Hillsborough GOP leader leaves party because it’s not Trumpy enough

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They won't come back until there's a 'Patriot Party.'

A member of the Hillsborough County GOP is leaving the party, but not for the same reason others are likely fleeing.

The Hillsborough GOP’s “StratComms Director,” which stands for strategic communications, posted a lengthy letter on the group’s Facebook page Wednesday arguing the Republican Party no longer stands for freedom and limited government.

The letter is not signed by name, and the Hillsborough GOP website does not have a listing for a StratComms Director; however, as of 2019, Brooke Emery held the title. Emery is closely aligned with the controversial local party chair, Jim Waurishuk.

Waurishuk declined to comment on the post or say whether Emery was its author. He offered only that the missive has since been taken down.

“With just the latest in a long line of betrayals of the duly elected Republican President Trump, myself and my fellow Deplorables by the Republican Party elected officials and ‘leadership,’ I can no longer remain in the Party as it is,” the author wrote. “If the country falls, as it appears to be on its way to doing, at least I’ll know that I did not continue to support my unaccountable ‘representatives’ when they continue to betray me.”

The author wrote that they would not return to the Republican Party unless a third party, such as a “Patriot Party,” were formed.

“But it’s doubtful,” they noted. “Those who control the levers of power are never keen to let it go; after all, who would vote to term-limit themselves out of access to a $4 trillion trough?”

The post was full of laudatory praise for President Donald Trump, including his “bringing a great Patriotic spirit back to the Citizens after 8 years of anti-American sentiment fostered by (former President Barack) Obama.”

The post also praised Waurishuk.

“Especially with the current Hillsborough GOP Board’s strong, principled conservative leadership under Chairman Colonel Jim Waurishuk,” the author wrote in an incomplete sentence.

The letter ended with a disclaimer.

“Note: I am wholly responsible for this post, the leadership of the Party do not know I’m writing this, and obviously it will be my last.”

Before being taken down, the post had 61 comments and 17 shares.

The letter came after reports that at least some congressional Republicans planned to support impeaching Trump, including the No. 3 House Republican, U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell reportedly told sources he was “pleased” with the impeachment proceedings and hoped it would drive Trump from the Republican Party.

The Hillsborough GOP’s Facebook page includes several posts criticizing McConnell after he rejected Trump’s plea to have Senate Republicans vote to decertify presidential election results in states President-elect Joe Biden won.

The U.S. House of Representatives is voting on impeachment Wednesday afternoon.

Janelle Irwin Taylor

Janelle Irwin Taylor has been a professional journalist covering local news and politics in Tampa Bay since 2003. Most recently, Janelle reported for the Tampa Bay Business Journal. She formerly served as senior reporter for WMNF News. Janelle has a lust for politics and policy. When she’s not bringing you the day’s news, you might find Janelle enjoying nature with her husband, children and two dogs. You can reach Janelle at [email protected].


4 comments

  • Palmer Tom

    January 13, 2021 at 6:42 pm

    Maybe he can start his own party or just go home and sulk.

  • Ron Ogden

    January 14, 2021 at 9:30 am

    You’re the type who would have encouraged Paul Revere to “go home and sulk”.

  • GD

    January 14, 2021 at 1:13 pm

    Poor baby is having a temper tantrum because he got impeached because he should have thought of that before he told his racist to attack the congress.
    But not only has he been impeached, but many charges from it and before will convict Trump in a court of law and go to jail.
    And a lot more are going to jail too as we are not going to put up with neo nazi, etc terrorists.

  • Steve

    January 24, 2021 at 10:51 am

    lmao this is so funny. Just searched this guy and an article from last year came up of this guy saying conservatives would be murdered by Black Lives Matter protestors. Per usual, their takes age well! /sarcasm

Comments are closed.


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