The coming fight for chairmanship of the state GOP
You’re the ruling party in Georgia, and you’re at the height of your power. There’s not a statewide politician left standing with a “D” next to his name.
So how do you celebrate?
With a five-month, three-way battle for leadership of the state Republican party that — at its worse — could pit some of Georgia’s most powerful political figures against each other. And throw a wrench into preparations aimed at beating back a second surge of Barack Obama voters in 2012.
The main question is whether a Republican governor of Georgia should be allowed to choose the chairman of the state GOP. That’s how Democrats did it for a century and more.
Gov.-elect Nathan Deal and Tricia Pridemore (left), his choice as state GOP chair, during a pre-inaugural visit to Atlanta Union Mission. AP/David Goldman
But among Republicans, such top-down style is still open to debate.
They have pages of arcane rules that say the chairman of the state party — which now controls millions upon millions of dollars in campaign contributions — shall be elected in a series of meetings that begin at the precinct level every other February.
Even so, Gov. Nathan Deal has settled on Tricia Pridemore, a 39-year-old businesswoman and campaign volunteer from Marietta who until recently was the state director for Glenn Beck’s 9/12 Project.
“She played a huge role in his campaign, and she did a phenomenal job as co-chair of his inaugural team, despite hurdles we faced with the weather,” said Deal spokeswoman Stephanie Mayfield. “He has 100 percent confidence in her ability.”
Said Pridemore on Wednesday: “I believe it’s time for a fresh perspective at the state party.”
The problem is that state GOP Chairman Sue Everhart, who counts U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson as a close friend, isn’t ready to leave. Pointing to the party’s winning streak, the 65-year-old former banker from Cobb County wants a third two-year term.
Everhart won the job in 2007 — the first woman elected — by bucking Gov. Sonny Perdue. In the face of a grassroots uprising organized by Everhart, the governor eventually conceded defeat. She is ready to do it again.
Sue Everhart at the 2007 state GOP convention that saw her elected the party's first female chairman. AJC file
“The reason we’re successful is the Georgia Republican party has been run from the bottom up,” Everhart said. “I support [Deal] wholeheartedly, and I’m glad we elected him. But I’m running for chairman.”
The third candidate is Shawn Hanley, a health-care consultant and former Marine who is also chairman of the Fulton County GOP. He was in the race first — and has, like Everhart, refused to clear a path for the new governor.
“I’m following the rules that have been set for many, many years,” said Hanley, who wants to concentrate on upgrading the party’s use of technology — and its outreach to minorities.
The success of the last election has covered up lurking Republican weaknesses, he said. “When you win under a tea party express, it’s hard to see where your shortcomings are as an organization.”
This is a fight that almost didn’t happen. Negotiations between Everhart and the governor-elect for another position broke down in early December. Details remain murky.
Pridemore formally announced last week, after her duties as co-chair of Deal’s weather-beaten inauguration were completed. At least two members of Georgia’s congressional delegation appear to be backing the governor’s choice.
On a list of core supporters for Pridemore, released Wednesday, was Phyllis Gingrey Collins, daughter of U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey, R-Marietta. U.S. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland, R-Coweta County, has reportedly been phoning county GOP chairmen on behalf of Pridemore.
Everhart says she’ll wait until after the current session of the Legislature ends before rolling out her list of top supporters. No state lawmaker wants to incur a governor’s wrath when there are bills to be signed and line items to veto.
Fulton County GOP chair Shawn Hanley at an August event with GOP nominee for governor Nathan Deal and House Speaker pro tem Jan Jones of Milton. John Spink, jspink@ajc.com
The final vote for chairman will take place in May at the state GOP convention in Macon. Two factors could weigh heavily in the contest, expected to cost each candidate tens of thousands of dollars.
This round of voting will be the first to incorporate newcomers drawn into Georgia’s political process by the tea party movement.
All three candidates are pursuing them, but Pridemore may have the edge, because of her connection to the 9/12 Project. But Beck’s reputation for volatility as a Fox News commentator may worry GOP traditionalists. Although Pridemore says it shouldn’t.
“Glenn Beck has very little to do with the daily functioning of the 9/12 project. That’s for sure,” Pridemore said. “But if those folks are interested in principles and values in candidates, then they’re a 9/12-er.”
Another issue likely to come up: Everhart’s 2009 support for Michael Steele as chairman of the Republican National Committee — who was deposed this week. Everhart withdrew her support from Steele months ago and supported the winner, Reince Priebus.
