REDMOND, OR -- Scott Stuart is the new chairman of the Deschutes Republican Party.  He takes over at a time when registered Republicans are outnumbered in the county by Democrats and non-affiliated voters.

Stuart wants to accomplish three goals over the next two years, “To grow the Republican party by numbers in the county, to increase the number of allotted Precinct Committee People…to find electable candidates to run for positions within the county and cities.”

Stuart says the strategy will differ from the previous board, “We’re getting back to the basics. We’re going to rebrand this party to be the party of truth, common sense, and individual rights. Over the course of the next two years, you’re going to see some amazing things coming out of this party.”

While Stuart wouldn’t yet reveal the rebranding plan, he does acknowledge the need to reach out to non-affiliated voters, “We can certainly increase the Republican voters at the polls. We can get them excited about that. And that’s where rebranding comes in place. When you rebrand yourself, what you’re really saying is ‘Hey we’re generating excitement. Hey, we believe these people; we’re willing to get behind them’.”