Local GOP denied vote

Delegates at Saturday’s Onslow County Republican Convention heard two controversial resolutions, but after an ad hoc committee deliberated behind closed doors, the chairman decreed there would be no vote.

The Americans for Prosperity drafted a resolution calling for the resignation of all five Onslow County commissioners, who are Republican. The resolution claims commissioners have raised taxes, which is against the party platform, and attempted to suppress free speech about the issue at meetings.

Former Onslow County Commissioner Joe McLaughlin also presented a resolution calling for U.S. Rep. Walter Jones to explain his position to local voters on a bill Jones cosponsored with U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio. The bill – which was defeated March 10 by a 356-65 vote – called for the removal of all U.S. forces from Afghanistan within 30 days.

McLaughlin said he was not disparaging Jones, but simply wanted him to talk with his constituents about why he joined Kucinich in the failed legislation.

“I think about 10 or 15,000 Marines and sailors in harm’s way over there would like to know the congressman’s reasoning, too,” McLaughlin said.

Jones could not be reached for comment.

Many delegates expressed dismay that they were denied the opportunity to vote on either resolution.

McLaughlin said at the end of the two-hour convention it was reminiscent of the old Soviet apparatchik, the hard-line Communist Party method of rule.

“It was run like a closed shop,” he said.

Party Chairman Patrick Lamb received the two resolutions and handpicked two delegates to join the party officers in deciding whether the resolutions would be sent to the floor of more than 70 delegates. After a brief private meeting, the resolutions were read aloud, then Lamb announced neither would be put to vote.

“He’s not a chairman, he’s a dictator,” Delegate Chris Parr said, fuming at Lamb’s decision. “Put it up for a vote and I guarantee both would pass.”

Lamb adjourned the convention while delegates were still questioning his decisions. He declined comment to The Daily News.

AFP President Tye Rudy — who was nearly removed from the convention for being called out of order by Lamb — said he introduced the resolution to call for the commissioners’ resignations because “the officials are not living up to standards. And that upsets the electorate.”

Commissioner Bill Keller said he believed the commissioners were working hard, doing the best they could possibly do and had received positive feedback. He also said he supported public comment at county meetings.

AFP member Bobby Snow shouted from the back of the courtroom that the local Republican Party is “like a boat with no damn rudder!”

That promopted Jacksonville delegate Joe Normandeau to respond, “I have a rudder!”