In light of the recent resignation and protest statement by our National Committeeman, I think it’s appropriate that I make my feelings known regarding the events that took place by the RNC that have been in the press. To put it into perspective, a twenty-four year old, mid-level staffer made an imprudent decision to violate policy and reimburse an inappropriate expense for entertainment at a Voyeur club in East Hollywood. She knew better, was wrong to do it, and she paid the price by being terminated immediately. Her actions were a flat out violation of RNC rules and procedures.
The good news is that someone picked up on this questionable expense and because of the transparency which we practice, it was made known and dealt with publicly. There was no attempt to hide, diminish, or excuse such a violation. The funds were returned and an effort was begun to further tighten policies to assure that this would not occur again. Subsequently, additional changes were made as a new Chief of Staff was put in place as well as a new Communications Director who are expected to provide a fresh approach and a different direction for the organization.
The fact that our Committeeman from New Hampshire was the only one of our 168 RNC members to resign his position should not be construed to mean that the rest of the members condone, tolerate, or dismiss such actions. What happened was indefensible and an embarrassment to us all. It should not have happened and we wish it had not happened, but the appropriate response was swift and definitive.
Frankly I think the incident has received far more press than it deserves when compared to the magnitude of the challenge we are involved with in correcting the course of our country. The role of the RNC is to raise funds and elect Republicans and that is our focus and our goal. This has been an unwanted and unnecessary distraction.
Despite the fact that the Democrats control congress and the White House, the RNC has outraised the DNC nine out of fourteen months and has over 370,000 first time donors. March was a record breaking month, raising $11.4 million. The proof has been in the successes we’ve experienced in major races throughout the country and in special elections here in New Hampshire. The RNC played a major and defining role in the Virginia, New Jersey, and Massachusetts races and brought their considerable manpower, resources, and funding to those states. The GOP is now in play in areas that have formerly been Democrat strongholds like California and Nevada.
We are on the brink of a Republican Resurgence the likes of which we have not seen before and nothing should distract us from this mission. All of our energy, time, resources, and attention must be brought to bear to take back control of Congress and put our country on the right path to prosperity and preserving our freedoms and liberties.
I cannot fault anyone for their decision to fight corruption and waste in the way they see fit but as for me, I will stay the course and do the best job I can to represent New Hampshire honorably on the RNC along with Gov. Sununu. We will defend and protect our first in the nation primary and speak out to preserve internal integrity and accountability. I will work from within to advance Republican principles of limited government, personal liberty, and fiscal responsibility. New Hampshire will have a seat at the table and your concerns will be heard, that’s my commitment to you.
Phyllis Woods
Republican National Committeewoman for New Hampshire