QuoteA Dark Day for the Florida Republican Party
Dear Jan,
A Memo From:
Judith Albertelli, President
National Republican Women's Network (NRWN)
Anne Voss, President
Florida Republican Women's Network (FRWN)
May 23, 2007
On Friday, May 18, 2007, FRWN President Anne Voss and First Vice President Dolores Clark were directed to meet with Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer. I participated in the meeting by telephone from Jacksonville.
Chairman Greer decreed that pursuant to the language in the new elections bill recently passed by the Florida Legislature, all clubs and organizations wanting to use the party name would have to get written permission from him to operate as a Republican club/organization. He went on to say that all Network clubs will have to apply to the Republican Executive Committee (REC) of the county in which they meet and obtain the written approval of two of the following three people in the REC: county chairman, state committeeman or state committeewoman. His ultimatum indicated that refusal would require us to drop the word Republican from our name.
Furthermore, Network clubs receiving approval and having filed the appropriate documents with the party would receive only a "provisional" charter to operate on probation for one year. Following the probation period, they would then be judged by the "benchmarks" set by, and at the whim of, the State Party Chairman.
The new Florida statute gives power to the State Chairman to remove anyone from their position for any reason he deems valid. His power to remove extends to county chairman and duly elected state committeemen and state committeewomen, as well as all REC and club members.
We were also told by Chairman Greer that the Florida New Federation and their unit clubs will not be held to the same standards. They will not have to apply for charters from the local REC members or the State Party Chairman.
The Executive Committee of the Florida Republican Women's Network, having discussed the far-reaching ramifications of the Chairman's interpretation of the Florida Election Law and selective prosecution of the law, have voted to stand on principle, continue to use the name Republican, and maintain our independence from the Party structure and control. We will not relinquish the right to drive our mission, charter our own clubs and set our own benchmarks with true faith and allegiance to our bylaws.
We are prepared to defend our rights to call ourselves Republican and to join with other Republican women to have our voice heard and our impact felt in the public arena. Anyone threatening to silence us should understand that we will not acquiesce to intimidation or unfair treatment.
Our Republican credentials are considerable and we stand by our record. This is not 1907 -- we will not settle for second-class status in our Republican Party, the party of Lincoln and Reagan.
Sincerely,
Judith Albertelli
National Republican Women's Network
Anne Voss
Florida Republican Women's Network
followed by this:
Quote
Members of the RWCDF,
There have some emails and blogs circulating concerning the latest from the Republican Women's Network and our old pal Judith Albertelli. This group has nothing to do with us, the RWCDF, and the FNFRW. We are as we have always been: Republican women, loyal to the Party, and involved in grassroots activities to strengthen the Republican Party.
The following are some vital points that will ensure we all remain and are correctly perceived as the conservative, professional Republican leaders Florida has come to expect from the dedicated women of our Federated organization.
1. The future of the FNFRW will not be served if club members directly or publicly enter into the controversy surrounding the incorrect and scandalous memo written by Judith Albertelli and Ann Voss. It is NOT about "them". It remains about "us" and the future of the Party - strong, united and successful.
2. FNFRW has not been given "special status" by Chairman Greer. In fact, use of the name
Okay, so what started this cat fight? I can't figure it out. I know there have been competing clubs in Jacksonville for some time, but I wasn't sure of the reason. I know Albertelli supported Gallagher in the primary and that she (along with her pal Carole Jean Jordan, the GOP Chair) opposed Crist's choice to win the GOP State Chair. Obviously, the Governor (or President, in the case of the national party) is traditionally given the choice of who they would like to run the party. Albertelli and her pals opposed Crist's choice and, in fact, almost succeeded.
So, where did the bad blood start? Someone serve the wrong wine at a soiree?
So, who falls into what category? Is Albertelli the country club wife type? ("Find me a good Christian man to support.")
Just trying to figure out the drama.
Ms Albertelli ran for National President, from the floor and lost by less than 10 votes. Two women from Florida campaigned against her and those two were denied membership renewal. The national org. said they had to let them renew membership and Fl org. Board denied them again, so National dropped the Fl org altogether. Fl Federated Republican Women regrouped with a new name of Fl New Federation of Republican Women and all interested could be a member. Ms Albertelli and others formed the Fl Network of Republican Women and all interested could join. The difference at this time is the Fl New Federation of Republican Women are considered a constitutional Republican Club and the Network remains independent of the Republican Party, but still uses the Republican name. Both allow only Republican Women to join and Republican men may join as Associate Members. At issue is that all "chartered" Republican Clubs may use the name of Republican and the party may refuse to allow them to use the name if not chartered.
That my story and I'm stickin' to it.
Thanks, Sunny. Sounds like a bunch of drama.
Drama is for actors. We need to get over it and go on with life, learn to get along and pull together!!