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The West Virginia Republican State Executive Committee held a peaceful but productive meeting in Bridgeport on Saturday, resolving some lingering bylaws questions and hearing a rousing defense of free markets from Dr. Russ Sobel, a WVU economics professor.Committee members also unanimously approved a resolution in support of President Bush and his leadership.Dr. Doug McKinney, chairman of the WVGOP, got high marks from committee members for the implementation of his first official meeting since his election, a well organized and informative session which was noticeably free of controversy.The state GOP did initiate a new drive to more heavily engage women who are members of the committee, holding a special Women's Caucus under the leadership of Lynn Staton. The meeting focused on tasks and assignments being asked of the women leaders, as well as a report from Berkeley County's Nancy Myers on the importance of Internet and email communications.Dr. McKinney took the lead during a county chairs meeting, asking chairmen to carry out specific tasks and to help the state GOP's fundraising efforts. At the same time, a meeting was held with other committee members, grassroots supporters and elected officials inviting questions and input on any related topics. House of Delegates GOP leader Tim Armstead offered an update on the legislative session and took questions.Secretary of State Betty Ireland addressed the group, and encouraged Republicans to do a better job of filing campaign finance reports in a timely fashion. The secretary said her office is sending letters to some candidates and party organizations who are delinquent in filing reports.A lunchtime auction featured a variety of interesting Republican-themed items, and one item -- a White House Christmas ornament -- led to a spirited bidding war between former Delegate and Congressional candidate Chris Wakim and Delegate Craig Blair. After Blair had already won the bidding (for $110) during an initial offering, Wakim made a crack that had he known Blair was bidding, he would have bid against him, prompting auctioneer Rocky Peck to ask Blair if he was willing to put the item back on the block.Blair consented, and Wakim and Blair bid the item up to $225 when Wakim conceded -- in essence costing Blair another hundred bucks or so for the same item he had already purchased once. (Blair graciously noted that, oh well, it was for a good cause.)Also during lunch, yours truly offered a brief recap of the 2006 election, and encouraged committee members to do everything in their power to make sure their party was vibrant and strong for the 2008 election cycle.During the business meeting, some bylaws issues were addressed, including defining voting powers of the national committee members, as well as the chairman, if he is not otherwise a member of the committee. Committee member Bob Fish introduced the measures, which, after a few procedural questions, were adopted.Treasurer Teri Waxman offered the financial report, and received a hearty round of applause for her efforts in devoting the time and attention necessary to straightening out the party's finances and books. Dr. Sobel's presentation, complete with powerpoint, on the history and importance of the free market system was an entertaining and rousing defense of low taxes and less government interference, and a searing indictment of West Virginia's economic condition and regulations. Sobel clearly and informatively spelled out why the laws and taxes initiated over the years in the Mountain State have led West Virginia to rank last in nearly every economic category for many years.Doug and Sue McKinney worked hard to make the meeting a success, and staff members Marti Riggall and Mike Ankrom did a great job on the details and the materials provided during the session.The Republican Gazette welcomes Emails to the Editor and press releases. All submitted items must include the name and contact information for the author of the article, and all articles will only be published with the author's name included.Thank you for reading and participating in The Republican Gazette, another of West Virginia's most biased publications.The gambling issue takes center stage this week, and one highlight Monday should be remarks by anti-gambling legislator Kelli Sobonya, who is probably better-versed on the subject than anyone. Kelli has done her homework and can argue against gambling expansion from just about any angle......During the WVGOP winter meeting, it was noticed that committee member Cindy Frich was absent, leading some to remark that she probably could not break away from the legislative session in Charleston. Cindy, of course, was defeated in November, but has been present in Charleston during the session about as much as when she was actually a Delegate......Former U.S. Senate candidate John Raese showed up at the WVGOP committee meeting and received a warm reception from those in attendance......Various Lincoln Day Dinners were being promoted during the WVGOP winter meeting. Barbour County's event is April 21 at Alderson-Broaddus College, with new State Sen. David Sypolt speaking. Call 457-3654 or 457-3552 for ticket info. Taylor County is holding its diner April 28 at Haymond Community Center (5 miles orth of Grafton on Rt. 119) with former Gov. Arch Moore the featured speaker. Call 291-8146 for more info......New Delegate Jonathan Miller has launched a Web site featuring a weekly column as well as articles and commentary from across the state. You can check it out for yourself by clicking here.