Members of the state GOP’s governing committee have petitioned for a special meeting next week to discuss “potential action regarding employment issues and board management” amid continued criticism of Chair Brian Schimming.
Documents obtained by WisPolitics show those pushing the effort are seeking a May 12 meeting, noting the executive committee has authority over matters related to employment, compensation, performance and organizational structure.
If the meeting is granted, it would come just three days before party activists are scheduled to convene in the Wisconsin Dells for the annual state GOP convention.
Schimming said in a statement to WisPolitics that Republicans won’t be distracted during the midterm cycle and remain “laser-focused on defeating the Democrats.”
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“While Democrats remain divided, the overwhelming majority of our grassroots supporters are united, energized, and fully committed to our candidates,” Schimming said. “We look forward to working together to deliver victory in November.”
Schimming is the first paid chair in memory and has regularly been under fire for the party’s fundraising compared to its Dem counterpart. Some on the executive committee ramped up their criticism of Schimming after liberal Chris Taylor won an open state Supreme Court seat this spring by 20 points.
That includes executive committee member Brett Galaszewski, who filed the petition for the special meeting. Galaszewski, a national enterprise director for Turning Point Action, posted ahead of an April 18 executive committee meeting that “a 300k vote loss in a statewide race is unacceptable” and “There’s no option off the table.”
Committee members declined to discuss what happened during that meeting, citing nondisclosure agreements they are now required to sign.
Galaszewski didn’t immediately respond to messages today seeking comment.
The state GOP’s constitution allows party chairmen to call executive committee meetings at their discretion. There is also the option for at least six members to sign petitions calling for a meeting. The secretary or chairman is then directed to send written notice to each executive committee member at least 10 days before it’s scheduled. The committee can meet without notice if waivers are signed by a majority of members.