The chairwoman of the Oregon Republican Party resigned Friday night ahead of a recall vote aimed at removing her from leadership.
Suzanne Gallagher was elected to lead the statewide party in February, but frustrated party members began circulating a recall petition in July charging that she had mismanaged the organization and misallocated party resources.
Suzanne Gallagher
A vote on the recall was scheduled for today. Instead, party members will likely vote to replace Gallagher during a party convention held in Bend this weekend.
“The events in the last couple of months are a testimony to why republicans are not seen in a good light,” Gallagher said in a written statement read to party members at the convention. “The actions of some members have demonstrated the character flaws perceived by the public as
uncaring, angry and antagonistic.”
Republicans face challenges in organizing voters and electing candidates statewide in Oregon where Democrats hold a 180,000-voter registration edge. But the 2010 election was a boon for the party, leading to an even tie in the Oregon House of Representatives and a narrow victory for Democrat John Kitzhaber in the Oregon Governor’s race.
Democrats retook the House in the 2012 elections, buoyed by high turnout driven by the reelection of President Barack Obama. Party members hope the coming election cycle, which doesn’t feature a presidential race, will play out more like 2010. But a misstep in fundraising or organizing could upset those hopes.
In her statement, Gallagher said that if the
is perceived as “divided and dysfunctional” funding from the national Republican party could be in jeopardy.
“I encourage you to work together and continue to promote conservative political values in the state of oregon,” Gallagher said.
--Christian Gaston