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ST. JOSEPH COUNTY — REAL News Michiana has learned a “rising star” within the St. Joseph County Republican Party worked with the former St. Joseph County Democrat Party Chair to attempt to unseat long time Republican and incumbent, St. Joseph County Commissioner Tony Hazen.
Text messages obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request show former St. Joseph County Commissioner Candidate Tom McCormick held at least one meeting with former St. Joseph County Democrat Chair/Democrat South Bend Mayoral Candidate/current Democrat Portage Township Trustee, Jason Critchlow. During the meeting(s), sources tell RNM, McCormick attempted to have Critchlow work to have Democrats vote in the Republican primary against Tony Hazen in order to flip the seat into McCormick’s favor.
“Thanks for taking the time to sit down with me today. Enjoyed our conversation.” McCormick wrote to Critchlow following a meeting between the two on November 3rd of 2023. “This is exactly the type of relationship that I want to be able to have with anybody that has a question, especially in regard to my ethics and integrity.”
“Great chatting with you Tom.” Critchlow responded. “Looking forward to doing so more! Happy to help as we move along.”
“This (McCormick) should not be a ‘Republican in good standing.'” One source with knowledge of the meetings told RNM. “He attempted to have one of the most loved and longstanding Republicans in the party ousted by turning out Democrat voters in a Republican primary.”
Despite the text messages and insight into the meetings by multiple sources with knowledge of them, McCormick has lied to RNM for the past several months, claiming he had no clue who Critchlow was (despite Critchlow being the most well known Democrat in the county, including South Bend Mayor James Mueller).
“When I met with him, I did not know he was until I talked with either you or somebody else that informed me who he was.” McCormick falsely claimed in a message to RNM. “That was shortly after I announced I was going to run in the primary. It has been interesting learning about every one for sure… I guess I’m questioning why you think I’m trying to destroy conservatives.”
McCormick ended up losing to Hazen in a tight primary race last year. However, he has continued to be active in the party, positioning himself for another run at political office.
McCormick has also been a stalwart voice in opposition to long-time Republican and current GOP St. Joseph County Council President Dan Schaetzle. In a coordinated political attack against Schaetzle earlier this year, a small group of Republican officials successfully had Schaetzle censured by the party. The reason for kicking Schaetzle out of the party; some members of the GOP claimed he was working too closely with his Democrat counterparts. Earlier this week, McCormick posted a photo to Facebook poking fun at Schaetzle with a hat reading “RIGS Republican in Good Standing”.
It’s important to note, Schaetzle was censured following his work with the Democrat Party to ensure Deputies on the St. Joseph County Police Department received much needed pay raises. Some members of the GOP were hoping to kill any potential pay raises in an attempt to use it as future political ammunition against the Democrat St. Joseph County Sheriff, Bill Redman.
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