At a meeting of the party’s executive committee Monday, several members expressed concerns that support for Kelty, indicted last week on nine counts of perjury and campaign-finance violations, may make it more difficult to elect other Republicans in the Nov. 6 election.
“I told them the party has got to stand for certain principles, including honesty and integrity,” said John McGauley, who was elected Allen County recorder last year. “But Kelty lied to us, he lied to the public and, apparently, he lied to the grand jury. We can run against (Democratic mayoral candidate) Tom Henry again in four years, but we can’t if we give up the core things we stand for.
“Would we do that if we support Kelty? Yes.”
Ouch. Those are extremely harsh words from an elected official of the Republican party. But it didn't stop there - looks like Chairman Steve Shine is a little irritated that McGauley is talking about discussions from the executive committee:
Other members of the 15-member committee said they believe the party should remain loyal to Kelty, but did not want to be identified.
That’s because what happens in executive committee meetings is supposed to remain confidential, Shine said.
“Anyone who said anything (about what happened in the meeting) should be man or woman enough to resign,” Shine said. “It’s a complete betrayal, as serious as the (Kelty) issues they’re speaking about. Shame on them.”
“I said what I said,” McGauley responded. “I’m free to state my own opinion. I’m not violating anyone’s confidence but my own.”
I think Steve Shine is all-in on this one and his position as chairman is likely in serious jeopardy if Kelty goes down in flames. McGauley wasn't the only Republican insider to voice his concern:
"There’s nothing (the committee) can do about Kelty running or not running,” said committee member Bill Bean, a local developer. “Our purpose was to discuss the effect this might have on other races. My biggest concern is political apathy, that people will just stay home.”
Great reporting by Leininger. And for those of you that continue to claim the Democratic party is the reason for Kelty's woes - well, read this story. The party is fractured and it will be interesting to see if Shine can keep it together until election night...
2 comments:
In 2002, the Republican Party in Marion County was divided after the primary for the Sheriff's race between Joe McAtee and Tom Schneider. Schneider won the primary, and ran a negative campaign against his opponent, Democrat Frank Anderson. Anderson ran a clean campaign and won the general election.
I bring this up because it reminds me of what is happening in Fort Wayne. The Republican Party is divided, and Kelty may turn up the heat and go negative agasint Henry.
The Allen County GOP shot itself in the foot when elected officials endorsed Peters. McGauley appeared in the mailer with the other officials, so it certainly wouldn't be out of line to question his motives. His concern for the party is admirable, but I can't help but ask, "Where was your concern for the party when you were asked, or volunteered, to appear in the mailer?"
Maybe his appearance in the mailer was the result of pressure from the power players. Maybe now he has had enough and he is standing up for what he believes is right, in an effort to correct a mistake.
Or, maybe he's just not a fan of Kelty. Who knows.
Interesting stuff, they are kind of in a catch 22. If they support Kelty and he's found innocent, then that will help them. If he's found guilty then they look bad.
Post a Comment