Repya drops gov bid

Posted at 10:21 PM on February 21, 2010 by Tom Scheck (2 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

Col. Joe Repya, a long-time Republican who was running for governor as a member of the Independence Party, announced tonight that he's dropping his bid. On his website, Repya blamed the I-P's decision to "essentially nullify the state convention and endorsement process" as the reason he's quitting the race. He made this announcement on his website:

Dear Friends and Supporters, I regret to inform you that as of Sunday, February 21, 2010, I am suspending my campaign for Governor of Minnesota under the Independence Party. I do not take this decision lightly, but I must stand on my principles. If I didn't, I'd be no different than the countless career politicians who seek to advance their own ambitions over the best interests of this state.

In short, it has become clear to me that, much like the DFL and GOP parties in this state, the IPM fails to stand by its own rules and principles. At issue - the party's decision today to essentially nullify the state convention and endorsement process and to provide proprietary delegate data to candidates who will not abide by the state convention. This may not sound like a big deal on the surface, but it is.

This action, in my opinion, severely damages the IPM's chances of truly becoming a viable and strong third party option in Minnesota politics. The Independence Party stood on the doorstep of doing some great things for Minnesotans, but instead chooses to change its rules to satisfy the needs of a few, rather than looking out for what's best for the party and for the state. Their action will further erode and tarnished the IPM brand while relegating it to a permanent position of political "spoiler."

I know that many of you will be as disappointed as I am with this decision. Most of you know me as a man of honor and principle. This decision should also be disappointing to the tens of thousands of Minnesotans who have been looking for a better representation, better candidates and better leadership. My sincere appreciation to all of you for your support and encouragement.

Update: Here's a response from the I-P:

5th CD Chair Peter Tharaldson calls on Colonel Joe Repya for an apology after extremely poor behavior and quitting on supporters in the Independence Party. "I loved Ross Perot as a candidate", said Tharaldson, "however his dropping out of the race after accusing George Bush of wrecking his wedding was absolutely bizarre behavior who hurt many of his supporters. Joe Repya has done the same...he took all his chips and ran home leaving his supports abandoned".

"The 5th CD organization supported by vote the most strident limitations to any data release tonight, far more than any wanted by candidate Joe Repya", said Tharaldson. "The rules which Repya supported, were simply consensual rules articulated by the party director that all candidate communication to delegates go through the party". "That rule originally was nothing more than structural and impacted each candidate equally," said Tharaldson. "The truth is that the change tonight, even though not supported by the 5th CD delegate, provided the data equally to all candidates and represented a benign action in terms of one candidate over the other."

"As online caucus coordinator, it has been a thrill to see participation going up. It is absolutely sad that someone abandoned the people who stood up for him over such structural change", said Tharaldson. "Clearly the cancer of paranoia which has infected the two big parties needs to be screened before coming to our party, and that goes for all of them." Tharaldson went on to say, "to sign up to support a leader to have them abandon supporters generally stinks".

Comments (2)

Is Repya talking about Tom Horner? and did Tom Horner say that he will run to the primary regardless of IP endorsement?

Posted by Betty Tisel | February 21, 2010 10:48 PM

For Immediate Release
February 21st, 2010
Repya Supporter and IP Leader asks Joe Repya to apologize for quitting.
Contact: Peter Tharaldson, District 5 Independence Party Chair 612-710-5324
Minneapolis-
5th CD Chair Peter Tharaldson calls on Colonel Joe Repya for an apology after extremely poor behavior and quitting on supporters in the Independence Party. “I loved Ross Perot as a candidate”, said Tharaldson, “however his dropping out of the race after accusing George Bush of wrecking his wedding was absolutely bizarre behavior who hurt many of his supporters. Joe Repya has done the same…he took all his chips and ran home leaving his supports abandoned”.
“The 5th CD organization supported by vote the most strident limitations to any data release tonight, far more than any wanted by candidate Joe Repya”, said Tharaldson. “The rules which Repya supported, were simply consensual rules articulated by the party director that all candidate communication to delegates go through the party”. “That rule originally was nothing more than structural and impacted each candidate equally,” said Tharaldson. “The truth is that the change tonight, even though not supported by the 5th CD delegate, provided the data equally to all candidates and represented a benign action in terms of one candidate over the other.”
“As online caucus coordinator, it has been a thrill to see participation going up. It is absolutely sad that someone abandoned the people who stood up for him over such structural change”, said Tharaldson. “Clearly the cancer of paranoia which has infected the two big parties needs to be screened before coming to our party, and that goes for all of them.” Tharaldson went on to say, “to sign up to support a leader to have them abandon supporters generally stinks”.

-30-

Posted by Peter Tharaldson | February 21, 2010 11:46 PM

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