Clarification from the Chairwoman, Saluda County Republican Party
On our recent newsletter and Facebook page, we featured a campaign video submitted by County Council Chairman Jim Moore. One of our members, who supports Chairman Moore’s opponent, responded with a lengthy Facebook post accusing the party of bias.
To be clear: Chairman Moore’s video was shared because he is one of three candidates participating in our voluntary Run Red program. The other two Run Red candidates are Cal Forrest and Ricky Bailey. We will continue posting their videos and materials from all participating candidates throughout the campaign — and we welcome submissions from every Republican candidate.
Saluda County Republicans deserve a fair, transparent primary process, and that is exactly what the Saluda County GOP is committed to providing.
Support Offered to Every Republican Candidate
In this year’s local races, six Republican candidates are running in three contested primaries: SC House #39, County Council Chair, County Councilman District #3. From the very beginning, the Saluda County GOP has offered every Republican primary candidate the same baseline support. Each candidate received:
- An individual candidate page on the Saluda County GOP website, with initial information already populated and an open invitation to submit additional content at any time.
- Inclusion by name and link in our email newsletters, so voters can easily learn about all of their options.
- An invitation for a candidate Q&A before the Primary.
Over the course of one week in early April, we featured all six local Republican candidates in our newsletters (one per day).
The Run Red Program
In addition to standard support, the Saluda County GOP created the Run Red program to give participating candidates extra resources: messaging assistance, digital materials, targeted lists, and additional promotion to Republican voters. Participation is completely voluntary. Every local Republican candidate was personally invited and encouraged to apply. Three accepted. The other three chose to run independently, but they continued to receive full baseline support.
No Endorsement Has Been Made
Questions have been raised about the post featuring Chairman Moore’s video. That post was simply part of our standard promotion of Run Red candidates. It did not constitute an official endorsement by the Saluda County GOP. No endorsement has been made in any primary race.
Under our rules, an endorsement requires a vote by the Executive Committee, and that has not occurred.
Handouts Sent to All Candidates
Shortly after candidate filing closed, the following document was sent to every single candidate:
Run Red candidates received the same document plus an additional page 2:
Our Commitment Moving Forward
The Saluda County GOP will continue to welcome all Republican candidates, uphold our commitment to equal access and fair treatment, and provide voters with the information they need to make up their own minds in the June primary. Our focus is, and will remain, electing “America First” Republicans and promoting the conservative principles we share.
We will also continue to develop Run Red as a strong pipeline for well-informed, well-prepared, conservative, local leadership. The application is prominently available on our website.
Our Commitment to Civil Discourse
We love social media for its ability to get important information directly to voters quickly. However, we strongly urge everyone — regardless of which candidate they support — to refrain from personal attacks and to ensure that public statements are based on verifiable facts. If you have a complaint about a person, speak you that person directly before you make personal accusations that might hurt or embarrass them. It’s the decent thing to do.
Constructive dialogue strengthens our Party and our community.
Any candidate or citizen who has questions about party process or communication is welcome to contact the party directly so concerns can be addressed respectfully and constructively.
