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Published Friday, March 05, 2010 in Local

Republican Women visit State Capitol for 'Red Coat Day'

State Sen. Mitch Seabaugh (R-Sharpsburg) welcomed the Georgia Federation of Republican Women to the State Capitol on Feb. 25 for "Red Coat Day."

The women wore red coats in support of their organization, which has been "instrumental in advocating on behalf of conservative ideals for the citizens of Georgia," according to the state senator.

More than 120 Republican women from around the state converged on the State Capitol, including eight from Coweta County. The eight Cowetans included Jeanne Billa, Susan Bell, Dee Carleson, Anita Headley, Angie Moore, Nancy Olsen, Chris Owens and Ann Merkle.

"The Georgia Federation of Republican Women dedicate themselves to protecting the concerns and issues that I continue to fight for in the Georgia Senate," said Sen. Seabaugh. "It was an honor to host them at the Capitol and to share what we're working on here in Georgia."

Bell said that the women met with members of the House and Senate appropriations committee.

"We were happy to hear the Senate and House were working together to solve the budget shortfall," said Bell.

From their seats in the Senate Chambers, these women were given the history of the Capitol. They learned about protocols, including the tradition that the center aisle be reserved for senators only. They were taught about the process by which a bill comes before the House.

The women had lunch with a female soldier attached to the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center while her husband is serving abroad. After lunch, part of the group visited with Sen. Seabaugh in his office while the rest of the group visited with State Rep. Lynn Smith in hers.

Seabaugh told the women that the budget is the biggest issue for the legislature. Not only are they looking at every agency, but they are looking at every aspect of every agency. Seabaugh also spoke briefly on the "common sense carry law" for firearms licensing.

"During all the speakers' visits, they were all very gracious in answering all the questions asked of them," said Bell. "All of them gave their e-mail addresses and cell phone numbers, urging us to contact them for any information or concerns."

The Georgia Federation of Republican Women began as a grassroots organization with the goal of educating voters and increasing their participation in state and local elections. Beginning in 1957, the group affiliated with the national association to support conservative platforms in the state of Georgia. Today, they support a platform which fights against measures that damage the economy, increase the national debt, give the federal government unprecedented power and make the nation vulnerable to its enemies.

For more information about the Georgia Federation of Republican Women, visit www.gfrw.org