The state GOP has for the first time set a code of conduct to allow the removal of local party officials, members of the executive committee or staff for actions such as sexually, verbally or physically harassing fellow Republicans.
The new bylaws laying out the process to remove offenders states that while the party supports the right of members to choose local leaders, those heading county and congressional district organizations “should be working in coordination to achieve the Republican Party of Wisconsin’s goals and mission.”
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Anyone accused of violating the rules could be removed by a three-fifths vote on the executive committee if a complaint is filed with the party.
Local activist Ken Sikora told WisPolitics the rules are an attempt by the party to “stamp out the grassroots” and rein in “patriots” such as himself who are now in local leadership roles.
Sikora was elected 8th CD chair for the upcoming term after a raucous process involving a lawsuit that overturned a state party decision barring some county members from voting in the election. Ahead of his election last month, some party members raised concerns about his candidacy, in part, due to a 2019 conviction on misdemeanor battery and disorderly conduct charges with domestic abuse modifiers.
“We’re watching us lose election after election, and we just want to see some introspection in this and say, ‘What are we doing wrong?’” said Sikora, who’s also the Oconto County chair. “It’s not happening. We’re doubling down on stupid.”
The new rules come amid various tensions between the state party and its local affiliates.
Grassroots members unsuccessfully pushed a resolution at the 2022 state convention calling on Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, to resign or be removed from office. The party earlier this year proposed and then pulled back a constitutional amendment that would’ve barred paid employees of advocacy groups from serving on its executive committee. That proposal was floated as members of the Trump-aligned Turning Point Action have sought positions in party leadership. And Sheboygan County GOP leaders last fall refused to stock at the party office yard signs for former state Rep. Amy Binsfeld, R-Sheboygan, saying they disapproved of positions she took. She ended up losing by 845 votes, or 2.9 percentage points.
Just this month, there has been criticism aimed at Chair Brian Schimming over the party’s performance during conservative Brad Schimel’s 10-point loss in the state Supreme Court race.
A party spokesperson declined comment.
The executive committee — a 31-member body that includes the chairs and vice chairs of each congressional district party — approved the bylaws on Sunday. The party then sent a message to members Monday with an overview.
“These changes, driven by volunteers and local leaders, aim to enhance transparency, accountability, and governance within our party structure,” the party wrote. “We have established these bylaws at the request of party activists and leaders.”
Some of the banned activity includes: publicly defaming GOP elected officials as well as party staff and volunteers; working to defeat any candidate who has won a Republican primary; and using social media accounts associated with RPW and its affiliates “for purposes that conflict with” the party’s mission.
Under the removal process, any five members of the executive committee can sign a complaint targeting someone for removal that includes the basis for the action and information to support the allegations. The rules also allow any three Republicans elected to the Legislature, Congress or statewide office to initiate a complaint.
If a party committee finds there’s merit to the complaint, it moves to a hearing where the targeted person can contest the effort. It would require a three-fifths vote of the committee to remove someone.
The Milwaukee County GOP responded to the new rules with a statement that quoted free speech guarantees in the U.S. and Wisconsin constitutions.
“It is the first responsibility of every citizen to question authority,” the county party said.
