Craven-Tillis tiff dominates 3rd CD GOP meeting
You knew things were going to get interesting in New Bern this weekend when all non-members of the 3rd congressional district GOP executive committee were kicked out of the meeting hall. Of course, we had several pairs of eyes and ears in the room.
Sources tell me Craven GOP chairman Paul Hill briefed the group on the letter of censure against Speaker Tillis that originated from his county. He challenged the state GOP assertion of impropriety regarding the meeting where the letter was approved. Hill said a letter was drafted and approved [the version you saw on this site and some others] but a final version still needs to be approved by the county executive committee.
Most of the conversation in the closed session revolved around Thom Tillis. My sources tell me that many of the previously publicized allegations against the speaker were aired. Sources tell me that the legislators who were present [McElraft, Sanderson, and Cleveland] spoke in defense of Tillis.
Tillis did not attend the convention. [My sources tell me a “prior commitment” was cited. That’s quite unusual to skip a major GOP gathering the week you announce your bid for US Senate.]
Sources tell me that — judging by the applause — at least two thirds of those in attendance were Tillis foes / censure supporters. They also tell me that state chairman Jack Brosch was received very warmly by the convention delegates.
One source summed up the event for me like this:
“The Tillis group is in full suppression mode. They are not interested in discussing people’s concerns about the speaker. They want to clamp down on, and shut up, anyone who has anything less than glowing to say about Thom Tillis. This is all a real shame.”
A source familiar with the inner workings of the Craven County GOP tells me the letter of censure will likely survive. But how strongly worded it is will depend on (1) WHO shows up at the next meeting, and (2) HOW MANY people buckle under pressure from Raleigh.
If the letter was approved at a “regular monthly meeting” then I assume it was at the Craven county board meeting. So the Craven chair could be correct, that the letter is not an official stance of the county party, until a meeting of the county Exec committee approves it.
If Craven is like many counties, the Exec Committee only meets 2 or 3 times a year, so you can be sure the NCGOP will want that next meeting held wayyyy out in the future, preferably after the primary concludes.
The letter was approved to go out. The fact that the County Chair now says it has to be re-approved is ridiculous. The minutes clearly state the fact that the letter is legitimate. Craven is a much more organized county and has MONTHLY meetings. You can be VERY sure that no matter how many times it has to be voted on, it will be voted on. Paul Hill may be in danger of losing his chairmanship for not reflecting the will of the majority of EXCOMM members.
What is it with this guy Tillis is he a member of the mafia? Threatening and bullying people? Really?
Is he owned by the payday lenders too?
I will never send another check to the GOP just because of this incidence. Never.
I just read this.
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/02/29/3056968/tillis-and-lenders.html
The Speaker and the State GOP are exalting form over substance. There needs to be some account taken in Raleigh of the opinions of Republicans outside the Beltway.
Walt-in-Durham