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Two High Country leaders were named members of the Republican and Democratic national platform committees, which was announced on May 23.

U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx (R – Fifth district) was named co-chair of the Republican National Committee's Platform Committee. Bonnie Schaefer, part-time Blowing Rock resident and owner of Westglow Resort and Spa was named a member of the Democratic National Committee's Platform Committee.

The members of both committees are chosen by their chairs and will participate in upcoming national conventions.

The Republican National Convention will be held July 18 to 21 in Cleveland. The Democratic National Convention will be held July 25 to 28 in Philadelphia.

Platform committees are responsible for outlining the parties' core platforms and principles for the upcoming election.

Schaefer has been involved with women's rights activism and philanthropy, with groups such as Equality Foundation, and was a founding member of local organization Women's Fund of the Blue Ridge, formerly known as High Country Women's Fund.

Foxx, an Avery County native, has been a Republican member of Congress since 2004. Prior to serving on Capitol Hill, she was a member of the N.C. Senate for 10 years. Foxx's professional career began in higher education, working at Mayland Community College and Appalachian State University.

Foxx said the position will allow her to bring the concerns of locals to the national committee.

“The Republican platform is written in the open with input from conservatives across the nation, and I will ensure the principles and priorities of the Fifth District are included in that process,” she said. “Real wisdom is found in North Carolina.”

http://www.wataugademocrat.com/news/foxx-schaefer-named-to-party-platform-committees/article_49a067a7-2205-5a24-9dca-a9e9951ac798.html