By Richard Sullins | richard@rantnc.com
For the second time in a year, the Lee County Republican Party is expected to sanction Republican school board member Sandra Bowen for what it considers “party disloyalty.”
The GOP is scheduled to meet next week. The charge against Bowen is that she nominated Democratic school board member Jamey Laudate for vice chair in December. Bowen told The Rant she received notice of the charge just after the organizational meeting.
The Republican Party’s executive committee will consider its charge that Bowen violated its Plan of Organization at a closed door meeting. That plan defines disloyalty as “the action of any Republican inappropriately influencing the internal election of officials on public councils, boards and commissions to favor a non-Republican candidate running against a qualified Republican candidate.”
The plan continues that “these jurisdictions include the local school board, board of county commissioners, city council, town commission, and their subordinate organizations.”
If the Lee GOP decides Bowen’s nomination of Laudate was an act of party disloyalty, she could be banned from its Steele Street headquarters for five years, have any potential financial support of her re-election campaigns withheld for five years, and be removed from the party’s executive committee. These sanctions are the maximum penalties allowed by the plan.
Similar charges made last year
Bowen was sanctioned last year for a nearly identical charge of voting for a Democrat when a “qualified Republican” was on the ballot. At the time, the local GOP said her failure to support Republican school board members Sherry Lynn Womack and Pamela Sutton as school board officers in December 2021 constituted party disloyalty.
Additional charges were made against her for voting to an extend district Superintendent Dr. Andy Bryan’s contact for 30 months and allowing the board to hear from every person wanting to speak at a meeting dealing with publicity generated by Sherry Womack’s attendance at former President Donald Trump’s “Stop the Steal” rally on January 6, 2021.
In that instance, Bowen received an official censure by the Lee GOP, was denied any financial support through 2025, and banned from the party’s headquarters.
Lee GOP Chairman Jim Womack declined comment on the new charges, saying internal discipline matters are considered private affairs unless the subject of the discipline decides to speak publicly about the issue
Laudate’s nomination for vice chair took place as the school board met in December 2022 to administer the oath of office to three Republicans elected in November of that year – Eric Davidson, Chris Gaster, and Alan Rummel. The GOP trio defeated two incumbent Democrats – Christine Hilliard and Pat McCracken – along with Democratic challenger Walter Ferguson.
The three Republicans won by a margin of 3.25 percent and their victory represented a rightward shift for the school board. A Republican herself, Bowen had previously served as the board’s chair with the support of its four Democrats. The 2022 election had turned that dynamic on its ear.
As the December meeting began, Bowen nominated Davidson to serve as the new chairman. As a candidate, Davidson had attended most of the board meetings but rarely spoke during public comment segments.
Davidson declined Bowen’s nomination, saying he didn’t feel prepared for the responsibility because he had no experience as a board member. Gaster then nominated Sherry Womack for chair, and when no other nominations were offered, Bowen nominated herself. Womack was elected by a 4-3 margin, with Bowen, Kelly and Laudate voting against.
The act that led to the GOP’s latest action against Bowen happened immediately after the chairmanship vote. Rummel nominated Davidson for vice chair, which was followed by a nomination from Bowen for Democrat Jamey Laudate. The same 4-3 vote resulted, and Davidson was elected.
What’s at issue
The question hanging over everything is whether a public official should have personal freedom to vote their conscience or be bound to vote by the party line.
The charge against Bowen, and her response to it, can be broken down into just a few words: the leadership of the Lee GOP believes her first loyalty should be to the party and that their interests should come first. Bowen maintains, as she did last year, that her allegiance is to students and parents, and that she has a right to vote according to her own ethics and morality.
“It’s ridiculous that I am being publicly flogged for voting for a vice chair, but they can vote to break law with impunity,” Bowen told The Rant, referring to a vote at the school board’s February 14 meeting where she was the only member to abstain from an otherwise unanimous vote to adopt a school calendar for the 2023-24 school year that will violate existing state law.
There’s a stark difference between the approach the two major Lee County parties take with regards to the actions of candidates and elected officials. The Lee County Democratic Party doesn’t have its own plan, and subscribes to the state party’s plan, which doesn’t mention party disloyalty or discipline. The Lee GOP’s plan devotes five of its 21 pages to party discipline.
Bowen spoke her views on that question when responding to the Lee GOP last year.
