Greer Resigns RNC Post, AZ Bruce Ash Takes Over
HONOLULU, HI — FL GOP chair Jim Greer, under fire from conservative activists angry with his close relationship with a candidate in a contested primary, resigned his post as chair of the RNC Rules Committee and urged fellow GOPers to adopt a bigger tent.
Earlier this month, Greer announced he would resign his position as chair of the FL GOP after fundraisers, big donors and activists pounded him relentlessly for his support of FL Gov. Charlie Crist (R). Crist is facing criticism from conservatives who favor ex-FL House Speaker Marco Rubio (R).
In a letter to fellow RNC members sent the day they are to hold their semi-annual general session, Greer urged members to adopt a big-tent approach instead of eschewing moderate candidates.
“The Republican Party has great opportunities before it and our Party’s belief in less government, less taxes and self responsibility is one in which Americans are once again embracing which can lead the GOP to many victories this November,” Greer wrote. “But we must also be a Party that is inclusive and committed to providing solutions to the challenges that American’s are facing, which, as we all know, is the economy and jobs.”
“For our Party to be successful, we must reject those who promote division, personal attacks and the constant drum beat of Moderates vs. Conservatives. We must talk about the issues and policies and not individuals. We must recognize that the opposition is not within our own Party, but the Democrats and their policies. We must also do all we can to make African Americans and Hispanics feel welcome in the Republican Party. With this in mind, I encourage the RNC to oppose any attempt to create a ‘purity test’, to do so would slam the door in the face of Independents and all voters that may be considering to join or coming back to the Republican Party,” Greer added.
Greer also took a veiled shot at one of his FL colleagues who is vying to take his job. Greer thanked FL RNC member Paul Senft for his work, but he left national committeewoman Sharon Day out of his remarks. Day is running to replace Greer, challenging Greer’s hand-picked successor.
Greer was forced to resign his post as Rules Committee chair. Members of the committee must be RNC members, and Greer’s resignation next month would preclude him from serving. He was replaced by AZ national committeeman Bruce Ash, who won a unanimous vote.
Ash’s ascendence means more power for AZ. State party chair Randy Pullen is already the RNC’s treasurer.
