By Debbie Robinson

news@joplinglobe.com

Joplin-area Republicans opened their “Victory” campaign office Thursday night with a visit from the deputy chairman of the Republican National Committee and a call from Cindy McCain.

Frank Donatelli, the deputy chairman, urged the crowd to work hard to get area voters to the polls and to vote for the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, John McCain.

“Your dedication to our cause is greatly appreciated,” Donatelli said.

After reiterating McCain’s positions on taxes, more offshore drilling, more nuclear power plants and national security, Donatelli urged those present to “not get caught up in the game if we’re down a few points.”

“It’s a long season,” he said. “The point is, McCain knows what needs to be done from day one.”

He asked volunteers to identify McCain voters and get them to the polls in November.

Donatelli has served as deputy chairman since March. He previously worked for the McCain campaign.

He was an assistant to President Reagan for political and intergovernmental affairs, and was a senior adviser to former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole of Kansas.

The Republican National Committee held 10 events Thursday throughout Missouri, many of those at the openings of campaign offices. Donatelli also made stops at St. Louis, Jefferson City and Springfield.

Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback campaigned Thursday for McCain with stops in Kansas City and cities in northwest Missouri.

The Republican campaign office is at 2639 E. 32nd St., in the Concorde Plaza.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and volunteers are being sought to serve on phone banks and to knock on doors to generate support for Republican candidates.

Volunteers will work for local, state and national candidates from the campaign office, which already is distributing bumper stickers, buttons and yard signs.