In Saline County, Arkansas, a recent meeting of the Republican Party of Arkansas (RPA) led to significant changes, including the removal of a county committee for two years and the expulsion of a prominent member for 20 years.
The RPA issued a statement explaining the actions taken. The Executive Committee adopted recommendations from two groups: one from members of the 2nd Congressional District and the other from Clint Lancaster of Saline County. These recommendations resulted in Jennifer Lancaster being banned from holding any office within the RPA and the Saline County Republican Committee being declared vacant.
Clint Lancaster, Jennifer’s husband, explained that his complaint was about removing the Saline County Republican Party’s executive committee. He also mentioned that the RPA’s goal was to remove Jennifer Lancaster so she couldn’t run for party chair.
Jennifer Lancaster has been vocal against certain actions taken by the RPA, particularly their decision to close the Republican primaries in Arkansas during the state convention earlier this year.
Jennifer responded to the RPA’s decision, expressing disappointment. She said it was a sad day for the Republican Party, as members who disagree with the leadership are being silenced. She emphasized that the party’s core values of open discussion and unity were being undermined.
Jennifer argued that the Saline County Republican Committee SCRC didn’t want to be dissolved but needed support. Instead, the RPA executive committee chose to dismantle the local committee, setting a dangerous example that could create fear and division across the state.
She called this action a violation of Republican values and an un-American move.
This decision to vacate the Saline County Republican Committee comes just months after a physical altercation at a committee meeting that was captured on camera. Following the fight, Saline County officials, including County Judge Matt Brumley, had asked the state party to take action and remove the local leadership.