Even so, she’s ready to defend herself. “I voted [in 2009] like Georgia asked me to vote,” she said.
Much is on the line with this year’s contest for state GOP chairman. A new governor’s reputation, for one thing. But also, perhaps, the future of the party and its chairmanship.
State party organizations, whether Democratic or Republican, now act primarily as way-stations for cash that flows from Washington.
One Republican we chatted with noted that campaign finance law has changed a great deal in the last two election cycles. When, in Washington, Steele ran afoul of Republican party regulars, those changes allowed top GOP players to create parallel organizations that drew contributions and clout away from the RNC.
The same could happen here. Which means Republican grassroots may face a difficult decision — let the governor have his choice, as Democrats learned to do, or face the possibility of becoming irrelevant.
- By Jim Galloway, Political Insider
For instant updates, follow me on Twitter, or connect with me on Facebook.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
35 comments Add your comment
Diehard
January 19th, 2011
8:39 pm
So Sue Everhart claims Sen. Johnny Isakson as a friend yet she has been campaigning against Tricia Pridemore because she a friend of Gov. Deal and has his endorsement. Thats the kind of logic that has already rendered most party organizations across the country irrelevant and given rise to the Tea Party. But, Republicans like Everhart would rather have a title and claim to be important than admit that they are not. And she is not.
Tired of BS
January 19th, 2011
10:10 pm
Nah…. I’d rather see Sue have another go at it. I don’t trust the Tea Party. They have a delegation in GA who have aspirations that are much bigger than their qualifications. Mr. Hanley is the new guy in town. We need experience we can trust.
UGA75
January 19th, 2011
11:08 pm
When she won the race to become Republican Party Chairwoman, I didn’t know Sue Everhart from anyone. What has impressed me more about her than any previous Republican Chairmen is the fact that I’ve received constant updates about State wide Republican activity. That never happened before. I was a strong Deal supporter since day one, but I think Gov. Deal is wrong on this. Ms. Everhart has done an incredible job of getting Republicans motivated at the grassroots level and that is why Governor Deal is Governor. Without Ms. Everhart efforts the Governor wouldn’t have gotten out of the primary. She is a political force to be reckoned with, and anyone connected to Glen Beck in anyway is not someone I could ever trust, and certainly not support nor work with. That is just one activist’s opinion for what it is worth.
Hamilton
January 20th, 2011
12:25 am
Better management “principles” and candidates with “value” OR Georgians must accept the possibility of becoming a marginalized state.
Alabama Communist
January 20th, 2011
12:36 am
By the end of December 2012, [ Planet Earth is blown away by the Alien Lizards and the Hoppe Indian Casio Tribe] who really cares who is running the Republican Party in Georgia, much less the USA………
Roswell
January 20th, 2011
12:38 am
Sue has done a great Party Chair. She presided over the best election cycle for Republicans in the history of our state. She has been active in her county party and the state party as 1st Vice Chair for many years.
Go get them Sue!
Lulu
January 20th, 2011
1:57 am
I’ve never been a Tea Party fan but if the Reps (or Dems) don’t trust them then I’ll reconsider. As an Independant I don’t care which party hack either party choses to head them or what method they use to select them. They, Dems and Reps, have set this country back 300+ yrrs. Congratulations, b-o-y-s! We need not only a third but possibly a fourth party… or maybe a vote of confidence system. It’s a toss up which branch has served us most treasonably, the legislative or executive branches.
El Kabong
January 20th, 2011
3:42 am
@Lulu and Al Communist-Two posters who get it. When a gang of thieves robs and steals and plunders does it really matter who is riding in front? Does it really matter who leads the morally bankrupt political party which is keeping Murphy in as Banking committee chairman? “It’s a toss up which branch has served us most treasonably, the legislative or executive branches”-don’t forget the Supreme Court which gave the corporations carte blanche to spend anonymously.
Duluth Bill
January 20th, 2011
5:46 am
I am galled at Galloway ut what else would I expect from this lib than an attack on a process that allows te grassroots to get involved. Everhart’s alliance with Isakson is enough for me to say she must go after his insane support of Oummer’s anti-American Salt II treaty with Putin’s gang.
Napoleon Dynamite
January 20th, 2011
5:52 am
Vote for Pedro.
Bill Orvis White
January 20th, 2011
7:06 am
I met Miss Pridemore on a 9/12 Project meeting and I was beyond impressed. She’s committed to the ideals of free markets, school choice and most of all, Beckian Theory — more than anyone I know!
