Reichert says DeMaio threats should be denounced; Voice takes a deep dive into the latest

State Assembly candidate Carl DeMaio is all over the news, while the continued talk of the town in political circles. First below, a letter from GOP activist Amy Reichert. Then, related to the Reichert letter, Scott Lewis’ Voice of SD deep dive into the latest brouhaha over DeMaio at the Republican Party…

Open Letter to Current and Incoming Central Committee Members of the San Diego Republican Party

September 13, 2024

Dear Colleagues,

I am writing to you today to address a deeply troubling issue that strikes at the very core of our values as Republicans—integrity, accountability, and unity. On Wednesday, September 11, 2024, I received a phone call from Carl DeMaio that has raised serious concerns about the direction and health of our party in San Diego.

During the call, Carl informed me that he chose not to endorse Jared Wilson, the President of the San Diego Police Officers Association, and who is also the endorsed Republican for Poway City Council. Instead, Carl endorsed a candidate who was not chosen by the party and “pledged to honor the party’s endorsement and support our endorsed candidate.” Carl’s endorsement will help the third non-Republican candidate by splitting the Republican vote.

When our Chair, Corey Gustafson, rightfully called out Carl’s actions, Carl called me on the phone, pressuring me to renounce my support for Corey as Chair of the San Diego Republican Party in order to overthrow him. DeMaio went further, asking me to withdraw my name from the slate as Vice Chair, in a clear attempt to apply pressure on Corey through me.

When I refused to betray Corey, Carl personally threatened me. His words were chilling: “If you do not renounce Corey as Chair, I will never support you in any leadership role in the San Diego Republican Party. Furthermore, when you want to run for something two years from now, I will not support or endorse you, and I will make sure you never hold political office.”

Not long after that call, I received a text from someone else that Carl had contacted demanding that I publicly renounce Corey as Chair. This individual also offered support to overthrow Corey and install me as Chair if I complied.

I want to make it clear that this is a matter of principle to me. I will never be bullied, threatened, or bribed, and I will not tolerate this kind of behavior within our party. It has become evident that Carl DeMaio is willing to weaponize his Reform California guide against good Republicans out of personal gain and spite. This is not the type of leadership we need or deserve.

I stand ready to put everything on the line to fight for what is right and for the heart and soul of the San Diego Republican Party. No political office current or future is worth me sacrificing my integrity and giving into political threats. We cannot allow one individual to undermine the unity and integrity of our party for personal vendettas or political gamesmanship. This battle is not just about individuals; it is about the future and direction of our party in San Diego. I call on all current and incoming Central Committee members to stand with me in denouncing this behavior.

Political bullying and threats have no place in our party, and we must come together to preserve the values that make us Republicans. Thank you for standing with me in this fight for the principles and future of the San Diego Republican Party.

Sincerely,

Amy Reichert
District 4 Central Committee Elect

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In Voice of San Diego…

Politics Report: GOP Goes to War Against DeMaio

A snippet:

“(Corey) Gustafson is now the party chairman and he’s overseeing a dramatic enforcement action against DeMaio that could mobilize the party against him in a way that would have been shocking a few years ago.”

Read it all here.