By Espen Storlie | City of McGovern, Dodge County

It was time for the leaders of the Federalist Party to step up on Sunday night.

On only the second day of the program, the time had already come for the two political parties to elect their respective leaders during the state party conventions. The positions up for election were Party Chairman, Party Secretary and Party Campaign Manager.

The race for Party Chairman was a very sought-after position among Federalists from all counties, with nearly every county having a horse in the race. The field was quickly reduced to just a few contestants, and after the final vote, John Dienger, City of Washburn in Durkee County, prevailed, and quickly began leading the convention.

The next race for Party Secretary was far more hotly contested.

Even though there were initially only three candidates, they all had very compelling speeches. After the opening vote, the majority was inconclusive and a recount was passed.

After the recount vote, there was still no clear majority and the top two candidates were required to give a second speech. After this, there was finally a majority in the vote, with Josh Ichen, City of Lewis in Durkee County, receiving the position.

In the third and final race, for Party Campaign Manager, there were some very colorful candidates. Mike Foley, who had unsuccessfully run for both previous positions, was running a third time, and William Gittens, City of McGovern in Dodge County, who had already earned the reputation of “the guy with all the posters,” was running again.

These two managed to get to the final round and faced off against each other. Gittens’ platform majorly revolved around the importance of posters in the campaign and proved to be successful.

Gittens ended up winning the position in a very closely contested race.

The new party officers will look to put forward the best candidates in the statewide elections on Thursday.