Beaufort County Republican Party Chairman's comments in BCN get noticed by conservative blog | Eastern North Carolina Now

   Publisher's note: This blog entry by Brant Clifton, in The Daily Haymaker, was sent to me by Contributor Esther Graham about comments made by BCN contributor and current Beaufort County Republican Party Chairman Charles Hickman made in Beaufort County Now on June 11, 2012. Small world, huh?

   Charles Hickman is an old friend of mine, and irrespective of my prejudice of friendship, Charles is of strict clarion thought, and one of the most assertive county chairmen that the Beaufort County Republican Party has ever had at its helm.

   With Charles, there is right and there is wrong, and thank the good Lord that he has the wisdom to ascertain the difference, which is not so easy in politics; at least that is what I sometimes hear from those that discover themselves in a bit of interspersonal trouble.

   Below this blog entry, from Brant Clifton, are my comments of June 12, 2012 on Charles's comment in BCN, which caught the eye of another blog far, far away.

NCGOP flier hubbub won’t die: Beaufort GOP leader criticizes state party leaders, demands apology

    In comments posted to the Beaufort County Now web site, Beaufort County GOP chairman Charles Hickman is criticizing state GOP leaders and demanding they apologize to activists from his county who were reportedly confronted in an aggressive manner at the recent state party convention:

    During this primary season several switcheroo and otherwise suspect candidates have bragged about their support from powerful Republican power brokers. Some of this has been reported in Beaufort County Now, Beaufort Observer, Carolina Journal and other publications. Some of these alleged shenanigans directly affect our own districts. Other distressing situations occurred in neighboring districts, and we have heard bothersome stories from other parts of the state. We in Beaufort County have discussed these situations, and I have spoken with others about their situations. A few months ago our committee agreed on a resolution to send to the North Carolina Republican Party, a certain state level party caucus, and several key party members. I sent it with an introductory letter. I thought we were respectful but clear in laying out our concerns and our position.

    The reports of this incident at the North Carolina Republican Convention have greatly troubled me. It is hard for me to believe that at least some involved would have been surprised that handbills of the type mentioned might circulate at the convention; local complaints have been ignored and allowed to fester. Our delegates should not have been threatened and bullied. Our delegations and executive committees are made up of volunteers who donate their time, efforts, and money to advance important principles. Our leaders should have more respect for the dedicated grassroots of this party. Mrs. Hult and any other abused parties deserve an apology.

    It seems that some involved in the incident have denied the charges in the handbill. But, if I understand this exchange, it seems that the Speaker is asking for proof of the charges, then saying he has the right to meddle in primaries, and concludes with a threat of increased outside participation in our primaries in two years.

    I think appropriate decorum and appropriate communication is important. But, both are a two way street, not a one way street. Roughshod top down dictation and intimidation should not and will not be tolerated. Many of us did not work to dismantle the long entrenched state Democratic machine for the purpose of building a mirror image Republican machine. Many of us want better government than we have had. There needs to be a more equitable and better working relationship between state and local party entities if we are to continue our recent election successes in North Carolina.

Commented (by Stan Deatherage) on NCGOP convention delegate says Speaker Tillis, party vice-chair King 'bullied' her

   Thank-you Charles for your clear and well considered words regarding what may well be the pulled string that will unravel this cocoon of confidence of this leadership in Raleigh.

   I do not think this unexplained behavior puts the Republican majority in jeopardy, but it does speak volumes as to whether this leadership is yet ready to lead. Maybe it is just that the Democrats are so truly pathetic in understanding North Carolina's predicament that will continue one more cycle to keep them sidelined in the minority.

   I have offered copious space in BCN, and any of the publications of the NOWs of their own choosing, to those Republicans, who are thus accused, to explain themselves, redeem themselves, make amends. To date, there has been no response, no reply, no remedy.

   If they do not care to take us seriously here Downeast, I suppose there is no real call to reciprocate as to the necessity for their leadership.

   A drunk monkey may perform as well ... but maybe I do hasten to give them too much credit ... the cross-purposed Republicans, not the drunk monkey.

Commented: Tuesday, June 12th, 2012 @ 12:33 am     By: Stan Deatherage