When there is Republican grassroots work to be done here in Kern County, whether its making phone calls, decorating tables or any of the variety of chores that need to be done to make things work, there are always a few who you can always count on to be there. One of those stalwarts is Regina Johnston.

        Most people know Regina from the family business, Bob Johnston's Appliance where Regina started "helping out" in 1963, and now assists her son, Mike, in keeping the business going. Regina was married to her husband Robert for 57 years before his passing. She enjoys spending time with her son, Mike, daughter in law Robin and her two grandchildren, Sam 13 and Kathryn 10.

        Regina has been member of Bakersfield Republican Women since 1983. She served in many offices since 1988 including as President in 1993. Regina now serves as Recording Secretary and has previously held the position of Regional Director for the Central Division of California Federation of Republican Women.

        This dedicated volunteer attended her first Kern County Republican Central Committee meeting in 1988 and the guest speaker was Bill Thomas. Since that time Regina has been a regular at Committee meetings as she has served as a Member or as an Alternate since 1990. Ms. Johnston represents Kern County as a delegate on the California Republican Party Central Committee.

        She has worked on numerous campaigns over the years and enjoys attending Republican National Conventions. For example she attended as an Alternate the 1996 Republican Convention in San Diego when Bob Dole ran for President. She attended both the 2000 Convention in Philadelphia and the 2004 Convention in New York for George Bush. She has set her sights on attending the 2008 Convention which will be held in Minnesota.

        Regina Johnston, like many of us has a passion for politics, but she takes it to the next level by turning her passion into hard work and doing what needs to be done to move the GOP forward. Because of her hard work and dedication we are proud to acknowledge Regina Johnston as the Republican of the Week.