“I ran for the Board of Education as a parent, not a politician. I will vote my own mind. I will speak what I feel is right. And what you do with that is your choice,” she said at the time. “I remain a proud American, a Christian, and a mother. My allegiance is to Christ alone, my first loyalty beyond him is to my family, and very far down that list is the political party.”
Not without precedent
The action against Bowen has another precedent in Lee GOP history. In 2019, Republican school board member Stephen Coble was reprimanded by his party for what it termed “party disloyalty” and “gross inefficiency.”
Coble was also dinged for his support for the extension of Bryan’s contract that year and “the unlawful award of a school architecture bid,” “his repeated votes in support of democrats (sic) running against nominated Republicans for Board Chair and Vice Chair,” Coble’s rejection of “unsolicited inputs” from local GOP leaders, and his alleged refusal to second motions made by fellow Republican school board members were cited in the party’s “indictment.”
Coble chose not to run for re-election after his term expired in 2020.
The end of the line
Lee GOP leadership has made its case against Bowen for the second time in less than 12 months, and she may not have their support, financial or otherwise, if she decides to run for re-election in 2024 or 2028.
After Bowen’s “trial” last year, she told The Rant despite the way she was treated by GOP leadership, she wouldn’t change her party affiliation. But with another charge of “party disloyalty” lodged against her, and with no end of similar actions in sight, she’s likely reached the end of her patience.
“I’m likely changing my registration,” she said. “I just can’t associate with such control and disrespect.”
And so Bowen may soon join the ranks of the largest politically designated group in Lee County – the unaffiliated.
Part disloyalty sounds like a charge straight from the Committee for State Security. So much for the marketplace of ideas.
“Lee GOP believes her first loyalty should be to the party and that their interests should come first” Um, no. Her first loyalty to should be to STUDENTS.
Mrs. Bowen has consistently worked for the children of Lee County. Her nomination of Mr. Laudate was based on his experience not his political affiliation. Lee County GOP leadership whomever they are need to step away from business of education because obviously they have no idea how that business works.
With each passing day, the GOP shows you who they really are. They pay lip service to God, country, and children, but in reality, all they care about is power. An authoritarian group of thugs who require allegiance to the party above all else. See them for what they show you, not what they tell you.
See my response to this article. It is LOOOONG, but you will see the Democratic Party is no different. They have the same rules.
After much research comparing the rules of the NCGOP Plan of Organization and the NCDP Plan of organization. The statement that there is no “Disloyalty” or “Disciplinary” rules for the Lee County Democratic Party is not completely accurate. Yes, there is no statement of disloyalty or discipline in the NCDP plan of Organization. That is accurate. However, The Democratic party, unlike the Republican party, is very strategic in their wording and is very nuanced. If you read the NCDP Plan it is very centralized on the Organization and running of the Party leadership at all levels in the state. It really doesn’t specify any conduct of Democratic Party members holding public office. Here is the nuance, It references the NCDP Code of Conduct many times and it is in this capacity where the party includes public office elected members, because ALL NCDP members are obligated to abide by the NCDP Code of Conduct and are required to sign documents affirming as such. What does the NCDP Code of Conduct say? “As an officer or leader in our party you have the right to be treated fairly, equally, and within the bounds of party rules. You also have the responsibility to behave in a way that does not negatively impact other members, officers, staff, volunteers, people who interact with the Party in a professional or volunteer capacity, or the party’s reputation.” NCDP Code of Conduct, para 4. “ Our responsibilities as party members apply not only to our personal conduct but also to our conduct in communications, including electronic means, and with the media in all its forms. Here is a checklist of questions you should ask yourself as you communicate internally or externally:
• Could what I am intending to do or say or write (in any format)be taken as intimidation, harassment or bullying?
• Is what I say or write the truth?
• Am I acting in the party’s best interest?
• Is what I am doing compliant with electoral law?
• Is what I am doing compliant with data protection standards?
• Is what I am doing in line with our Plan of Organization and the Spirit of the Party Platform?” NCDP Code of Conduct, para 5.
“ Behavior which is unlawful, dishonest, deceitful, violent, or threatening will be considered to bring the Party into disrepute and can possibly constitute grounds for disciplinary action under the Party’s Plan of Organization vis-a-vis the Council of Review.” NCDP Code of Conduct, para 6.
Again this is the nuance. Is supporting or nominating a person from another party “Dishonest” or “Deceitful” ? There are many that would argue yes. Since the Code of Conduct cites the “Council of Review” in the NCDP Plan of Organization, let’s look at what it says.
