GOP State Central Committee meeting held in Thermopolis

The Wyoming Republican Party held a State Central Committee (SCC) meeting on Friday, February 10 and Saturday, February 11, in Thermopolis. Both the Executive and Budget and Audit Committees met on Friday afternoon. That evening, Hot Springs County Central Committee hosted a Faith, Family, and Freedom Dinner featuring keynote speaker, Nathan Winters of the Wyoming Family Alliance. Afterward, a live auction fundraiser was held and offered many fantastic items donated by the community.

On Saturday, a quorum of the SCC met beginning at 9 a.m. Guests, correspondence, and addresses included a letter from U.S. Senator John Barrasso, U.S. Senator Lummis’ Chief of Staff, Kristen Walker, spoke and took questions. U.S. Representative Harriet Hageman made a personal appearance, spoke, and answered questions. There was no correspondence from Governor Mark Gordon, however, Secretary of State Chuck Gray, Treasurer Curt Meier, and Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder all appeared in person to speak and answer questions. Auditor Racines was unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict.

During the meeting, the Chairman’s Report included an update on the status of lawsuits filed against the Wyoming Republican Party. Two cases have been won by the party and disposed of with prejudice. One ongoing suit against the Uinta County Central Committee has been successfully defended in the lower courts, but it on appeal and in the hands of the Wyoming Supreme Court awaiting a decision. Chairman Eathorne reported all three cases over the last two years have been designed to distract and defund the Wyoming Republican Party by those who refuse to support the Party Platform. As such, the lawsuits have functioned as lawfare against the Wyoming Republican Party.

National Committeewoman Nina Webber expanded on the Chairman’s Report regarding Republican National Committee elections held two weeks prior. The election garnered national attention, and highly active grassroots voters made their opinions known about how our delegation should vote. Republicans across the nation wanted a change in leadership, and the three Wyoming votes were respectfully cast for that change. However, votes for change came up short. Ronna McDaniel was reelected as a fourth-term Chairwoman of the RNC.

The members addressed party business in the afternoon, including a handful of proposed resolutions. Of note due to its attention in the media, has been a resolution regarding Senator Lummis’ vote supporting the Respect for Marriage Act. Reporting misinterpreted the action of the SCC. There was no censure of Senator Lummis discussed or passed. The language of the resolution passed by the SCC states a condemnation of that single vote, which resulted in the passage of the Act into law. We regret any confusion caused by misinterpretations of the action taken by the SCC.

The next meeting of the SCC will be held in Jackson, Wyoming on May 5-6, 2023. Officer elections and other party business will be conducted. The Wyoming Republican Party encourages precinct people from around the state to attend and engage in state party politics firsthand. Please watch the website, http://www.wyoming.gop, for updates on state party events. Details about the Jackson meeting will be posted as they become available.

“The efforts of the state party are a reflection of the statewide voice of Republican grassroots activists,” stated Chairman Frank Eathorne. “We will continue to do the work as requested by Republicans from around the state.”