CHARLESTON, W.Va. — State Republican Party Chairwoman Melody Potter says she was within her powers to remove an elected county chairman and that the party will be fine despite recent friction.
“There’s been lots of misinformation that’s been spread out there,” Potter said today on MetroNews’ “Talkline.”
Potter has not commented much in recent weeks as questions arose over her removal of Wood County GOP Chairman Rob Cornelius, which was then followed by a separate but similarly-themed controversy with the Kanawha County Republican Committee.
“I have not gone to the media over this because I believe in being civil and handling things indoors,” Potter said.
Melody Potter, WV State GOP Chair, joins @HoppyKercheval to discuss the ongoing controversy within different WV County Republican Parties, and the removal of Rob Cornelius. WATCH: https://t.co/wkudfIAoe1 pic.twitter.com/gRRy3ik15w
— MetroNews (@WVMetroNews) July 16, 2019
Potter sent a letter two days before West Virginia Day to members of the Wood County Republican Executive Committee, removing Cornelius from the chairman’s role.
Cornelius has been outspoken, even insulting, on social media. He objects to how Potter has led the party, objecting to its relationship with incumbent Gov. Jim Justice, who was elected as a Democrat before changing his registration to Republican.
“Mr. Cornelius has called me a ‘disappointing liar’ and has referred to me on twitter and in public appearances as a ‘prostitute’ multiple times,” Potter wrote.
Potter’s memo contended that Cornelius has failed to perform his duties as county chairman and that the party bylaws authorize his removal.
Related to the situation, but unstated in the letter, was the dismissal of four lawyers who have been providing guidance to the state Republican Party. Those were attorneys Mark Carter, J. Mark Adkins, Anne Charnock and Richie Heath. The lawyers have declined to comment.
Potter also added six new members to the Wood County GOP Executive Committee. They joined five earlier members in signing a letter in support of Potter’s action. There are 19 members of the committee.
Potter cited two state party bylaws giving her the power to take these actions.
The first gives the chairwoman, along with the state executive committee, broad authority to take local matters into their own hands when necessary. The second gives the chairwoman unilateral authority to take such action when “time is of the essence.”
Only Potter’s signature was on the letter removing Cornelius, and she has not alluded to broader action by the executive committee.
On “Talkline,” Potter contended that Cornelius’s behavior had become unsustainable entering an election year and that she had received complaints. She said that required timely action.
“This is an emergency. We’re getting ready to go into the 2020 election,” she said. “I inherited these bylaws and you have to use good judgment and common sense. I don’t get involved with county committee disputes unless I’m asked to.”
In a statement responding to Potter’s remarks, Cornelius said that doesn’t meet the mark.
“We have by-laws in the Republican Party for which we vote and approve, not her ‘good judgment,'” he stated.
He continued, “Absence of any clear definition means that apparently ‘ANYTHING’ constitutes an emergency.”
Cornelius’s initial appeal to the state party was denied via a letter from Potter. He has given notice that he intends to file a lawsuit.
Potter said on statewide radio that she consulted officials with the Republican National Committee. She said the removal was necessary.
“If you are going to be on a political committee, our jobs are to get people elected, not to tear people down,” Potter said.
“This has been going on for months. Unfortunately it has spread to the Kanawha County Republican Committee, where Chairwoman Tresa Howell is doing an excellent job.”
Last month, 16 members of the Kanawha County Executive Committee had sent a letter Howell, asking her to step down.
They object to the way Howell has handled the committee following an April vote of ‘no confidence’ in Governor Justice.
Last week, Howell sent letters removing a dozen members of the committee. She then named six additional members.
The result was the cancellation of the special meeting to consider Howell’s removal.
The meeting where all this was discussed broke into chaos.
“In my opinion, Tresa Howell is handling this well on her own,” Potter said today.
On the whole, Potter said, the Republican Party is in good shape. She said conflicts are actually isolated instances.
“I think the rift has been blown out of proportion,” she said. “It’s a small group of people who are making their voices loud.”