10.01 GROUNDS FOR REMOVAL
“Any elected or appointed officer or committee member of the Democratic Party may be subject to removal from office. Grounds for removal of a Democratic Party officer or committee member shall be: 1. Directly or indirectly, giving support to, aiding or helping any opposing political party or a candidate of an opposing party; 2. Directly or indirectly, giving support to, aiding or helping a candidate who is registered unaffiliated with the exception of those who have filed with the Federal Election Commission to run as a Democrat, and except when there is no registered Democrat who has filed to run for the same office in the election; 3. Directly or indirectly, giving support to, aiding or helping a candidate who is running as a writein or an unaffiliated regardless of his or her party registration, when there is a declared Democratic Party nominee in a partisan election or a vacancy and replacement of the Democratic nominee by a party executive committee 4. Directly or indirectly, giving support to, aiding or helping a candidate who is registered unaffiliated or of an opposing party, when there is a candidate who is a registered Democrat in a nonpartisan election who has filed to run for the same office in the election; 5. Refusing or failing to perform his or her duties; 6. Being convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude; or 7. Violates the applicable North Carolina Democratic Party Code of Conduct.” NCDP Plan of Organization para 10.01.
This entire section of the plan of organization is completely dedicated to the removal of someone that assists someone from any political party other than the Democratic party. Notice part 7, you can also be removed for violating the code of conduct. And that is where the Party ties into the members of elected public office because all party members are bound by the code of conduct and we know the code of conduct says,” You also have the responsibility to behave in a way that does not negatively impact other members, officers, staff, volunteers, people who interact with the Party in a professional or volunteer capacity, or the party’s reputation.”
In conclusion: Yes the Democratic party of North Carolina does have disciplinary actions against those that go against the party and support someone of another party. Like Democrats always do, they veil their policies in vague, nuanced verbiage in massive word salads that requires extensive research and critical thinking to decipher what they are saying and really mean. The Republicans just tell your right up front. If you support someone from another party against a member of the GOP you will be disciplined. Sweet, short, and to the point, no room for interpretation. Yes there is a “Stark difference” between the parties. The GOP dedicated 5 out of 21 pages to discipline which is pretty clear and concise. The Democratic Party requires extensive research crossing multiple documents to determine what is acceptable within the party, as clearly examples by me having to write an entire article as long as The Rant’s posted article to just explain and cite source materials how the NCDP handles similar situations. Honestly I don’t blame The Rant for missing the information I have provided. It took two hours to decipher this nonsense and if you read the NCDP Plan of Organization alone you would never make the connection. I was able to connect the dots because the plan of action references the NCDP Code of Conduct and you have to read both documents and see where they are mutually supporting to determine if there is some sort of disciplinary action for basically, “Disloyalty” and there is. Thank you if you read this entire essay on the NCDP rules for disloyalty…
The Lee County Democratic Party has never put anyone on trial for party disloyalty. As a matter of fact I am pretty sure that current and former School Board members that are/were DEMS actually voted for Republican School Board members to be Chair and Vice Chair rather recently with zero backlash from the local, state, or federal Democratic Party. It is interesting how people that may not like or can’t defend something their preferred political party does try to find something to hang their hat on by saying “the other political party is the same or does the same”. If you want to do some detective work check out the black hole the North Carolina republicans created at the NC Board of Elections where complaints go to die.
You are correct. My post is not a whataboutism. My Post is to clarify that the article says the Democratic Party doesn’t have rules like this, and I am just adding context that the Democratic Party does have similarly policies.
Judge both parties by what they actually do, not what they say. I stand by my belief that the GOP of today is an authoritarian group of thugs. Unfortunately, too many good people support them out of habit.
The speed limit is 55 and how often do you see people get tickets for going 60 in a 55? Maybe if you do a dissection of the overall rules you can get to a potential equivalent between the republican & democratic party but a huge difference is only one political party actually enforces its rule. To me there is a huge difference between the two political parties in Lee County. One makes you tow the company line no matter what and the other wants you to vote in what you believe to be in the best interest of all the people you represent.
Who else wants to bake this Bowen lady a cake? You go, girl.
