Director of Government Affairs for the Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association. For over 20 years, he has worked on every major political campaign at the local, state and federal level.