This race would be much easier if the governor could just appoint her. Tricia has the ability to get more Socialist-Democrats fired than the other two candidates.
God Bless this beautiful woman. I’m praying for her.
Amen,
Bill
Ask Not
January 20th, 2011
7:27 am
Republican creed: Don’t ask what I can do for my country, I’ll do whatever I want for myself and damn everyone else in the country who wants health care, a clean environment,fair wages, etc.
Road Scholar
January 20th, 2011
7:44 am
“Beckian Theory ”
Oh my! That says it all. Now Beck is an elitist! Good luck with that one!
Just Nasty & Mean
January 20th, 2011
8:25 am
You must understand that any lib—- like Galloway— is attempting to project as much wild speculation, confusion, and contention into the Republican election as possible. Our party is asking itself:
–Do we want a marginally experienced governor appointee to control the state GOP coffers?
–Do we want a clear winner (Repubs SWEPT the statewide elections), but still an “establishment” leader?
—Do we want a new, but experienced but untested upstart, with new ideas on winning elections?
We have GREAT choices for leadership! But Galloway wants to portray this as ALL BAD.
Sorry Jim. Not even close, and No cigar!
Mr. KnowitAll
January 20th, 2011
8:32 am
When is Galloway going to write about the Ga. democRat party. TALK ABOUT A CLUSTER!?!?
The Dems got their butts handed to them. Now that King Roy is off the landscape for any possible state office, WHO IS THEIR LEADER? dems are scattered sheep wondering in the woods with NO ONE to organize or lead them into 2012–having lost the independent vote, and with the boat anchor Obamacare hanging around their necks.
Jim, perhaps you should tell us about the democRat election and who will lead them to the promise land.
…I know….there is nothing to write!
John
January 20th, 2011
8:42 am
If someone says they follow Glenn Beck, aka The Most Insane Man In America Today, I RUN AS FAST AS I POSSIBLY CAN the other way.
They are more dangerous than Iran with every single one of the world’s nuclear weapons.
Melenie
January 20th, 2011
8:58 am
9/12 is just an organization invented by Glenn Beck for his own benefit, and anyone who is associated with this guy should be examined carefully. Pridemore wants to be the chairman of a state party but has had little experience in grassroots party politics (9/12 does not count). Sue has done an exceptional job. jAs the saying goes, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”!
TelllinItLikeItIs
January 20th, 2011
9:08 am
The big problem here is that Pridemore is NOT the person for this job.
SayMyName
January 20th, 2011
9:44 am
Looks like “Diehard’s” batteries have been short-circuited and he/she is left with talking gibberish.
Aaron Burr V. Mexico
January 20th, 2011
9:55 am
Why write about the Democrats? They’re in retreat and have been totally and irredeemably shattered.
If you’re writing about politics, you’re going to write about what’s interesting. Since there is no true Democratic power in the state anymore, the only thing left to write about is struggles within the Republican Party.
Grassroots Dave
January 20th, 2011
9:59 am
Oh my. Where to start.
Let me give a little more background on the “Governor’s Choice”.
According to her own web site, she has only been involved with campaigns, that she can name,since 2010 (other than joining with a group of volunteers that were bussed to Ohio in 2008). The phrase “countless others” (from her website) is just another way to say “if I name any others I would be lying more than I already am by saying I assisted Sam Olens”.
A more in depth look at Ms. Robinson’s, er I mean Pridemore’s (while married for 15 years, she has only VERY recently been using her married name – I don’t know if that is because she and her husband were hiding that they were married when the were running Accucast, the SPAM emailing company they sold in 2006, or she has a Hillary bent to her), political history shows that she hasn’t even been a dedicated voter; Let alone a dedicated GOP Grassroots volunteer.
Her other “deep” Georgia GOP grassroots are supposed to be demonstrated by her involvement with the 9/12 Project, an organization of historic significance, no wait, an organization that was started by Glen Beck waaaaaaayyyy back in 2009. And just so everyone knows. It is really (not) hard to become a leader within the 9/12 project. Why, you have to go to this web site, http://www.the912-project.com and sign up to become a leader. It look a lot of work to get the title with 9/12 that she has.
