Republican Central Committee Braces for “Radical” New Members

We have reported extensively about the controversial decisions made by the leadership of the Republican Central Committee over the last year. This has motivated 14 new people to run for a seat on this volunteer committee. If we had to point to a “triggering event,” it would take us back to March 15th, 2023. That night, one year ago, the Scioto County Republican Central Committee threw out bylaws and established methods, causing an upswell of dissatisfaction. Committe Chairman, Rodney Barnett, came underfire regarding an endorsement letter he sent to the state committe on who would be appointed to temporarily fill the seat vacated by Brain Baldridge. The letter made disparaging remarks about candidate Gina Collingsworth. In the contentious meeting, Barnett doubled down, stating, "I will stand by every single word in that letter." It is generally not the practice for endorsement letters to take potshots at the other candidates. SCDN obtained every endorsement letter for all 9 original applicants for the position. In no other endorsement letter (over 200) are the other candidates mentioned in any way. Shawn Stratton, a local attorney and committee member, admonished such behavior. During an exchange with Barnett, Stratton became agitated and declared, "You should be ashamed of that letter." There were many pleas made for calm and unity. All three county commissioners expressed the importance of following procedure, setting aside petty differences, and unifying for the best interest of the party and the constituents they represent. Since that off-the-rails meeting, the divide among committee members grew deeper. In the last session, held just days ago, Barnett said that over the last 30 years, the main opponent has been the Democrats, but now the biggest problem is the Scioto County Republican Club. It is important to note that the Central Committee is NOT the Republican Party, despite claims to the contrary. Adding to the confusion, the committee even accepts checks made out to the Scioto County Republican Party. There is an ongoing investigation as to what bank official accepted that name on a checking account without the proper paperwork. So, here we are, one day before a crucial primary election. It is very much like a general election. 14 people have had enough of the antics of the Central Committee, and they aim to put the committee right. By definition, the Republican Central Committee's primary function is to assist the Republican Party. It helps promote the Republican political platform and the "party brand" or image, coordinate fundraising, and conduct election strategy. Some alternatives are “board,” “commission,” “workgroup,” “team,” or “delegation.” The Republican Central Committee is NOT the Republican Party. Despite their claims, they are a “workgroup” to assist the Party. SCDN will be watching this election very closely as the Committee is clearly frustrated at the number of new candidates on the ballot. So frustrated, in fact, they put out a “Slate Card” that included their picks for the committee. It’s a long-standing tradition that Central Committee Candidates for any party are not included in promotional material. This is yet another example of changes to the rules on a whim. Even if only half of the new Candidates win their elections, the Republican Central Committee will have a tough time with their shenanigans moving forward.

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