The Republican National Committee (RNC) has recently made headlines for two distinct reasons connected to its operation and influence in the political arena. First, the RNC raised eyebrows by inviting a notable far-right political activist, who had previously helped spread the 'pizzagate' conspiracy theory, to conduct a training session for poll watchers. This event is scheduled for September 4.

On another front, with the next presidential election cycle approaching, the RNC is in the process of selecting a location for its 2016 convention. Dallas has emerged as a strong contender in the shortlist. This ongoing selection process is a crucial part of the party's preparations for the upcoming electoral battles.

Moreover, recent developments in North Carolina have seen an appeals court decision that will likely have implications on voting and election management strategies. The court ruled against the use of digital IDs from the state’s flagship public university as a form of voter identification. This could potentially influence the way elections are conducted, particularly affecting student and employee voters in this demographic.

Together, these developments provide a snapshot of how the RNC is engaging with electoral strategies, amid controversies and logistical planning for consequential political events. These actions show the RNC's influential role in shaping Republican strategies ahead of key electoral and organizational milestones.