Former Republican chair still leading county Republicans

COULEE CITY – Coulee City's Dani Bolyard had to give up the chairmanship of the Grant County Republican Party in December of 2012 because of a change of residence, but she was back in political leadership almost immediately.

Bolyard is chair of the Grant County Republican Liberty Caucus, which was formed in April. Nationally, the RLC was founded in 1991 as an intra-party caucus for the purpose of re-introducing the party to the Constitutional principles on which it was founded.

“This was before McCain-Feingold, which forced all intra-party caucus groups to separate from the parties,” Bolyard said.

Bolyard is still involved in the county GOP. She serves as the canvassing committee chairman, which means she manages the membership and voter databases and head ups the elections observers team. The tech and media committee is still her responsibility.

At the state level, Bolyard is part of the technology committee for the WSRP. For the RLCWA, she serves as the media coordinator. And at the national level, she has just been offered the newsletter editor role.

The RLC is a group that speaks to Bolyard. It holds to the libertarian principles of limited government, free markets and personal responsibility. It also holds to the Constitution as the law of the land.

“That's libertarian with a small L,” Bolyard said. “We do differ from the Libertarian Party. As libertarians, we simply believe our country best operates under the principles of liberty outlined in our founding documents. As Republicans, we believe the Republican Party is the best vehicle for this effort, especially as it rediscovers its founding principles.”

Bolyard noted the RLC is different from the Tea Party. She said the Tea Party is a non-affiliated watch-dog group which generally focuses on monetary policy. The RLC, on the other hand, is associated through mutual membership with the Republican Party and follows the platform of that Party.

“Our purpose is entirely Constitutional, and we involve ourselves in any issue that conflicts with that document,” Bolyard said.

The RLC has two wings. The Political Action Committee is the fundraising arm of the national group, and the membership caucus in each county and state is the activist arm which engages in education, candidate recruitment and campaign and issue activism.

“We don't hold meetings just to have meetings but to educate ourselves and the public and to work toward electing more liberty-minded candidates under the Republican label,” Bolyard said.

The Washington State chapter of the RLC (RLCWA) was founded 13 months ago in Yakima. Grant County followed in April of last year. The RLCWA is the fastest-growing state chapter, sending more delegates to last year's national convention than any other state.

In Grant County, the RLC has been involved in multiple gun shows, helped in the campaign to elect Brian Dansel (Washington's first RLC-endorsed candidate) in the 7th Legislative District, brought in KrisAnne Hall to teach on the Genealogy of the Constitution, presented several resolutions to the Grant County Republicans for endorsement, and held a video series based on the sacrifices of the founding fathers.

Dustin Petersen, newly elected to the Quincy City Council, is vice chair of the county RLC. Susan Freeman, State Committeewoman for the Grant County GOP, is the secretary.

“Four of our members are precinct committee officers here in Grant County,” Bolyard noted. “We have a great group of members who are passionate about our principles, and are willing to work to accomplish them within the Republican Party.”