Washoe County Republicans seem to have hit another low with in-fighting and bitterness. At a meeting of the County Central Committee Tuesday factions within the group just couldn't get along. It started with some out-shouting others and it ended with someone calling the Reno Police Department.
"We've had problems," said Former Chairman David Buell, "But this is the ugliest and the meanest I've ever seen."
"They've never been more dysfunctional. They are now embarrassing themselves and to have the cops called to a party meeting is beyond explainable. They should be ashamed of themselves," said Fred Lokken, Political Science Professor at Truckee Meadows Community College.
Buell says he is embarrassed by the ordeal.
"There were tons of new people at that meeting. Probably half of the people there were taking their first foray into politics and this is not a good way to get people invested in the party."
In Buell's estimation those involved have just lost sight of what the party is for, which is getting Republicans elected to office.
"Even if you don't agree with all the candidates, getting them in office gets the party power within the government and helps the party make headway with its ideals. Whether it's (Donald) Trump or (Ted) Cruz or someone we don't even know about yet in the Republican Party, they are all a better bet than Hillary Clinton!"
And he adds that while he was chairman his goal was to keep the party out of the headlines and get the candidates in the news instead.
Of the four top leaders who resigned a month ago two have now rescinded their resignations and one has agreed to stay on until new officers are seated.
Their next meeting is in July.
