PORT TOWNSEND — Jefferson County Democratic leaders remaining after a party feud last week over the correct primary process for the selection of candidates went public with their position Tuesday.
In a “Perspective” issued by Ron Nelson and Jeanette Woodruff, both state committee members for Jefferson County Democrats, the party leaders called on fellow county Democrats “to re-establish a unifying leadership team which will act to include all members in open dialogue and foster the fair and legal process necessary for a successful political party.”
The statement was intended as a response to an full-page advertisement that ran in last Wednesday’s weekly Leader newspaper, which was signed by six resigning Jefferson County Democratic Party executive board members, including party chair Peggy Ann Bierbaum.
“We regret their action, but it will not deter us from following the required nominating rules,” the statement reads.
Also resigning were party vice chair Larry McKeehan, secretary Diane Frame, communications chair Connie Gallant, membership chair Molly Mulvaney and fundraising chair Harvey Putterman.
Board election slated
The party membership plans to conduct an election of executive board offices on June 28 along with a county party “nominating convention” required by the state party. The precinct committee officers meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by a general membership meeting at 7:30.
The statement, explaining the county party leadership’s differences over the Cajun vs. Montana primary systems, came a week after the resignations.