With regard to her position with Nathan Deal’s campaign as the “unpaid State Grassroots Chair”… you too can get a cool title like that in the next campaign. Here are the steps: 1)Just have you and your husband contribute >$10K to a major campaign. That’ll get their attention. 2)Volunteer for a cool title. See here: http://www.ethics.ga.gov
The bottom line is that Mr. Pridemore and Ms. Robinson (Pridemore) started a very successful email SPAMing company back in 1998 that they sold for a boatload of cash in 2006 allowing them to join the ranks of the “idle rich” and they need something to do. Since Mr. Pridemore spends his time playing his guitars and drums (a lot from what I gather from his blog) Tricia has decided to get out of the noisy house and become the Chairman of the Georgia GOP. An interesting “hobby” for her to pursue given that she’s never attended even 1 State GOP Convention in the past.
I think I’ll stick with the lady that helped Mr. Deal from a true leadership position, lead the sweep of all Statewide elected positions, worked to wrest 1 (almost 2) congressional seats from incumbant Democrats, and navigated the gain of seats in an already overwhelmingly GOP populated State House of Representatives.
I’m just saying.
SouthernThorn
January 20th, 2011
10:27 am
Good grief –
You mean to tell me that fixing the issues we face in Georgia are not enough for those throwing their endorsements, time in calling, etc for Ms Robinson-Pridemore? It’s a disgrace that the Governor and other officials are pushing a 38 year old who has very little business experience, very little political experience and who was the Cobb County (not State) 9-12 coordinator…. just what Georgia needs, a Glenn Beck groupie who turned her “9-12″ group into a “Elect Deal” group running the State GOP. Anyone catch that? 9-12 groups aren’t supposed to support just one candidate, yet they are formed to help hold officials accountable, not something you can do when you end up working for the campaign. She’s already failed her first political attempt and is controlled and will be controlled by the Governor. During the Deal campaign she LASHED out unprofessionally to anyone who asked questions about Deals ethics or background. Republicans who didn’t support “her” candidates were targeted and rumors flew. She’s proven herself to be for the elected official, not the process and certainly not about making sure officials do as they promised.
Why does Gov Deal want the power of the GOP, as well as the State? He needs to focus on fixing the State, not the party.
Anyone wonder why Ms Robinson-Pridemore would spend tens of thousands of dollars on a non-paying position? She’s taken this chairman race to a whole new level of spending, another bad sign for what will come within the GOP – she’s not a frugal one!
No thank you, I’ll go with proven leadership with Ms Everhart or Mr Hanley – both have a real track record. We don’t need a prima donna drama queen running the GOP.
RetiredSoldier
January 20th, 2011
11:03 am
It looks like we have 3 qualified candidates for the position. With that said, I’m a firm believer in “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it”. Sue has been an excellent leader and her results speak for themself. I’m sure the party will do well regardless who wins, I just think it will do better with Sue at the helm.
9-12 Patriot
January 20th, 2011
11:22 am
Tricia should just give up now. the Old school Republicans are not going to give up their stranglehold on the party. They do not like the Tea Party and 9-12 groups coming in and shaking things up. The grassroots movement is the reason for the Republican landslide of 2010, in spite of the GA GOP. Sue just happened to be at the helm at the time. The Cobb 9-12 group is one of the largest in GA. and Tricia does an outstanding job of motivating people and getting them involved (BTW Beck only had the idea of the 9-12, he does not run the thousands of groups around the country). She has worked hard and is not afraid to do the legwork. She would make a great GOP Chair and would continue to grow the Republican party and the grassroots movement and bring fresh life to the GA GOP.
RetiredSoldier
January 20th, 2011
11:35 am
9-12-
It appears you have a chip on your shoulder. I could be considered an old school republican, but I also helped organize a tea party in my home town that was very successful. The two have exactly the same goal, elect conservatives to office.
I assure you Sue was alot more than just “there” for the 2010 elections. You seem to be falling into the liberals trap of pitting the tea party vs. republicans. Don’t fall into that trap! Support your candidate and if she wins, fine. If she doesn’t support the winner and elect conservatives to office.
cag327GA
January 20th, 2011
12:12 pm
All of the above read about Shawn Hanley and his commitment and dedication these past years to the conservative cause to the GA and national GOP – plus he’s in touch w/the 21st century: http://shawnforchairman.com/
9-12 Patriot
January 20th, 2011
12:24 pm
Soldier, No chip here. I’m not falling for any trap, just calling it as I see it. I’m glad you organized a tea party group – you are not the Old school Repubs I’m referring to. I’m talking about the ones that wouldn’t go to an event because a certain candidate happened to be there that they didn’t like. I’m talking about the ones that didn’t support certain candidates (that won the primary) in GA because they were grassroots, or the party didn’t think they had a chance against the incumbent so they didn’t help w/ their campaign.