After further research there are something that needs to be looked at and read. Let me preface this with there are a couple of assumptions at this point because I am unable to find the Lee County GOP, Plan of Organization so I am referencing the Person County GOP, Plan of Organization. Assumptions: 1) for continuity in the party across the state the Lee County GOP, Plan of Organization is similar to the Person plan of organization.
2) Lee County GOP, Plan of Organization outlines the same policies regarding party disloyalty. 3) The State GOP Chair has officially approved these county level policies in accordance with the State GOP Plan of Organization.
If someone can send me the official Lee County GOP, Plan of Organization that has been approved by the State GOP and the Lee County version is not in line with Person County, then this assessment is (INVALID)
After reading the Person County GOP, Plan for organization, this is what it says about disloyalty at the county level. “ Furthermore, Party Disloyalty will not be taken lightly. Party Disloyalty is defined as: the act of any registered Republican attempting to influence, or determined to have influenced, the outcome of any election against a Republican candidate for public office, or a Republican endorsed by the appropriate Republican Executive Committee (this does not include supporting an opposing Republican candidate in a Republican primary). This definition incudes the action of any Republican inappropriately influencing the internal election, or rejection, of officials on public councils, boards, and commissions, especially when favoring a non-Republican candidate running against a qualified Republican candidate in good standing.
Upon receiving a report of Party Disloyalty, the Chairman or Vice-Chairman will gather evidence, and bring the charges before the CEC for review and consideration. If found to have merit, the charges will be referred to the CEC for disposition. The accused candidate will be given at least fourteen (14) days’ notice of a hearing before the CEC and afforded the opportunity to provide a defense. The accused may be disassociated from the Party upon a two thirds (2/3) vote of the CEC. The Party may also impose the penalties of censure, cessation of support, or barring from Party premises for a period of up to five (5) years. The CEC may also pass a resolution requesting district or state level action for Party Disloyalty under the provisions of the applicable District or State Plans of Organization.”
The difference between the State and County level Plan of Organization when it comes to “Disloyalty” is the state plan is specifically directed towards acts of disloyalty by members of the GOP that serve as party leadership at all levels. The County (Person), extends this definition to include elected government officials that are members of the GOP. This is concerning to me as a citizen that votes because this extends punitive authority from a non governmental entity over duly elected government officials. We must understand, NCDP and NCGOP, ARE NOT GOVERNMENT AGENCIES. I find that a non government organization has punitive authority over an elected Government official serving in their capacity. The way the Person County GOP, Plan of Organization reads, the party leadership has the authority to charge an elected official, that is a member of the GOP party, with disloyalty if they vote or support anything that the county party officials don’t agree with. These types of rules lends itself to undue influence of non government agencies over elected government officials with the threat of censure, loss of any party funding, banning from party events and property, even removal from the party.
Elected officials are NOT subordinate or subservient to any non government entity except one; THE VOTER! There are many times that voters of any political party are not 100% in agreement with their parties platform on certain issues, they are still affiliated with those party’s because they agree with the majority of that party’s platform. The voter elects candidates to represent them in government, we do not elect political parties. Just because a certain political party may have the majority control of a governing body does not make that parties Chairperson the decision maker by proxy. If an elected official does not commit a felony crime that would impact the laws, rules and policies for eligibility to continue to serve in the capacity they were elected for. No Political party should have the ability to do what is being done. In current popular terms “Cancel” them. That is the role of the voters. I am not sure if the Democratic party has similar policies in place at the county level that gives them the authority to do what is being proposed by the Lee County GOP, if they do, it will be just as concerning. Elected officials must be able to govern and make decisions based on facts, Laws, Rules, and the will of the thousands of people that elected them, not the will of a handful of people in private political parties elected by 70+ people. Additionally after reading the state Plan of Organization, I don’t think the county level Plan of Organization is in keeping with the intent or the spirit of the State Level. The Plan of Organization is meant to outline the conduct of operations for the political party NOT have authority over Public elected officials that are affiliated with that party. I do have a Caveat; I do not know if the State has approved the Person County Plan, and I do not know if the Lee County plan is the same as Person County, or if it has been approved as well. I do know from this article, the Lee County GOP is acting in a manner consistent with the Person County plan, and the possible ramifications are also consistent with those outlined in the Person County plan. IF, the state level GOP has approved these plans and certified them, then they are also complicit in this type of activity and even though the NCGOP Plan of Organization is written for party leadership, it would appear they endorse local GOP party leadership blurring the lines between private and public office. I can point fingers at the Democratic Party and say “Look at them!!!” . That does nothing, I am not a member of the Democratic Party. I can only look to the party that I am affiliated with, and try to correct areas that need to be corrected or more clearly defined. This situation with Mrs. Bowen has brought to light a very concerning issue within the NCGOP that needs to be addressed and corrected. NO political party should have ANY form of influence over the decision making of an elected government official. That is not how a Constitutional Representative Democratic Republic works. It is little things like this that opens the door for corruption, and tyranny. I now have to ask, Do our Republican elected officials work for and answer to the people that voted for them? Or do they answer to the GOP Chair? Elected officials should be afraid to make decisions that are not in the best interest of the organization and the thousands of people they were elected to govern, not afraid of a handful of people in a private organization that has no accountability to the people. I will be Contacting State GOP leadership and working diligently to remove this type of influence from the GOP party. I believe that no entity should be able to assert this kind of authority over an elected official, it is un-American, undemocratic, and arguably un-Constitutional.
