Conservative activists plan to gather at the Republican National Committee winter meeting in Las Vegas to deliver their grievances, sparking fears they will push a no-confidence vote against RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel.
Turning Point Action, led by its founder and leader Charlie Kirk, is flying conservative activists, “grassroots warriors,” and like-minded GOP county chairs to its Restoring National Confidence Summit in Las Vegas, which coincides with the RNC winter meeting that starts Tuesday.
The group specifically reached out to Republican Party county chairs, a position that can make them RNC members, to help lobby at the winter meeting and “show the RNC how to effectively lead,” according to Turning Point Action’s website.
A state GOP official told The Washington Times that the setup suggested there was a plan afoot to urge RNC members to force a no-confidence vote against Ms. McDaniel, who has become a target for conservative activists.
Even if it passed, a no-confidence vote would not have a binding effect but would embarrass Ms. McDaniel.
Turning Point Action disputed that a no-confidence vote was on its agenda for the summit.
“We’re going to be more general in our approach. Our goal is to help the grassroots that feels alienated and ignored by the national party,” said Turning Point USA spokesman Andrew Colvet. “What they choose to do with that energy once back inside the party is their decision.”
However, he also identified Ms. McDaniel as part of the problem at the RNC.
“The grassroots is laser-focused on replacing ineffective leaders, and so I don’t think people are going to ever get on board with Ronna McDaniel,” Mr. Colvet said. “The sooner we have a new chair, the better.”
Turning Point Action is the political advocacy arm of Turning Point USA, a nonprofit organization that advocates for conservative politics on high school, college and university campuses.
The group’s website described the summit this way:
“This summit is not just an event; it’s a transformative experience set to activate Party Leaders, providing them with the skills needed to successfully lead their counties to victory in 2024.”
Mr. Colvet said he expects a “jam-packed” crowd of county chairs and activists at the two-day event that starts Monday, prepping attendees for the RNC meeting that starts Tuesday.
RNC Spokesperson Emma Vaughn dismissed the criticism of Ms. McDaniel and other RNC officials.
“Outside noise might be what keyboard warriors and the Democrats are focused on, but Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel and the entire Republican National Committee are laser-focused on beating Biden this fall,” she said in a statement to The Times.
Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated the qualifications to be a voting member of the Republican National Committee. Republican Party county chairs can be RNC members but their position does not automatically qualify them as voting members.
• Kerry Picket can be reached at kpicket@washingtontimes.com.
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