Republican Party split?
By Debbie Lowe Staff writer

Deiwert

During an interview with incumbent mayoral candidate Lee Hoard that appeared in last week's Comet, it was stated that Hoard's bid for mayor was not supported by the chairman of the Republican Party, Sam Deiwert. The question arose whether or not Deiwert was acting as party representative or private citizen when he conveyed that message to Hoard.

When contacted by the Comet Friday, Deiwert explained the situation.

"As the chair of the Republican Party, I don't consider there's been a split in the party," Deiwert said. "But there are people who are looking for me and Lee to scrap."

"I have every right to make a personal opinion," Deiwert continued. "Any disagreements I have (with Hoard) are about Sam Deiwert as a property owner and tax payer."

"As the Republican Central Committee, we are obligated to support the ticket and that's what we are doing," Deiwert concluded.