Image Credit: Danielle Goodrich / Facebook & Republican Party of Washington County
The Tennessee Conservative [By David Seal] –
Lots of hype and rumors have whirled in Washington County, Tennessee since the GOP conducted its reorganization meeting. Chair Goodrich spells out the facts and settles the controversy in this news report.
The controversy started when Goodrich’s election was challenged in a complaint letter to the State Republican Party.
The questions and prompts were provided to the chair by the Tennessee Conservative News. Chair Goodrich provides the answers printed in bold italic text.
Have you received any official communication from the Tennessee [state] Republican Party or from the State Republican Chairman Scott Golden concerning the complaint made by James Wheeler, if so, what was the response?
“Mr. Wheeler copied me on his emailed letter to the State Executive Committee. That was the only communication I received from Mr. Wheeler and to date I haven’t received anything from the State Executive Committee.”
You stated in your letter, responding to Mr. Wheeler’s complaint letter to the state party, that you were accused of filing a complaint with state authorities. Have you filed such a complaint with state authorities, if so, what was the nature of the complaint and what department did you send it to?
The Johnson City Press asked if I had filed anything with the comptroller division of audit or the Attorney General or Secretary of State regarding the East TN Republican Club. I told them I have not filed anything with anyone regarding The East TN Republican Club. It is my understanding a former member of the East TN Republican Club advised them a few years ago that they were operating illegally as their mission statement established them as a PAC, but instead they are filed as a charitable organization. He made them aware, and they never addressed the issue. After seeing they were giving us a hard time about bylaws he decided to file, stating they didn’t have bylaws of their own.
Wheeler was interviewed by WJHL TV News concerning the issue. A link to that story, including Wheeler’s interview is provided here.
Chair Goodrich, please comment on the Facebook transition issue.
“Following the election, we had a difficult time having the outgoing committee transition over assets like websites and social media. The newly elected Secretary is aligned with the outgoing group. She added me on the Facebook then abruptly removed me for posting this Montana GOP post.”
A copy of the MTGOP post to which Goodrich refers is pictured below.
[The above Image] “Which was reposted by President Trump, basically saying Republicans need to act like Republicans or not be recognized as one. Apparently, area Republicans took it as a threat. After being removed we made a motion to get me and the communications chairs added to the Facebook and the outgoing CEC members removed. The motion passed however the secretary did not complete the motion. I had to go to META and show redacted bank statements and election minutes to get added to find the Secretary never removed outgoing CEC members, had added a non CEC member. I then removed the non CEC members. This could’ve been avoided by the outgoing members properly transitioning assets to the incoming members.”
Goodrich is the founder of East Tennessee Freedom, a grassroots organization of constitutional conservatives, which is actively involved with conservative republican causes.
Please comment on the work that East Tennessee Freedom does to support the Republican Party. Candidate forums, Poll Watchers, etc.
“The WCRP now has a number of committees getting Republicans active in the party. Election, Legislative issues, bylaws, events, finance and budget, communications.
Communications has launched Tusker TV and revived former GOP Chair General Harrell’s Tusker Newsletter. We got a new website up and running. We’ve sent text message and email campaigns to area Republicans.
The Events committee has planned a number of events like our upcoming Gods, Guns, Guts legislative update with 7 legislators from across the state on August 26th and our big fundraiser dinner Trump Day Dinner on September 5th where we will have Congressman John Rose and Congressman Tim Burchett speak plus a comedian Trump Impersonator.
Elections, legislative and events work together on candidate forums. We have two candidate forums scheduled, one before the May primary and one before the August primary. The Legislative issues committee will also follow local and state policy and flag anything we need to support or oppose.
Our Budget and finance committee along with our treasurer is delivering on our campaign promise of transparency with our funds.”
“Follow along how we are delivering on our campaign promises by following us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and our website!”
About the Author: David Seal is a retired Jefferson County educator, recognized artist, local businessman, 917 Society Volunteer, and past Chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Party. He has also served Jefferson County as a County Commissioner and is a citizen lobbyist for the people on issues such as eminent domain, property rights, education, and broadband accessibility on the state level. David is also a 2024 winner of The Tennessee Conservative Flame Award & has received an accolade from the Institute For Justice for successfully lobbing the TN legislature to protect property rights. David can be reached at david@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
