LET ME FIRST offer on behalf of all Republicans in Clark County a welcome for your interest, or at least passing curiosity, about Republicans here in this area. If you're a new resident, you may not know Clark County encompasses more than Las Vegas, North Las Vegas and Henderson. It extends all the way north to Mesquite and Indian Springs, south to Laughlin and Primm, and almost as far as Pahrump.

You may be a new Republican, or not even sure if you have anything in common with them. But if you believe in limited government, less taxes and more personal responsibility, we walk on the same common ground, and you might want to check us out on our Web site (www.clarkgop.org). We have links on our site to most of the Republican candidates running for office. Click on their site to check on their upcoming events and opportunities for you to support them either financially or by volunteering.

We have an extensive grass roots organization. If your interest concerns your immediate neighborhood, you might want to volunteer for grassroots in your precinct or Senate district. If your interest is more issue-oriented, we have grassroots organization for issues such as education and taxes. Contact our Web site or call our office for more information

Your vote really counts this primary season if the past is any indication of turnout this year. We do not generally get more than a 30 percent turnout for any primary and in a non-Presidential election year, those numbers drop even lower. If you truly believe in a candidate, get out the vote for him or her and ignore polls. Election Day is the only poll that counts.

Saturday, July 29th is the first day of early voting for this year's primary election. It's the easiest way to vote because you don't have to go to your polling place listed on your voter registration card. The polling place comes to you, in a manner of speaking. Voting booths will be set up near or in shopping malls, grocery stores and other places you visit or shop regularly. The hours vary depending on the location, but there's generally little or no wait to vote. This early voting goes on through Friday, August 11th, so check your paper or the Clark County Election Department Web site for times and location (www.accessclarkcounty.com/election/home.asp). Primary Election Day is Friday, August 15th and if you vote on that day, you have to vote at the location listed on your voter registration card. Vote early, save the hassle, and keep your vacation plans intact.

Many of the candidates are making the rounds of the various Republican organizations in Clark County and this is a great opportunity to meet personally and get some face time with Republican candidates. If you have an issue that concerns you, they'll be more available to talk to you now than later in the campaign when schedules are tighter and greater demands are made of the candidates' time. You'll probably run into one or two of them at the below events, so take the opportunity to meet them, hear what they say, and what their fellow Republicans say about them. Hope to see you there.