https://assets.nationbuilder.com/ncgop/pages/4317/attachments/original/1655480939/2022_-_Plan_of_Organization_-_Adopted.pdf?1655480939
https://person.nc.gop/plan_of_organization_2022
More to follow in the coming weeks and months. This We’ll Defend, Airborne All the Way, Rangers Lead The Way, Let’s Go!
D.Roberts, OUT!!!!
Rant, I have posted an additional comment referring to the GOP “Disloyalty” policy. Why won’t it post.
In a way, it kinda makes sense. I mean if your a Republican, then you would want a Republican in the position….same goes for Democrat. I assume she voted for the best qualified candidate she thought would be the best fit for the position, and in this instance, it was someone of the opposite party so what is the big deal. Not all Republicans are the best fit for every position, and the same goes for Democrat as well.
Does it truly matter if someone in a different party gets a position. It doesn’t sound like Disloyalty against her party, it sounds like she voted for the BEST person to fill the position and I thought that’s what was supposed to happen. And D.Roberts, I do agree with you that both parties have the same rule in effect.
I still feel that she is Republican through and through, and she should be commended for voting her conscience, not sanctioned, not labeled disloyal, and not banned from her party’s headquarters. Actions such as these, are not in line with Republican/Conservative views and values in my opinion.
School Board should not be partisan. Until Mike Stone screwed it up it was not a partisan position. I think Bowen felt it was a good idea to show making decisions for our school children was a bi-partisan task. What we have now is four repubicans under the thumb of Lee County Party Chair Jim Womack. I have watched their meeting and they are wasting valuable time and money. Good gosh, Chris Gaster comes off as an idiot.
Onion, I have done some additional research. Read my Huge essay on the GOP rules and my concerns that I will be addressing with the State GOP. This is not just a Lee County rule, several other counties have these rules.
Will do! Will let you know in a day or two. Seems to be very informative!
Additional research has revealed, there are somethings that needs to be looked at and read. Let me preface this with there are a couple of assumptions at this point because I am unable to find the Lee County GOP, Plan of Organization so I am referencing the Person County GOP, Plan of Organization. Assumptions: 1) for continuity in the party across the state the Lee County GOP, Plan of Organization is similar to the Person plan of organization.
2) Lee County GOP, Plan of Organization outlines the same policies regarding party disloyalty. 3) The State GOP Chair has officially approved these county level policies in accordance with the State GOP Plan of Organization.
If someone can send me the official Lee County GOP, Plan of Organization that has been approved by the State GOP and the Lee County version is not in line with Person County, then this assessment is (INVALID)
After reading the Person County GOP, Plan for organization, this is what it says about disloyalty at the county level. “ Furthermore, Party Disloyalty will not be taken lightly. Party Disloyalty is defined as: the act of any registered Republican attempting to influence, or determined to have influenced, the outcome of any election against a Republican candidate for public office, or a Republican endorsed by the appropriate Republican Executive Committee (this does not include supporting an opposing Republican candidate in a Republican primary). This definition incudes the action of any Republican inappropriately influencing the internal election, or rejection, of officials on public councils, boards, and commissions, especially when favoring a non-Republican candidate running against a qualified Republican candidate in good standing.
