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Sixteen years in the state Legislature wasn't enough politics for Jack Taylor, who the Routt County Republican Central Committee recently named its next chairman.

Local Democrats also have elected officers, and Catherine Carson will continue as chairwoman.

The two parties find themselves in very different positions in the wake of the 2008 presidential election year. Buoyed by an official Obama campaign office in Steamboat, local Democrats were visible, organized and heavily armed with volunteers on their way to celebrating Obama's and Congressional victories. But races for state offices left the party wanting.

Routt County conservatives could take solace in the elections of Republicans to district attorney and the state House, Senate and Board of Education but were troubled by the fact only one of those winners - moderate state Sen. Al White, R-Hayden - carried Routt County in addition to the district as a whole.

Members of the parties stressed the importance of ascribing to big-tent philosophies in the years ahead.

"The entire Democratic Party is a very inclusive party from the most ardent liberal to the most active moderate," said Carson, who admitted disappointment that a federal economic stimulus bill did not garner bipartisan support. "It's very difficult times both statewide and nationally, but I think the energy, the support for Barack Obama is still very strong. : It's going to be slow, but I think the movement toward American, nonpartisan solutions is a direction he's moving."

Taylor did not return a message left on his cell phone. Former treasurer Paul Strong said he hopes the local party can win back some former members who no longer are involved. Steve Hofman stressed that the party needs to broaden its base, focus on young people and organize its structure around emerging leaders. Some had approached Hofman, a former assistant secretary of labor in the George H.W. Bush administration, about the chairmanship. But Hofman, who is relatively new to the area and said he did not seek out the position, deferred to Taylor when he learned the veteran lawmaker was interested in the post.

"Whoever happens to be the chair, I think the challenges are the same," Hofman said. "At the end of the day, the first thing you have to say as the leader of a local party is that different constituencies matter to us. : It's all about reaching out and then ultimately integrating the different constituencies within the party itself."

The local parties also elected several other officers at recent meetings. Longtime Routt County Democrats spokeswoman Lynn Abbott stepped down as communications coordinator to focus on health issues involving her knees.

"She has been the voice of the party for the past four years," Carson said. "She has really done a tremendous job."

County Republicans meet at noon on the first Wednesday of the month at the historic Routt County Courthouse. County Democrats meet the third Wednesday of the month at a member's home. For more information, visit routtdems.org.

- To reach Brandon Gee, call 871-4210

or e-mail bgee@steamboatpilot.com