Editor, Gazette-Journal:

Patricia Cowan and Tommy Wheat are grateful for Quinton Sheppard’s comprehensive article in last week’s Gazette-Journal about their intention to seek the nomination of the Gloucester County Republican Committee for positions on the Gloucester Board of Supervisors in 2011. There was, however, one little mistake: These two are not yet official nominees of the Gloucester Republican Party.

The actual endorsement comes from a process which might include a mass meeting, party canvass, convention or primary, to be held in the spring of 2011 … therefore, the headline was incorrectly stated.

However, the reporter quoted accurately from Ms. Cowan’s and Mr. Wheat’s original announcements, and he reported most excellently on the recent Republican Committee meeting.

However, he missed the bit of procedure that says the two will have to wait to be officially nominated by county residents that cast their votes during a mass meeting, party canvass, convention or primary.

Most people are not aware of this procedural requirement for our party’s endorsement of their candidates.

Both Ms. Cowan and Mr. Wheat were advised by their campaign strategists to announce their intentions early at the urging of citizens who have been eagerly looking for worthy candidates to challenge incumbents or to fill possible vacancies.

Carlton Cowan, chairman

Gloucester County Republican Committee