Upon receiving a report of Party Disloyalty, the Chairman or Vice-Chairman will gather evidence, and bring the charges before the CEC for review and consideration. If found to have merit, the charges will be referred to the CEC for disposition. The accused candidate will be given at least fourteen (14) days’ notice of a hearing before the CEC and afforded the opportunity to provide a defense. The accused may be disassociated from the Party upon a two thirds (2/3) vote of the CEC. The Party may also impose the penalties of censure, cessation of support, or barring from Party premises for a period of up to five (5) years. The CEC may also pass a resolution requesting district or state level action for Party Disloyalty under the provisions of the applicable District or State Plans of Organization.”
The difference between the State and County level Plan of Organization when it comes to “Disloyalty” is the state plan is specifically directed towards acts of disloyalty by members of the GOP that serve as party leadership at all levels. The County (Person), extends this definition to include elected government officials that are members of the GOP. This is concerning to me as a citizen that votes because this extends punitive authority from a non governmental entity over duly elected government officials. We must understand, NCDP and NCGOP, ARE NOT GOVERNMENT AGENCIES. I find that a non government organization has punitive authority over an elected Government official serving in their capacity. The way the Person County GOP, Plan of Organization reads, the party leadership has the authority to charge an elected official, that is a member of the GOP party, with disloyalty if they vote or support anything that the county party officials don’t agree with. These types of rules lends itself to undue influence of non government agencies over elected government officials with the threat of censure, loss of any party funding, banning from party events and property, even removal from the party.
Elected officials are NOT subordinate or subservient to any non government entity except one; THE VOTER! There are many times that voters of any political party are not 100% in agreement with their parties platform on certain issues, they are still affiliated with those party’s because they agree with the majority of that party’s platform. The voter elects candidates to represent them in government, we do not elect political parties. Just because a certain political party may have the majority control of a governing body does not make that parties Chairperson the decision maker by proxy. If an elected official does not commit a felony crime that would impact the laws, rules and policies for eligibility to continue to serve in the capacity they were elected for. No Political party should have the ability to do what is being done. In current popular terms “Cancel” them. That is the role of the voters. I am not sure if the Democratic party has similar policies in place at the county level that gives them the authority to do what is being proposed by the Lee County GOP, if they do, it will be just as concerning. Elected officials must be able to govern and make decisions based on facts, Laws, Rules, and the will of the thousands of people that elected them, not the will of a handful of people in private political parties elected by 70+ people. Additionally after reading the state Plan of Organization, I don’t think the county level Plan of Organization is in keeping with the intent or the spirit of the State Level. The Plan of Organization is meant to outline the conduct of operations for the political party NOT have authority over Public elected officials that are affiliated with that party. I do have a Caveat; I do not know if the State has approved the Person County Plan, and I do not know if the Lee County plan is the same as Person County, or if it has been approved as well. I do know from this article, the Lee County GOP is acting in a manner consistent with the Person County plan, and the possible ramifications are also consistent with those outlined in the Person County plan. IF, the state level GOP has approved these plans and certified them, then they are also complicit in this type of activity and even though the NCGOP Plan of Organization is written for party leadership, it would appear they endorse local GOP party leadership blurring the lines between private and public office. I can point fingers at the Democratic Party and say “Look at them!!!” . That does nothing, I am not a member of the Democratic Party. I can only look to the party that I am affiliated with, and try to correct areas that need to be corrected or more clearly defined. This situation with Mrs. Bowen has brought to light a very concerning issue within the NCGOP that needs to be addressed and corrected. NO political party should have ANY form of influence over the decision making of an elected government official. That is not how a Constitutional Representative Democratic Republic works. It is little things like this that opens the door for corruption, and tyranny. I now have to ask, Do our Republican elected officials work for and answer to the people that voted for them? Or do they answer to the GOP Chair? Elected officials should be afraid to make decisions that are not in the best interest of the organization and the thousands of people they were elected to govern, not afraid of a handful of people in a private organization that has no accountability to the people. I will be Contacting State GOP leadership and working diligently to remove this type of influence from the GOP party. I believe that no entity should be able to assert this kind of authority over an elected official, it is un-American, undemocratic, and arguably un-Constitutional. More to follow in the coming weeks and months. This We’ll Defend, Airborne All the Way, Rangers Lead The Way, Let’s Go!
D.Roberts, OUT!!!!
You need to ask the Republican commissioners about the Julian Philpot appointment to the CCCC board. At least one maybe two Republicans wanted to vote for him but could not because he was a UNA and he did not want to go against the local GOP rule on this and get put on trial. Instead the Republicans split their vote between two lesser unqualified candidates and made sure the Democrats voted Philpot in.
