In a contentious meeting held on Saturday, members of the Colorado Republican Party voted to remove Dave Williams from his position as state chairman.
According to DENVER (KDVR), the decision was made during a central committee gathering, but Williams declared the meeting improper and refused to acknowledge the results.
The vote to oust Williams comes after controversial statements and actions that have sparked criticism from both within and outside the Republican party. The chairman faced backlash after sending an email stating "God hates flags" and encouraging the burning of pride flags in June, which led to calls for his resignation or removal.
Williams' tenure as state chairman has been marked by several contentious issues. His comments regarding pride flags and the LGBTQ+ community drew sharp criticism, even from fellow Republicans. Despite the backlash, Williams remained unapologetic, defending his stance in a statement to FOX31 in June.
The chairman also faced scrutiny for his alleged misuse of state party funds. He was accused of using these resources to print campaign materials that attacked his opponent, Jeff Crank, in the primary race for Colorado's Fifth Congressional District.
These actions contributed to growing dissatisfaction among party members, ultimately leading to the vote for his removal.
The central committee meeting, during which Williams' removal was decided, saw 241 voting members participate. The final tally showed 179 members in favor of removing Williams, with 62 opposing the motion.
However, Williams contests the legitimacy of the meeting and its outcome. He claims that only 77 people were actually present, with 104 "questionable" proxies. Williams argues that the process was led by a "fringe element" of the state GOP and did not follow proper procedures.
The legitimacy of the meeting and the subsequent vote has become a point of contention. Williams cited an opinion from the Republican National Committee Parliamentarian, Al Gage, stating that the scheduled meetings were "illegitimate" and any actions taken would be "null and void."
On the other hand, party officials, including Nancy Pallozzi, chair of the Jefferson County Republican Party, have confirmed Williams' ousting. The state GOP's bylaws allow for the removal of elected officers with a three-fifths vote of the entire membership, provided proper notice is given.
As the Colorado Republican Party grapples with this leadership change, attention turns to the future. Jeff Crank, who defeated Williams in the primary for the Fifth Congressional District seat, expressed support for Eli Bremer as the new state chairman.
Bremer has already taken action in his new role, endorsing all Republican candidates on the November ballot in Colorado. This move signals an attempt to unify the party and focus on upcoming elections.
In conclusion, the Colorado Republican Party finds itself at a crossroads following the controversial vote to remove Dave Williams as state chairman. The dispute over the meeting's legitimacy and the circumstances leading to Williams' ouster highlight the internal divisions within the party. As the dust settles, the Colorado GOP faces the challenge of unifying its members and presenting a cohesive front to voters in the upcoming elections.
