Dear fellow Republicans,
The Washington County Republican Party is designed to be a party directed by the Republican voters. And that’s exactly what is happening in Washington County! Historically, Washington County Republicans have been directed by self-proclaimed “historical and community leaders”. An Examiner-Enterprise article dated August 30, 2023 purports to declare “How the Washington County GOP fell apart in less than a year.” The Washington County GOP has in fact been falling apart for years! Had it been receptive to the concerns of its own rank-and-file members, there would be no “grassroots” Republican movement amongst the “historical Republican” party at all.
When we decided to run for the WCGOP leadership positions, we committed to following the rules, holding legislators and other elected officials accountable to the Republican Party Platform, and making information readily available for those interested in defending our Republic. We have been frankly surprised by determined establishment opposition to this straightforward idea. “Historical and community leaders” have opposed this new direction to the extent that they falsely declared their candidates as winners at the recent county convention. Once the acting convention chairman, State Senator Julie Daniels, and former WCGOP Vice Chairman Alex Johnson acknowledged the manifest voting tabulation errors, the election was corrected and the new administration acknowledged. Our current Washington County Committee members were in fact elected to their positions by the voters of Washington County – despite concerted efforts by the self-titled “historical and community leaders group” to alter the voting tabulation to prevent their election. Upon taking office we immediately began implementing our promises to encourage participation of all Republicans and make information available to all voters in our county.
Washington County Republicans are a diverse group of all ages and backgrounds. In the few months since we were elected, the county committee has been joined by college students, young families, retired military and many others. Many in this group of people stood firm even when sued by “community leaders” and successfully defended our First Amendment right to proceed.
The OKGOP Rules state that the “Supreme Authority” of the County Republican Party are the Precincts. Each precinct, meanwhile, is made up of all the Republican voters in the precinct. Our county leadership is directed by the voters. That very fact has caused some “historical and community leaders” to leave the organization.
As Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Washington County Republicans, and as Air Force veterans, we dearly love our country and we understand the importance of following the OKGOP Rules and Platform. We want those we elect to represent us to follow the same standards.
If you love our precious country, the United States of America, and if you want to defend your God-given rights, come to our September meeting of the Republican Party. At this meeting, you will have the opportunity to meet other Republicans in your precinct and to see firsthand a county party that is supporting Republican values and organizing to hold all elected Republicans accountable to the Republican Platform.
September 25
6:30pm
Calvary Chapel, Bartlesville
Respectfully,
Larry Murray, Chairman
Tom Stearman, Vice Chairman
Washington County Republican Party