Dale, according to Chris Weaver’s comment on this blog, Womack created the blueprint other counties are now adopting. Seems wrong that a local party chair who is only elected by a few dozen people can have that much control over elected officials. This means one man basically controls the BOE and the BOC since they are Republican majorities. Ask every elected official if they signed his loyalty pledge. https://dailyhaymaker.com/controversial-ncgop-fundraiser-spurs-calls-for-changes-to-ncgop-poo/
I agree, I don’t know about a loyalty pledge. It really concerns me that any private organization would be allowed to have punitive influence over any elected official. It isn’t just a NCGOP or NCDP issue. It is actually bigger. It sets the precedent that any private organization that finances and stumps for any political candidate can try to exert influence over elected officials that they have supported and can go so far as to have executives in that organization apply punitive actions agains the official. I would argue this is intimidation of elected officials. The Plan of Organization was never meant to be a set of rules and regulations to be exerted over candidates and elected officials. It is meant to outline how the internal workings of the GOP as an organization works. Additionally, Jim Womacks statement, That this is an “Internal” discipline matter, is false. This is not internal, there is no such thing as an internal action from a private organization to a Public Office holding government official. So, NO this is not internal private business. This is actions being taken against a Government Official under the guise of an official proceeding. It is banana republic actions. It is to send a very clear message to every Republican that holds an office in Lee county, “Do what we want, or we will threaten you with sanctions, and cut off any funds, and actively work to politically destroy you. That is clear Intimidation and I think there actually may be some criminality to it since there are very specific Criminal statutes against Intimidation of Public Servants. In fact, at the federal level, US Code title 18, outlines that it can be considered a felony to intimidate citizens with a fine of 5,000 dollars and up to 5 years in prison.
Seems like all the local Republicans are sitting back and letting Womack decide everything for them. Not a single high profile Republican has come out and said this was wrong when they did it to Steve Coble or either time they did it to Sandra Bowen. It is Jim’s way or the highway it seems.
I know I have commented a great deal on this article. That is because It is very concerning to me that this kind of stuff can actually happen.
I have a question.
Our Sheriff is Republican, how would anyone feel if the Lee County GOP accused him of Party disloyalty? Do any of us, regardless of political affiliation, think that any political party should have that kind of authority over the most powerful law enforcement position in the country? “Leadership through fear and intimidation is not leadership, it is tyranny”
Enough already – D Roberts – we get it
Meme, I think what you are trying to say is, Thank you for sharing this information so we the uninformed are now informed. So, You’re welcome.
Many of us are thankful D.Roberts did all this research and posted it so we can have a better understanding of what’s going on in the GOP. If you don’t like it or apparently don’t appreciate it, don’t comment.
What a waste of time! Sherry Womack really thought Ms Bowen would back her as “qualified” candidate after stabbing her in the back for disloyalty last year? Childish bs like this is why that place is becoming a giant joke. Loyalty oaths are never in the public’s interest. Sounds very Orwellian. Enemy of the people type stuff. I hope Ms Bowen runs again and depending on her messaging, she could win. And an unaffiliated, sounds more like what the founders were looking for.
From Britanica:
Nazism, also spelled Naziism, in full National Socialism, German Nationalsozialismus, totalitarian movement led by Adolf Hitler as head of the Nazi Party in Germany. In its intense nationalism, mass appeal, and dictatorial rule, Nazism shared many elements with Italian fascism. However, Nazism was far more extreme both in its ideas and in its practice. In almost every respect it was an anti-intellectual and atheoretical movement, emphasizing the will of the charismatic dictator as the sole source of inspiration of a people and a nation, as well as a vision of annihilation of all enemies of the Aryan Volk as the one and only goal of Nazi policy.
What Mr. Womack seems to puts forth is not Communism, but a fascist totalitatarianism where only he is correct and all others must be wrong. The far right wing is his “folk”.
One of the key elements is making an enemy of anything or anyone who is different. Good government in the United States has always depended on people who seek to enhance the public good and people who bridled the public good seekers with all the issues related to cost and sustainability.
Womack would have us believe that 55-60 % of Lee County are not fit for office is they are not a registered Republic in lock step with Mr. Womack.
This is Mike Stone’s enduring middle finger to Lee County.