In the past two years I attended almost every political event in GA met almost every candidate running for office, but never saw or met Sue, never heard her speak. Where has she been?
I will support whoever wins. All three candidates would make a good chair. The question is with the influx of new people that are now directly involved in politics and the grassroots movement, who would be best to keep them motivated and involved? Are we going to do things the old way, or are were going to hold Republicans (and dems) accountable?
RetiredSoldier
January 20th, 2011
1:13 pm
9-12-
Glad I got it wrong. You may have the role of party chair wrong. When the party is out of power, prior to the election of Perdue, the party chair is a more out front public person. When in power, as now, a chair really has only one main function, raising money. Secondly it is during an election cycle to help get out the vote.
During the last election cycle the last place the chair should be is at someones campaign event. Why? First because that isn’t their role and second the spotlight should only be on the candidate. Sue did what a chair should do and did it well.
When you want to replace an incumbent the first case to be made is why the incumbent doesn’t deserve to be re-elected. I haven’t heard a compelling reason yet.
9-12 Patriot
January 20th, 2011
1:49 pm
Perhaps I am wrong about the role of the Chairman. Perhaps its time that some things changed. Maybe the chairperson should be more visible regardless of who’s in power. keep people motivated up so they don’t go back to sitting on the couch.
I’m not sure how much the GA Repub party has raised since Sue has been chairwoman, but i have a feeling that whatever the amount, it has more to do with Pres. Obama than who the GOP leader in GA is.
Debbie Dooley
January 20th, 2011
2:53 pm
Most tea party activists I have spoken with oppose Governor Deal choosing the GA GOP Chairman. They believe the power belongs to the grassroots, not the Governor. This will be something many tea party activists will fight very strongly. Tricia will just be a figurehead for Gov. Deal, he will control the party.
Many of activists that supported Gov. Deal are also opposing his attempt to take over the GOP. Gov. Deal has taken to strong arming senior citizens to support Tricia.
Jane
January 20th, 2011
2:59 pm
Sue Everhart has worked in far more campaigns and stuffed far more envelopes and held far more “Meet and Greets” than Tricia Pridemore ever did. Sue is also the choice of the long time, multi-election season, grassroots leaders. She paid her dues and that is something the other candidates have yet to do.
Reagan_Conservative
January 20th, 2011
3:14 pm
This is interesting and just posted o n Peach Pundit.
Jeff January 20, 2011 at 8:18 am
her voting record in GOP primaries?
I happen to know someone who can easily pull those records. I’ll ask him later today to pull them for all three Chair candidates. If he does, I’ll post them online. Note though that his records only go back to 2000 or so.
Jeff January 20, 2011 at 10:53 am
My records actually go back to 1996.
For Shawn Hanley: He has no record prior to 2004 that showed in my data. Since 2004, his earliest records, he has been consistently R in primary voting.
For Sue Everhart: My data shows records as far back as my data goes (again, to 1996), and Everhart has been consistently R in primary voting.
For Tricia Pridemore: Also has records back to 1996 – and voted in the Democratic Primary in 1998, when Roy Barnes won the D nomination for Governor the first time. Voted in R primary in 1996, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2008, and 2010. Did not vote in any Primary in 2006, the last Governor cycle.
Diehard
January 20th, 2011
5:33 pm
Raise your hand if you’re not dying your hair and you’re for Sue.
Tired of BS
January 21st, 2011
9:08 am
Thanks R C
Elisa
January 23rd, 2011
10:19 am
I believe Sue Everhart has done an excellent job lead the GOP in Georgia. She has, as others has posted been a bottom up type leader. Listening to what the average person in the state is concerned about. Will to go a speak to groups, and answer questions, listening to their concerns.
I think that the Hanley and Pridemore should look at other position and get some time under their belt. Learn first hand what it takes to run the state party and NOT DO OJT (on the job training). Which would cause a slow down on the momentum that Sue Everhart has engaged in this state.
The are post that elude to the “Old School Republican” the authors of these post are obviously people who have not been involved in the Republican Party. Under Chairman Everhart’s leadership there the Georgia GOP is continually evolving.
The are people who state that they belong to the Tea Party movement or the 9/12 group, only fits their purpose. Many if you look deep or ask them point blank are Libertarians using these two group as a way to promote themselves, in hopes that Georgia will recognize them as a 3rd party.
When in actuality, The Tea Party and the 9/12 groups are NON PARTISAN, citizens who want a change in America, where their voice will be heard by the politicians at ALL levels of government.