Letter to the Editor:
Re: Removal of journalist from the rally at Burt’s Pumpkin Farm on Saturday.

By Sally Forest,
Chairman, Gilmer County Republican Party

I am writing on behalf of the Gilmer County Republican Party, and as its County Chairman. I cannot believe that someone who was videotaping a public event was asked to stop first of all, and then removed in a manner which further discredited us as a party. This is just not acceptable, and I am so sorry that it happened. I believe that when we advertise and promote an event as open to all, and that everyone is welcome, (as we do with Gilmer County GOP meetings and events), that’s what we mean. If someone, journalist or voter or whoever, is making a video recording of it, then we’re not going to stop that. Why would we?

As most people with whom I work in this party already know, I am loathe to publicly criticize our party candidates or officials, and it is with sadness that I feel I have to make a statement now. But as one of our Executive Committee members noted, if we stay silent, we leave an impression that what happened is acceptable. It was not.

A final word to our fellow Republicans and conservatives as well as those whose votes we hope to get in November – we have no doubt lost votes and support because of this, but I would just ask that while you can justifiably criticize the actions of some in this instance, just know that there are many many more who are not happy with what happened and will have to work all the harder to gain back support and trust. Attorney General Olens was one of them on Saturday. We will learn from this. I am a firm believer in our party’s principles, and I will keep fighting for them.

Sally Forest
Chairman, Gilmer County Republican Party