GOP Pay To Play

I just happen to attend the meeting of the Loudon County Republican Party last week. I actually went to hear the discussion of the issue of Julia Hurley trying to have William Jenkins kicked off the ballot. Ultimately, it sounds like the local party is taking measures to prevent the state GOP from removing any candidates from the ballot. I'll keep you posted on that issue.

But another little nugget I learned about the state GOP rules is just as disturbing. Apparently in their new bylaw, there is a requirement that anyone running as a republican has to pay to be allowed to run.

I voiced my strong opposition to the idea of having to pay an extortion fee to be allowed to run for office as my political affiliation. I told them this sounds more like something you might find in Chicago or Russia.

In my case, it's not about the amount of money, $25, I would be made to pay, it's just the idea that I'm forced to pay anything. 

Ultimately, I sent in my extortion payment under protest with the attached letter.

Please accept this $25 “extortion fee” under protest and in utter disbelief that the state GOP has adopted policies far more consistent with liberal philosophy than conservative philosophy.
 
The only term that comes to mind is Pay To Play. I have to pay the GOP in order to run for office as a republican.
 
There’s nothing republican about this.
 
Van Shaver
Loudon County Commission  

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2/28/22