LFRW Clubs

The Club was established in 1971 through the efforts of our founder, Ruby Life, at which time less than 1% of the registered voters in St. Bernard Parish were Republican. The Club quickly signed up 25 members, many of whom were previously registered Democrats. We have one remaining Charter Member: Ann Hein. Members advocated change of party affiliation and worked to elect Richard Nixon. In 1973, Ruby Life was elected President of LFRW. Through grassroots efforts, we were instrumental in changing the process of choosing election commissioners – via the Louisiana Supreme Court – to include at least one Republican at each precinct.

In 1976, Club members made major inroads in Republican registrations in St. Bernard Parish through a major door-to-door effort to change party affiliation from Democrats to Republicans during Bob Livingston’s campaign for U. S. Congress. Club members ran a grassroots campaign to help elect Dave Treen Governor in 1979. And, in 1985, Ann Hein was elected President of LFRW. By the 1990’s, most of our members were in leadership positions in clubs and organizations throughout St. Bernard Parish. Through grassroots efforts, we helped change – via citizens’ petitions – the Parish form of government from Police Jury to Council. And, again through grassroots efforts, we affected successful legislation for term limits.

After the flood that followed Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the entire parish of St. Bernard, located southeast of New Orleans, was completely decimated. Over 67,000 people were displaced; friends and families dispersed around the country. The Club persevered even though for three years our members were scattered throughout the country. Through the efforts of our strong and determined members, led by Linda Vinsanau, SBRW was brought out of the flood waters, much like the Phoenix rising out of the ashes.

In 2012, we have a new community – a community that once again calls for change of party affiliation and Republican voter registration campaigns. – What’s old is new again!