Local Ron Paul supporters challenged as delegates for Republican State Convention

Update Feb. 29:

The Dubois County Election Board has rendered a decision in regards to the public hearing held on Feb. 27. The Board has decided Joshua Wold, Monica Wold, and John King have not met the requirements under Indiana Code or Republican Party Rules in regards to their candidacy filings as delegates to the Rebublican State Convention.

Under IC 3-6-5-34 they have the right to appeal the decision of the election board with the Circuit Court of Dubois County.

Original story below:

The Dubois County Election Board heard challenges and rebuttals for three potential delegates to the Republican Party Convention. Dubois County was awarded 14 delegates for the 2012 convention and received 17 applications for the positions.

Donald Hayes, secretary of the Dubois County Republican Party, was on hand to challenge the candidacy of three of the 17 individuals. He contested that John Marion King of Jasper, Joshua Wold of Jasper, and his wife Monica V. Wold were not eligible for the candidacy to the delegation for the county.

According to Indiana Law and the Republican Party Rules for an individual to be eligible they must be a qualified elector of the precint; a member in good standing in the Republican Party; and cast a Republican Party ballot at the individual’s most recent vote at a primary election. If an individual has not voted in a recent Primary election the candidate must have an authorization form signed by the county chairman of the Republican Party affirming the candidate’s pledge to support the Republican party and the candidates thereof. The endorsement must be attached to the candidate’s form (CAN 37) when they file.

Hayes stated that none of the three voted in a Primary election in Dubois County and none of the three attached the certification of the Dubois County Republican Party Chair as required when no voting record exists.

Hayes explained the Republican State Convention is a very important party convention. The delegates will be responsible for charting the course for public policy for the party. Additionally candidates for Lt. Governor, Attorney General, and Superintendent of Public Instruction will be nominated for the General Election. On a national level the delegates to the Republican National Convention are elected from this pool of delegates to represent the district to choose Republican Candidates for President and Vice President in August of this year.

Hayes finalized his comments by stating the candidates have not proven either their willingness or eligibility to abide by party rules.

John King entered several photos of himself with well known Republicans like Oliver North, Pat Buchanan, and Haley Barbour as proof of his affiliation with the party. He stated he was a “rabid” Ron Paul supporter and has been very active in collecting signatures for Ron Paul’s inclusion on the ballot. He also stated he attended FreedomMakers’-a local Tea Party- meetings in the past. King stated he has not voted in a Primary in the county.

Joshua Wold represented himself as well as his wife Monica Wold, who was unable to attend. Wold stated he and his wife wanted to become involved to provide support for Ron Paul. He stated he was simply unaware of the qualifications that existed for the inclusion as a delegate candidate for Dubois County.

“Ron Paul has been an inspiration for my interest in the Republican Party, but not being aware of how the process works, I didn’t do things correctly, I should have researched it further,” Wold said. “Seeing the way our country is going I wanted to try and do something that, in my view, made a difference.”

The Election Board has until March 1 to render their decision on the candidates’ eligibility.

Here are the Republican candidates for Delegates to the Republican State Convention:

• Brady Werne
• Bridgette Jarboe
• Jennifer Thacker
• Denny Spinner
• Eric Schue
• Terry Seitz
• Stanley Schnell
• Aurea Ann Schnell
• Mark Messmer
• Deena Lewis
• Donald Hayes
• Sue Ellspermann
• Chad Blessinger
• Tonya Brothers-Bridge

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