To the editor,

I want to address Mr. Dhawan's points directly and (more) respectfully than he afforded me and our 100% volunteer organization.

Regarding the Facebook page, I understand how the images may have appeared to suggest an endorsement. I want to be absolutely clear — the Pierce County Republican Party has not made any formal endorsement in the Sheriff's primary. Both Chad Koranda and Mike McFadden were invited to our July 18 event. If the content on our page created a misleading impression, I will take that feedback seriously and ensure our social media better reflects our stance during primaries going forward.

That being said, Sheriff Koranda has his own campaign team and they are the ones working hard on the ground for his re-election. Every single 4x4 you see around the county of Sheriff Koranda has been installed by him and his team.

Regarding Andy Manske, he is not the RPW endorsed candidate. Volunteer members of county parties from around the state had the opportunity to become Delegates to represent their county party at the RPW State Convention in Wisconsin Dells. While there, the delegates voted overwhelmingly, to endorse Tom Tiffany as the Republican nominee for Governor.

Your dishonest and misleading characterization of my response to you in the county paper is revolting. I have dedicated nearly 14 years of volunteer service to this county party — not for recognition, but because I believe in the values we share. Disagreements about process or optics do not constitute a lack of transparency or integrity.

You have little room to speak about what the RPPC does as you have never been a member nor an active volunteer. Membership and participation in the process brings knowledge, to both the voters and the candidates, to how the county parties operate and how they interact with the state party and candidate campaigns.

I remain committed to a fair and transparent primary process in my role as County Party Chair. My personal volunteer time will go to the candidates I feel are best suited for the seat they seek.

Stephanie Potton
Pierce County Republican Party Chair