GOP front-runner Donald Trump took to Twitter on Sunday to rip the Republican Party of Virginia’s demand that primary voters who vote on their ticket sign a loyalty pledge.
In a series of tweets, Trump said forcing voters to vow fealty to the party would discourage independents and new voters from joining GOP ranks. He demanded the Republican National Committee “straighten out the total mess that is taking place in Virginia’s Republican Party.”
State law allows a political party to request voters sign a statement of party affiliation before casting primary ballots. The state GOP in a press release earlier this month took issue with characterizing the party-affiliation statement as a “pledge.” The press release said the party’s “simple goal” was “to ensure Republican voters select our Republican nominee in 2016.”
Several registrars at a State Board of Elections meeting warned having primary voters sign a statement will create backlogs for election workers.
Election officials said the statements of party affiliation would be kept confidential, but a GOP official indicated the party would like to get access to the names and other personal information that might be included.
Virginia voters do not register by party, and voting in primaries is open to any registered voter.
It begins, Republican Party of Virginia, controlled by the RNC, is working hard to disallow independent, unaffiliated and new voters. BAD!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 27, 2015
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R.P.Virginia has lost statewide 7 times in a row. Will now not allow desperately needed new voters. Suicidal mistake. RNC MUST ACT NOW!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 27, 2015
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The voters the Republican Party of Virginia are excluding will doom any chance of victory. The Dems LOVE IT! Be smart and win for a change!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 27, 2015
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Straighten out The Republican Party of Virginia before it is too late. Stupid! RNC
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 27, 2015
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Hopefully the Republican National Committee can straighten out the total mess that is taking place in Virginia’s Republican Party. FAST!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 28, 2015
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?Jeff Reece, 757-446-2164, jeff.reece@pilotonline.com
