My response to today’s social media endorsement by Oakland County Republican Chair and Vice Chair Vance Patrick and Terri Nallamothu:
The issue isn’t whether Vance Patrick and Terri Nallamothu have a First Amendment right to endorse a candidate. Of course they do.
The issue is whether the Chairman and Vice Chair of the Oakland County Republican Party should be using their official positions to influence a contested Republican primary.
Their statement repeatedly invokes their offices:
“As leaders of the largest Republican county organization in Michigan…”
“As county party leaders…”
“Our responsibility is not simply to elect a governor…”
Those aren’t the words of two private citizens. They are the words of people asking Republicans to trust their judgment because of the offices they hold.
Adding a disclaimer at the end that says, “Issued in a personal capacity,” doesn’t erase the fact that the entire statement is built around their authority as county party leaders.
The spirit of the Oakland County Republican Party bylaws is straightforward: party leadership should remain neutral in contested primaries unless the Executive Committee formally authorizes an endorsement. That protects the grassroots’ right to choose their nominee without interference from those entrusted to lead the organization.
Every Republican is free to support the candidate of their choice. But when party officers repeatedly invoke their leadership roles and responsibilities to persuade Republican voters, many will reasonably view that as an endorsement from the Chairman and Vice Chair—not simply two private individuals.
At a minimum, Republicans can disagree on whether this crossed the line. But it’s difficult to argue that it reflects the spirit of neutrality the bylaws were intended to preserve.
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