FORT GARLAND — Some Republicans in Costilla County met on Jan. 12 at the Blanca/Fort Garland Community Center to discuss the future of the GOP party.

They also came to endorse the Republican nominee for Republican National Committee Woman, Christy Ruckus, of Pueblo, and Carol Riggenbach, of Monte Vista, who is running for the House of Representative District 62.

Doug Anerson feels, "the number one goal is to become organized...build a connection and build a foundation...the Republican party should grow for a year...then be ready for elections."

The local group is looking for a secretary and treasurer.

Bruce Pettigrew said, “it is important to get young people and Hispanics involved."

Riggenbach feels strongly, "every vote should be equal...whether Democrat of Republican, (you) have to have a fair election." She advocates for election watchers, who are in the county clerk's office on voting day, to insure fair elections.

Ruckus has been in politics for about five years. She shared her experience. Ruckus went canvassing "door-to-door to gather information on what we're seeing." She said she found "ballots with dead people, or not living at said address...and noticed election integrity being compromised."

Ruckus also said the current Republican National Chairwoman, Jennifer McDaniel, is going in a different direction.

Although it is a volunteer position, Ruckus wants "to be a voice for Colorado,” and has an open-door policy and is always reachable. She feels it is important to "just talk about issues...endorsement of people and to give us (San Luis Valley Colorado in general) attention."

The Republican party plans on having more events like a fundraiser Feb. 17 at the Ski-Hi Complex in Monte Vista to benefit the Republican party with a candidate meet-and-greet and silent auction.