HELP SUPPORT INDEPENDENT JOURNALISM BY BECOMING A SUBSCRIBING MEMBER. YOU CAN ALSO MAKE A ONE TIME DONATION HERE.
SOUTH BEND, Ind. — REAL News Michiana has learned the St. Joseph County Republican Party is pushing for some members to sign Non Disclosure Agreements if they wish to be part of certain committees. Several third hand sources detailed the NDA policy being pursued by the newly elected leadership of the party. GOP Chair Jackie Horvath then confirmed the NDA possibility.
“We have discussed potentially for those that would have sensitive information but nothing yet set in stone.” Horvath told RNM via text.
Several sources have also detailed information regarding leadership’s involvement in primary candidate campaigns, specifically on social media. Those sources tell RNM that anyone who is on a committee or in a leadership position would not be allowed to like or share certain social media posts that could be viewed as critical of other Republicans. Punishment for violating the NDA would be the ousting from committees and possible censuring, according to sources.
The previous party Chair, Tyler Gillean, attempted to stop attacks against other conservatives earlier this year with an email sent out to primary candidates describing consequences for such behavior. Gillean was lambasted by a small group of candidates and elected officials, including County Councilwoman Amy Drake and County Council Candidate Anthony “Andy” Rutten. Gillean was also condemned by Drake lackey and “Conservative” radio host Casey Hendrickson. At the time, Drake, Rutten and Hendrickson were actively attacking Republican Council Candidate Kent Hizer with defamatory lies about his character and policy positions. Following Gillean’s email, Rutten shared a post making false accusations against Gillean by PHM School Board Member and known purchaser of prostitutes, Matt Chaffee.
Rutten is also currently challenging the candidacy of a conservative candidate for PHM School Board because he used a nickname on the ballot (it’s important to note, Rutten also used a nickname).
In recent weeks, the tables have turned, with Drake and Rutten being the target of criticism and legitimate attacks from Republicans across the region. Sources tell RNM, Drake and Rutten are both pushing for the NDA policy due to criticism they are now receiving — much of it in the form of investigative stories published by REAL News Michiana.
RNM has also learned Drake is already starting a covert campaign to undermine the new St. Joseph County GOP Vice Chair, Joe Layne. Details on Drake’s latest attack against the GOP will be released in an investigative story next week.
Want to keep seeing the news the legacy media just won’t report? REAL News Michiana relies on member subscribers to keep going. As a subscriber, you’ll get an RNM mug and invites to special events. Help us continue to expose corruption and report on the news conservatives care about by subscribing here.
