BARRON COUNTY (DrydenWire) - An email obtained by DrydenWire shows in a recent communication to the members of the Barron County Republican Party (BCRP), Wisconsin Senator Romaine Quinn voiced serious concerns regarding the functioning and decision-making processes of the local party. The communication came amidst a lack of recent membership meetings and limited communication from the party's leadership. The Barron News-Shield was the first to report on Quinn’s letter.
Quinn detailed events from a September 5th executive committee meeting where decisions were made to force the resignation of the party's secretary, Jenna Mitzel, and later remove Tim Wold from the board. Quinn emphasized that such actions were not aligned with the party's constitution and were conducted without due process.
Drawing attention to the party's constitution, specifically Article IV, Section Five, Quinn pointed out that the removal of members like Wold and Mitzel required a recommendation to the general membership, not unilateral actions taken by the executive committee. This, according to Quinn, was part of a pattern of disregarding the party's constitution.
Moreover, Quinn raised various concerns about the party's chairman, including attempts to censure and remove him as a party delegate, as well as financial mismanagement and inadequate acknowledgment of fallen officers. He also highlighted the chairman's lack of support for him and Representative Dave Armstrong, suggesting a possible primary challenge against them.
DrydenWire reached out to Quinn specifically about being censured by the party.
Quinn stated that part of the reason the chairman and his appointees were upset was due to Quinn calling out the BCRP for not acknowledging the recent deaths of the two officers from Barron County.
"Our local chairman and party leadership should be ashamed for not recognizing the officers and their families during one of the worst tragedies we have ever suffered here in Barron County,” said Quinn. “The Republican Party has always stood behind law enforcement, and it is embarrassing that we couldn't even be bothered to issue a statement here locally. I will NEVER apologize for supporting our men and women who protect our communities and if that gets me censured, so be it.”
Expressing disillusionment with the party's current state, Quinn announced his decision to discontinue volunteering for BCRP activities, including financial support. He mentioned plans to organize public meetings to discuss political matters transparently and openly, fostering a more inclusive dialogue.
Quinn concluded the communication by expressing hope for party unity in the future, urging a focus on holding the northern legislative seats as the 2024 elections approach. He reiterated his commitment to fulfilling his duties as a legislator, irrespective of the party's internal issues.
Editor’s note: Senator Romaine Quinn will be joining DrydenWire founder Ben Dryden on DrydenWire Live! Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, at 8:30a.
Last Update: Sep 26, 2023 6:29 am CDT
