The Colorado Republican Party is facing a leadership crisis following a contentious vote to remove state party Chair Dave Williams and other top officials the establishment has deemed unworthy of leadership.
The decision, made by a fraction of the party present at the meeting on Saturday, has sparked a heated debate over its legitimacy and could have significant implications for the upcoming November elections.
The Vote
Approximately 160 members of the Colorado GOP central committee, both present and voting by proxy, gathered at a church in Brighton to vote on the removal of Williams, Vice Chair Hope Scheppelman, and Secretary Anna Ferguson.
The vote to remove Williams was roughly 160 to 12 with similar margins for his allies.
Bylaws Dispute
The meeting’s organizers interpreted the party bylaws to allow removal by three-fifths of those present at the meeting, rather than three-fifths of the entire 400-plus member central committee.
Because of this, the vote is contested by Williams and his supporters, who argue that about 240 votes would be necessary for removal.
Reasons for Removal
Michael Allen, the 4th Judicial District Attorney and opponent of Williams, cited “extensive, unprecedented action to attack Republican candidates and fellow Republicans” as the primary reason for his removal.
Critics pointed to several controversial actions by Williams, including:
- Poor fundraising performance.
- Using party resources for his congressional campaign.
- Endorsing candidates in competitive primaries.
- Sending controversial emails.
New Leadership
The group elected new leadership to serve until the party’s next organizational meeting:
- Chair: Eli Bremer, former El Paso County Republican Party Chair.
- Vice Chair: Brita Horn, former Routt County Treasurer.
- Secretary: Kevin McCarney, former Mesa County Republican Party Chair.
Conflicting Claims
Williams and the current party leadership maintain that Saturday’s meeting was illegitimate, calling it a “sham” and a “fraudulent meeting.”
Instead, they argue that only a vote at a meeting scheduled for August 31 will be valid.
However, the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) has stated it will recognize the new party leadership, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
Legal Challenges
Earlier attempts to block the meeting through legal means were unsuccessful. An Arapahoe County judge ruled that the courts do not have jurisdiction over internal party matters.
Impact on Elections
This internal strife comes at a critical time for Colorado Republicans, who are aiming to flip the 8th Congressional District and prevent further losses in the state legislature.
The party discord could potentially impact these efforts as the November election approaches.
Looking Ahead
As the situation unfolds, the Colorado GOP faces significant challenges in resolving this leadership crisis. With conflicting claims of legitimacy and the potential for further legal or procedural challenges, the party’s ability to unite and focus on the upcoming elections remains in question.
The resolution of this dispute may ultimately depend on how national Republican organizations and the party’s rank-and-file members respond to the competing claims of leadership in the coming weeks.