State GOP panel: Local party actions were proper; Thrasher stays as local chairman

NC GAZETTE / WBRT RADIO
STAFF REPORT

Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019 — A special committee of 2nd Congressional District GOP leadership recently denied the appeal filed by members of the local party organization regarding how several recent meetings were conducted and the election of Don Thrasher, former Republican candidate for judge executive, as county chairman.

DON THRASHER

A complaint filed by local attorney Jason Floyd alleged that the addition of precinct officers during a Nov. 20, 2019, party meeting was improper; the complaint also alleged that the notice of a Nov. 30, 2019 special meeting was deficient, and that a Dec. 5, 2019, meeting was improperly held.

• Floyd’s complaint (pdf document).
• Thrasher’s response (pdf document).
• 2nd District RPK decision (pdf document).

The committee ruled against the complaint on all counts, including a request to set aside all the business transacted at the meetings in question — which would include removal of the 15 precinct officers added at the meetings as well as party chairman Thrasher.

Floyd filed the complaint on behalf of local GOP members Barbara Floyd, Joe Armstrong, James Beery, Paula Burkot, Gina Craven, Karen Crume, Ron Crume, David Floyd, Nick Kipper, Genita Limke, Marion Kelly Pulliam, Hunter Shehan and Debbie Sneed.

The committee’s ruling noted that Joe Armstrong — who was listed as a complaining party — contacted the Republican Party of Kentucky to say his name was used on the complaint without his permission. Armstrong added that he believed the party’s actions were property conducted.

In a telephone interview Friday, Thrasher said that healing the rift in the local party is his top priority moving forward.

“Within any family there are going to be differences, when a member feels strongly that the
rules were not adhered to they have a right to make a challenge,” he said, adding that he supports the right of party members to challenge how things are done when there is a disagreement.

Thrasher took a conciliatory tone when asked about a split in the party.

“There were no winners or losers in this decision it was simply a clarification of the rules,” he said. “We all look forward to moving past this and will focus on more positive issues that help our party and community.”

Thrasher said the party will be welcome and inclusive to those interested in being part of the group. The party will continue to operate with transparency and integrity, he said..

“We have a great leadership team and an outstanding group of committee members that are energized and ready to make the right kind of difference.”

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