Lake County Republican Committee members resign

Zach Kulpa

An integral portion of the Lake County Republican Central Committee resigned during a meeting held this past Thursday. Chairman Gehrand Bechard, Vice-Chairman Susan Brueggeman and Treasurer Marba LaBarrer all stepped down from their respective officer positions within the Committee.

"Unfortunately, the spirit of the Committee has changed dramatically over the past several months such that it has become divided rather than united around Republican Party principles and candidates," reads the resignation letter presented by Bechard. "We, as officers, cannot function effectively to serve the Republican Party in such a climate."

The Committee's main purpose is to support the Republican Party's agenda and issues as well as local candidates. Bechard has held the Chairman position within the Committee for the past four years.

"I think the Republican Party needs to rebuild itself, it is changing direction and needs to do it sooner rather than later," Bechard said, "I believe this younger group has the desire to do that and I think they should be given the chance."

The departure of these officers has resulted in a special election to fill the vacant positions until the May convention, wherein new officers will be elected for the next term. The special election will be held on Thursday, Nov. 20 , until then Brent Matsen will be the temporary Chairman, as passed by the Committee's motion.

"We're very happy with the way the election came out as a whole," Bechard said. "The party needs to rebuild across the nation and the discussion amongst my group is that the younger people within the Committee can do it better."