The new chairman of the Moore County Republican Party told the county convention Saturday that "Obama must fail for America to succeed."

Bob Levy was elected chairman by acclamation by almost 200 delegates gathered in Owens Auditorium on the campus of Sandhills Community College. Levy, a businessman who lives in the North Southern Pines Precinct, formerly served as vice chairman.

In accepting the new office, Levy showered the departing chairman, John C. Owen, with praise for exceptional leadership in the past four years. Citing a provision in the party's Plan of Organization, Owen declined to run for re-election this year.

"In a time when Republicans are having trouble in other parts of the country, John has given us a party in fantastic shape," Levy said to a standing ovation for his predecessor.

Under Owen's leadership, Levy said, the Moore County party established a strategic plan for growth, opened a permanent headquarters and raised more money for campaign purposes than ever before.

Levy delivered a brief but rousing address in which he called on the party to share Moore County GOP know-how with other counties where the local party is struggling. He said Moore County Republicans need to lead a surge that will result in a Republican legislative majority in 2010.

Levy said Obama is stealing the future of American young people with budgetary expenditures and is trying to establish "a socialistic utopia." He said that North Carolina needs "a strong Republican Party like the one in Moore County" and called for renewed emphasis on lower taxes and less government.

Retired Gen. Bill Thurman, of Pinehurst, was elected vice chairman. Joe Garrison was elected secretary, and Beverly Shebs was re-elected as treasurer. All were elected by acclamation and voice vote without dissent. Garrison succeeds Do Shaver, of Seven Lakes.

The four officers, along with five at-large members, made up the slate of nominees recommended by the Nom-inating Committee chaired by Lane Toomey.

The floor was opened for nominations, but no names were offered.

The members-at-large, also elected by acclamation, are Linda Hardison, Lois Mitchell, George Schofield, Paul Shaffer and Herman Thompson.

Owen presided until Levy's election.

While the Credentials Committee was meeting to complete certification of delegates and alternates, Owen opened the floor for brief addresses by visiting candidates for state party chairman.

Other elected officials were also heard.

Four of the five candidates for chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party were present and actively campaigning for office during the county convention.

n Marcus Kindley of Guilford County is CEO of Intercarolina Financial Services.

n Tom Fetzer, mayor of Raleigh from 1993 until 1999, reminded the convention that he was the first Republican ever elected mayor by the city of Raleigh.

n Chad Adams is a former chairman of the Lee County Republican Party and a former vice chairman of the Lee County Board of Commissioners. He is a vice president of the John Locke Foundation.

n David Spencer Robinson, a former chairman of the Wake County Republican Party, has also served as president of the Capital Area Republican Club.

The fifth candidate, former state Sen. Woody White, did not attend. The present chairwoman, Linda Daves, is not seeking re-election.

Owen read a letter from U.S. Sen. Richard Burr announcing that he would seek re-election next year and is already organizing his campaign.

Bill Thurman presented the proposed Plan of Organi-zation, which was approved by the convention. Thurman reported that the plan adopted at the last convention has since been adopted by the North Carolina party.

After the Plan was approved, the convention elected 107 delegates, plus alternates, to the 6th District Convention to be held at 6 p.m. April 23 at the Randolph County Courthouse in Asheboro.

The state convention will be held in June.

The Credentials Committee reported certification of 145 delegates and 26 alternates to the convention. Several alternates were tapped as delegates to complete the convention.

Contact Florence Gilkeson at 947-4962 or by e-mail at florence@thepilot.com.