What is Wrong with the Coos County Republicans?

3 PM Monday, July 27, 2025

Chris Castleman and I try to answer that question on the next Rob Taylor Report.
According to the Republican state-level party, "The purpose of the Oregon Republican Party shall be: To elect Republicans who promote the platform of the Oregon Republican Party to public office; to ensure growth of the Republican Party through voter registration and volunteer force."
There is a need to grow party membership and empower new volunteers to spread the Republican platform in time for the spring primary. However, it is disheartening that there are people in our local county party actively working against that mission.
At the Coos County Republican Central Committee meeting in May, eight applicants were present who wished to have the Chair appoint them as PCPs, but he denied them a vote. Precinct Committee Persons (or PCPs) are the entry-level officials of the Oregon Republican Party. They represent the people who live within their precinct to the county Republican Party. PCPs represent their neighbors while they debate and vote on the issues that come before the Central Committee. The Chair (Michael Brainard) cancelled our June meeting, and at our July meeting, 12 applicants wished to have the Chair appoint them as PCPs. The Chair denied a vote again. And then the Chair abruptly adjourned the meeting after people in the room (rightfully) became outraged that the Chair would deny a vote (or even a discussion) on new member nominations.
Besides recalling the Chair, what are our options at this point? There are only 48 out of 198 available PCP positions filled for Coos County, and 12 new volunteers are willing to fill those vacancies.
Why would anyone invite people to join a party when the Chair is unwelcoming to them?