Tim Overlin attempted to introduce a resolution at the Polk County GOP Central Committee meeting tonight encouraging the Iowa GOP State Central Committee to keep Danny Carroll on as chair, and that their vote this coming Saturday would be public. During the announcements he was recognized and he used the time to discuss unity within the party and indicated that the State Central Committee recent action to remove Danny Carroll would hurt that unity.
He then attempted to introduce the resolution as a new business item, but the parliamentarian said that he needed a motion to add the resolution as a new agenda item before it could be discussed and voted on. It required a 2/3 majority in order to pass. A motion was made and seconded. The central committee voted 43 to 32 in favor of the resolution, but it fell short of the 2/3 majority requirement.
It should be noted that over half of the committee members present wanted to discuss the following resolution.
Resolution in Support of Republican Party of Iowa Unity & RPI Chairman Danny Carroll.
WHEREAS Polk County Republicans desire to be unified in our passion for victory for Republican candidates on the ballot in November
WHEREAS Polk County Republicans desire to continue our state’s legacy as an example of diverse opinions while upholding standards of transparency and courtesy in our dealings with one another
WHEREAS Polk County Republicans desire UNITY between ALL groups that call themselves Republicans across Iowa, therefore we believe the greatest show of UNITY is for State Central Committee members to stop the cycle of “retaliation” between groups – and instead work together to resolve any differences that exist
WHEREAS Polk County Republicans desire to continue our tradition of courtesy and keep our respected place in national politics due to our First-in-the-Nation status, and all Iowa Republicans should be mindful of how our actions reflect upon that tradition
WHEREAS on the same day our state convention highlighted speeches and calls for unity that inspired Republicans to support and rally around our chosen candidates the newly seated State Central Committee publically announced that they “have the votes” to remove Chairman Carroll from office
WHEREAS replacing Chairman Carroll could needlessly fracture our Party during these vital elections and hand a win to Democrats
THEREFORE, be it RESOLVED that the Polk County Central Committee supports the state party’s call for unity and believes that is best exemplified by retaining Danny Carroll as State Chairman so he can complete his term that will end in January.
THEREFORE, may it be further RESOLVED that the Polk County Central Committee requests that our State Central Committee members insist all votes taken at the State Central Committee on June 28th, 2014 regarding the State Chairman and Co-Chair position will be public with no secret ballots taken.
State Central Committee members Jeff Kaufmann and Cody Hoefert announced their intention to run for Chair and Co-Chair respectfully. The Iowa GOP State Central Committee meeeting is scheduled for Saturday, June 28, 2014 to convene at the Republican Party of Iowa headquarters at 1:00p.
Update: Here is a video of last night’s discussion. There is disagreement over whether the same rules were followed with past resolutions.