[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 13 (Wednesday, January 31, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E71-E72]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO JIM NICHOLSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 31, 2001

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this moment to 
recognize an outstanding citizen and a remarkable leader, my friend Jim 
Nicholson, the now former head of the Republican National Committee. 
Jim is being honored on January 26, 2001 in Denver, Colorado for his 
accomplished service as Chairman of the Republican National Committee. 
During his tenure, Jim took the GOP to new heights. On his watch, the 
Republican Party took control of the White House while maintaining 
majorities in both the House of Representatives

[[Page E72]]

and the United States Senate. For his service to the party and the 
American people, I would now like to pay tribute to a great American 
and friend.
  When Chairman Nicholson began as RNC chairman, the committee was $10 
million in debt. But under Chairman Nicholson's able leadership, that 
debt was abolished. When Jim left the RNC, it was $15 million in the 
black. Along with balancing the RNC's book, Chairman Nicholson also 
boldly led the RNC into the Internet age, incorporating technological 
advances in the day-to-day affairs of the organization. The RNC 
collected 975,000 e-mail addresses from Republican activists during 
Jim's tenure, up from just 17,000 at the start of 2000.
  Much of the electoral success that the GOP experienced under Jim's 
tutelage was due to the massive get out the vote effort created at 
Jim's initiative. He triggered the largest communications action in RNC 
history during the 2000 election cycle, in which the Party mailed over 
100 million pieces of direct mail and made 60 million phone calls. This 
coordinated effort to get out the GOP's message was a major, if 
leading, cause of the Party's success in November 2000.
  More importantly, the RNC also made meaningful strides under Jim's 
supervision in reaching out to minority communities. Due in large 
measure to Jim's efforts in this critical area, President Bush earned 
the highest percentage of Hispanic votes of any Republican Presidential 
candidate in history. Jim's success in this regard leaves a solid 
foundation for the Party to build on in the coming weeks, months and 
years. This is a legacy that Jim can, and should take great pride in!
  As has been well documented, Jim's yeoman's work as Chairman of the 
Republican Party was the continuation of a life-long commitment to 
serving his country. As you know, Mr. Speaker, Jim fought bravely and 
with great distinction during the Vietnam War, earning numerous awards 
and commendations.
  Throughout his life, Jim has devoted himself to the cause of his 
country. In doing so, he has distinguished himself mightily. As Jim 
leaves the GOP Chairmanship and moves on to new pursuits, Mr. Speaker, 
I would like to thank him for his remarkable work. In my opinion, Jim 
will long be remembered as one of the most skilled, most effective and 
most accomplished leaders in the storied history of the GOP. For this 
service, we are all grateful.

                          ____________________