Context. The State GOP developed Rule 1-25 that states: The term “Republican in Good-Standing” shall be defined as a Republican who supports Republican nominees and who does not actively or openly support another candidate against a Republican nominee.
What they did not state is that this rule can be arbitrarily applied to some candidates but not others.
Political parties are considered “private entities or clubs” whose decisions can be enforced by a taxpayer-funded county government election board. Taxpayers (not the political parties) also fund the party primaries. County government is not exempt from the rights granted in the U.S. Constitution – in this case, the First (free speech) and 14th (due process).
- Additional background information: Brown County Republican Politics: Notes – Legal Case
Jan 7, 2025. Official’s complaint seeks removal of Brown County GOP chair, by Dave Stafford, Brown County Democrat
Jan 23, 2025 – Hearing Scheduled with the 9th District. The case against Bowman was ignored. Bowman backed an Independent candidate who publicly admitted he was not a Republican. Richard Stanley and I were declared not to be in good standing for five years.
Feb 5, 2025. Brown County Democrat 0 Letter: Clark responds to ruling on GOP chair complaint
This decision was appealed to the State GOP, which supported the decision by the District.
A federal lawsuit was then filed challenging whether a county election board can enforce a decision by a self-described private club in violation of the 1st and 14th amendments. The Federal court ruled against us, ignoring precedent and citing new, unsupported arguments not raised by the Election Board’s attorney.
Rich Stanley filed to run as a Republican for commissioner in the 2026 primary. His candidacy was challenged because he was ruled not to be in “good standing.” The challenge was successful, and he was removed from the ballot. He then filed a lawsuit with the State that denied the challenge, citing the federal case.
April 17, 2026. Stanley ballot lawsuit dismissed by the judge; federal appeal continues.
If the appeal is not granted, the case has the potential to be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court.
