Echoing the divisions at the state level, the Scott County Republican Party’s leadership is facing a challenge when the party central committee convenes next week.
Chairwoman Judy Davidson, who is seeking a third two-year term, faces a contest, and so do other executive committee members. Some of the challengers were supporters of Ron Paul’s presidential bid, although they say they are running independently.
Local Republicans took a beating at the polls last November. President Barack Obama won the county by a wide margin, and Republicans lost two state legislative seats. But the divisions driving the challenge aren’t so much tied to last year’s election as they are longstanding rivalries.
Michael Elliott, a Davenporter who has been a leader of a local liberty group, plans to seek one of three vice-chair posts. He said others also are seeking positions on the executive committee. He argues the panel has been too exclusionary for too long.
“It tends to be more of a clique,” said Elliott, who runs a computer repair business. “We’re trying to eliminate cronyism.”
A nominating committee has recommended a slate of candidates, with Davidson as the chair. But party rules allow nominations to be taken from the floor, and at Tuesday’s meeting, Elliott and others intend to have their names placed in nomination.
Anthony Woolever, a 29-year-old chiropractor from Davenport who also is an Iraq War combat veteran, is seeking the chairmanship. He thinks electing a young person such as himself would show the party is seeking to reach young voters. His background, he said, also would appeal to small business owners and veterans.
Woolever, who was a Paul supporter during the 2012 presidential caucuses, said the Republican Party ostracizes people who don’t walk in step with its candidate. He said that happened to supporters of Paul and Rick Santorum.
“I want to see supporters of all candidates welcomed with open arms,” Woolever said. He said the party ought to do more to bring in experts on issues of importance and reach the disenfranchised.
Davidson disputes the idea that the party’s executive committee is exclusionary.
“I’m always asking for feedback,” she said....
Branstad has endorsed Davidson and her team. Tim Albrecht, a spokesman for the governor, said they are “proven messengers, fundraisers and winners, and the governor believes they are the right team to lead us to victory next November.”
Elliott, who has been at odds with some local Republicans since running as an independent for county auditor in 2008, makes the argument that the 2010 election victories were more because of tea party enthusiasm, which he said he and his supporters offer.
“If you want more of that in the future, vote for me,” he said.
Of course, as with any election, that will depend on who turns out Tuesday. About 120 members of the county party central committee are eligible to vote. In addition to an election for chair, three vice chairs, a treasurer and secretary will be chosen. Two of the three current vice chairs are seeking re-election and have been recommended by the nominating committee.
The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday at Tanglewood Hills Pavilion, 4250 Middle Road, Bettendorf. It will be closed to the media, Davidson said.
