Dear CPoW members and friends,

"O thus be it ever, when free men shall stand Between their loved homes and the war's desolation! Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land Praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserved us a nation! Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just; And this be our motto: "In God is our trust!" And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!"

Familiar words to most of us I trust. If not, let me tell you that it is the last verse to Francis Scott Key's wonderful prose that has been adopted as our nation's anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner". We often sing the first verse virtually by rote, perhaps without taking in its full meaning. One observation: all of stanzas, with the exception of the last, are ended with a question mark (even the first verse that all know so well). Mr. Key was offering a challenge to us - how can we survive our enemies and build this land of the free and home of brave? By adopting as our motto, our inspiration, and our modus operandi this: that God is our trust!

Greetings from Northeast Wisconsin! As mentioned in the August newsletter, a "changing of the guard" was in the works and has now come to pass. Permit me to introduce myself: my name is Randy W. Hamby and I am your new State Chairman (again - explanation below).

A short autobiography should help you get to know me a little better. I was born and raised in Fort Atkinson (WI) - I am a native of the State. I attended Bob Jones University for two years after graduating from high school. I then returned to Wisconsin and joined the City of Jefferson PD as a patrol officer. Not long after that, I decided the military was the place for me, so I enlisted in the Air Force and enjoyed a twelve-year career. Upon separation (right after the Persian Gulf Conflict), I moved to Appleton and joined the staff of The John Birch Society at their national headquarters. I left their employ in 2000 and began working for a
national facilities support company. Shortly after being elected as CPoW State Chairman in June 2001, I accepted a job transfer to Georgia and had to resign my post. That transfer didn't last long and I was back in the State by January 2002. I returned to a position on the State Committee and have now, once again, been presented with the honor of serving as your State Chairman. I have been married to my wife, Betsy, for 20 wonderful years and we have two children, Jhered, 17, and Brooke, almost 15.

It seems I have loved my country for as long as I can remember. Much of that has to do with my involvement in our local church and the Boy Scouts as a youngster. I've always been taught and believed in a free America so it comes quite naturally to me to be involved in the political process. Howard was just starting the USTP in 1992 when I first heard of it. I was still in the AF, serving in NM. I was ready to help get to work there when I was discharged and moved to WI in early 1993. That's when, of course, Ed Frami and others were putting this organization together. After getting settled in my new area and job, I contacted Ed and was greeted warmly - with an invitation to join the State Committee and represent the 8th District!

As many of you know, Ed left us for "higher ground" in September. His enormous impact has been and will continue to be greatly missed not only here in Wisconsin but on the National scene as well. A clear example of this was made crystal clear at the recent National Committee meetings in Detroit. Hardly a Committee Chairman or other presenter could make their presentation without mentioning how Ed had either started, helped nurture or completed some assignment or goal that made their committee successful. National Chairman Clymer appointed a special committee to develop a fitting memorial to Ed. Our former State Chairman (and current Secretary), Dan Hoyt, was asked to Chair this committee and would be grateful for any ideas you might have for this well-deserved honor.

What we must do in Wisconsin is find out how we can go forward "Framilessly" (my new word to describe anything we accomplish henceforth). And accomplish things we must - both to honor our late friend and mentor and to continue the work we must do to restore the Republic. Ed would have it no other way - neither will I and, I imagine, neither will you! You understand the need and see the battle. Now, steel yourselves for what lies ahead!

Many forces and events draw and divide our attention these days. The war in Iraq, the Justice Roy Moore affair (more on that below), the Defense of Marriage legislation, and the list goes on. We must look at the entire landscape and determine which battles need our immediate attention and get to work.

As with any war, funding is critical and directly connected to success or failure. Each "battlefront" has its own set of expenses and, therefore, we must sometimes "pick and choose" based on economics rather than need or concern. I appeal to each of you to consider what is at stake (our and our posterity's future) and consider what you can do to help. Perhaps we could consider suggesting to loved ones and friends that instead of purchasing an item (or more) for us this Christmas that the money be donated to the CPoW in your name. Our family has been wonderfully blessed of God and truly lack for nothing. I'm sure many of you can make the same statement. I then challenge you to do as I have suggested: ask that any gifts directed for you this year be redirected into the "battle coffers" of the CPoW!

One of the battlegrounds mentioned earlier revolves around the on-going story of Justice Roy Moore, Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court. Justice Moore has "endured hardness as a good soldier" as he has stood valiantly and Constitutionally for bedrock principles. As this letter goes to print, Justice Moore's "trial" for not bending the knee to the Fed Gov is beginning. Unless the hand of God intervenes otherwise, I anticipate that by the time you are reading this, Justice Moore will have been removed from his duly-elected office. What a travesty!

But the people of this country and this State are not without a voice! We must use them effectively to speak out against the tyranny represented by this whole affair. That is why I encourage you to join us at the State Capitol on Saturday, November 22, 2003 at 1 p.m. for a rally in support of the Constitution and Justice Roy Moore. Details can be found on our website's Home Page by clicking on the link to the National Coalition to Restore the Constitution, the rallies organizer, or by calling 636-861-7052. The CPoW proudly stands alongside many other co-sponsors of this rally - and we need every one of you to be there on the 22nd! Call me for details!!

As we are heading into another election year and the Constitution Party and CPoW, we are gearing up for many campaigns on many levels. Another word for "campaign" could be "battle" because it involves fighting for what you believe in. We need you to consider running for elective office or supporting (economically, physically, prayerfully) a qualified candidate.

The Spring elections are in April and involve non-partisan offices. We need people willing to serve on city councils, county boards, possibly as mayors or other chief executives of their local governments. Nomination papers can begin to be circulated starting December 1st with the official filing date in January (consult your city or county clerk for specifics). Although non-partisan, CPoW members should still seek these offices to bring to this level of government the same principles that those who seek partisan office need to bring.

If you would rather seek partisan office in the Fall election and run as a CPoW-endorsed candidate, please begin seriously considering your run and then prepare. We have a goal of having 50 CPoW candidates on the ballot in 2004 - will you be one of them?

At our recent State Convention, we elected (or reelected) representatives to the State Committee for your Congressional District. Contact these individuals to find out what is happening in your District and ask what you can do. To build this Party, we need many things: financial resources, a dedicated, determined cadre of people and boundless enthusiasm. What is so important about this last item? The fact that in the "dark days" or times when it seems to go completely against us, we need to have a surety that what we stand for and where we are leading will ultimately take us where we all need to be! Enthusiasm is not only necessary - it is contagious. This doesn't mean we are casual about the battles we are in but that we are determined not to fold, not to give in, not to give up!

I look forward to the work that lies ahead and the opportunity to take our message for Wisconsin to Wisconsin (and, in a larger sense, for America to America). Commit yourselves to the battles ahead today! We need your help today! Let's build up the storehouse of our financial resources so we are able to do what must be done. Please honor us with your most generous contribution today! Encourage your friends and family to send a contribution to the Constitution Party of Wisconsin rather than send items wrapped in pretty paper.

For God and County,

Randy W. Hamby - State Chairman
Constitution Party of Wisconsin