GOP to Endorse Rainville Ahead of Straw Poll

As reported in the Burlington Free Press this morning, the Vermont delegates to the Republican National Committee have endorsed Martha Rainville in her bid for U.S. Congress. Rainville has a primary against State Senator Mark Shepard of Bennington.

Here's a link to the Burlington Free Press article:

http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060406/NEWS01/604060313/1009

But the reports of discontent within the ranks of the GOP are coming fast and furious. Members of the Executive Committee have publicly chastised Chairman Barnett for the move. Here's a copy of Jay Shepard's letter to Barnett:


Dear Chairman Barnett

I am very disappointed that you and our RNC delegation chose to make such an unprecedented move in calling for our party leadership to endorse Martha Rainville prior to our party's primary. It is more troubling that this move occurred prior to our first ever straw poll convention that was designed to show where our state committee stand on our statewide candidates.

As an elected member of the VTGOP executive committee it is equally distressing that you chose not to consult the executive committee at our recent meeting. This action is so dramatic that I would expect that it be discussed before the Executive Committee. I think it shows a complete lack of respect for the party structure and the executive committee members.

As you know I am supporting Martha Rainville for U.S. Congress but feel that Senator Mark Shepard is a viable and qualified candidate for Congress and is the only previously elected Republican in the race.

I feel it is required of my position as the elected Member -at-Large on the Executive committee to represent the feelings of many members of the state rank and file. The feedback that I am receiving reflects my own feeling on this matter.

I feel you have served us well in the past but have not done so in the matter. This decision will not reflect well on the character of our party and it's members.

Jay Shepard
Republican