Womack and his Lieutenant Kirk Smith are very strategic. Womack was once a County Commissioner and soon realized his power was limited so he didn’t run for a second term partly due to him not likely being able to win a second term but also he realized the real power was being chair of the local republican party. Kirk Smith lost his at-large seat on the County Commission a few years ago. He knew he was going to lose and started running for the district he currently represents prior to losing his at-large race. These two have been working full time to take control of Lee County politics. DEMS were able to hold them off by putting up mostly well know home grown moderate to conservative candidates some of whom were once registered republicans. Unfortunately, it appears that the only thing that matters is the letter beside your name on the ballot. Just look at the crazy on the School Board. I have watched the meeting and it is just flat out embarassing watching these yahoos run the board. Lastly, I find it interesting that none of the four republicans that control the County Commission are actually from Lee County.
Abstaining from the vote was a politically neutral maneuver. Let’s be clear, she did not vote no. I think she did not want to disavow her party but fulfill campaign promises of moral judgement. Womack and other Republicans saw this as a chance to censure her again.
Womack and others who blindly follow believe themselves as modern day Founding Fathers and martyrs for their political causes. Biblical references to decision making are the most cited reasons for making controversial or illegal decisions. I think Ms. Bowen’s actions are the closest that we will find to directly challenging the authority of the Board.
If the Board can break the law over a school calendar, then what’s next?
All of this sounds so much like communist party loyalty, or neo-Nazi loyalty crap;
“you are either for us or against us” mentality. I pity the person who is now in the so called GOP, because it ain’t your fathers or grandfathers party anymore. It has morphed into neo-Nazism, racist at its core.
K.House, I can appreciate your feelings on this. As a Conservative Republican, I can assure you, this is not the party. This is the actions of a select few in power in a local Republican office. There are many of us that see things going on locally, state and even national level. I don’t judge organizations because of a few people that are out of line. I thought about leaving the party at one time and either be Unaffiliated or join the Constitutionalist party. However I realized that The Republican Party still has leaders that see the Party like I do and the only way we can improve it and get it on the right track is to stay. You can’t fix the kitchen from outside the house. For many of us, words like freedom, Life, Liberty, Property, Pursuit of Happiness have meaning and they aren’t just catchphrases. Many of us that are Constitutional Conservatives understand that the Constitution protects peoples rights even when they do things we don’t agree with. People like me and many others may not agree with things you say or do, if you have a right to say it or do it, I will fight to defend your right. That is the difference between a true Conservative and a political ideologue. This whole Party Loyalty is misguided and not what the Republican Party stands for, it is something that was strategically worded in a local Plan of Organization by individuals that seek power under the guise of being Conservative. They will either change their ways or they will be removed. It may take some work, but it is doable. Rest assured your neighbors that are Republicans are not neo-nazis.
D. Roberts, It is unfortunate what has become of the GOP. It began to change with Nixon’s “southern strategy ” winning over the southern “Dixiecrats”., and trying to be nice here, were raciest at their core. Move to the Gingrich era, preach that “government is bad”, and all of that junk that government black helicopters are coming to take your guns away fairy tails. Then come Trump, leading the raciest to power, with his neo-Nazi brand of government. “you are for us or against us” mentality, so power hungry he tried to overthrow the government after loosing the election. Should we forget that some powerful GOP Lee County folks attended that rally/coup against our government, and whom had sworn an oath to defend and protect the Constitution.. .
Yes, maybe there still remains a very small, maybe silent group of what used to be the GOP, but what we see now, they do not speak up, and just let the neo-Nazi group control the GOP.
K House your premise is correct except for claiming a few Republicans still are the old GOP. These idiots like the ones running our local GOP are not the majority just like the idiots like AOC are not the majority of the Democrats. These people are just the loudest.Most all Americans are pretty close to being right down the middle of the road and have lost faith in both parties. They are to busy working trying to by eggs and fuel and don’t have time to join in the clown show that American politics have become. We need to stop grouping people by their political party and just call out people when they are morons. Trust me they are plenty on both sides.
“Give me a break”; I agree there are fringe elements in both political parties. That being said, the GOP has chosen to follow and allow the right wing fringe people control of the Republican party, local, state and nationally.. Thankfully, a lot of the nuts who wanted to control state election in the next elections (Trump pick for state A.G’s) lost. However, the idiots gained control oft our own local county boards. Crazies questioning some ones faith, or putting on a ‘trial’ for not towing the party line. Sick, Just sick !!