'They elevate criminals': Georgia Republicans slammed for electing Jan 6 rally organizer Amy Kremer to RNC

COLUMBUS, GEORGIA: In a move that underscores the persistent internal divisions within the GOP, Georgia Republicans on Saturday, May 18, elected conservative activist Amy Kremer to the Republican National Committee (RNC).

Kremer, known for her role in organizing the January 6, 2021, pro-Trump rally, secured one of the two coveted RNC seats in a split decision at the party's convention. Incumbent Committeeman Jason Thompson was also retained.

A divisive victory

Kremer's election highlights the ongoing tension between the GOP's establishment and its grassroots factions. Delegates at the Columbus convention were divided, with Kremer and her supporters arguing that the current leadership had not sufficiently supported former President Donald Trump.

Kremer, addressing the delegates, emphasized the need for a more confrontational approach: “We need somebody willing to stand up and fight,” she declared. “If you want the grassroots to have a voice, then you need to vote for change.”

Kremer's political career began with the Tea Party movement. Although she was not among those who stormed the Capitol on January 6, her group secured the permit for the 'Save America' rally that preceded the incident.

Kremer was a prominent figure at the event, advocating the 'Stop the Steal' movement which claimed that Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory was fraudulent.

Party leaders had advised against Kremer's election, citing several concerns, including unpaid Federal Election Commission fines linked to her and an affiliated group. Despite these warnings, the delegates elected Kremer, reflecting a persistent appetite among the party's base for a more aggressive stance against both internal dissent and external political opponents.

Jason Thompson's re-election, however, was not without controversy. Opponents criticized his family’s ties to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, the Republican who defended the integrity of Georgia’s 2020 election results. Raffensperger has been a contentious figure within the party, often criticized by Trump supporters.

Thompson, who failed to secure a majority in the initial round of voting, ultimately won in a runoff. “Together we will fight the forces that seek to destroy America,” Thompson proclaimed. “Together we will win the state of Georgia for President Trump.”

Calls for unity

Despite the contentious elections, several speakers at the convention called for unity. US Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene acknowledged the GOP's internal conflicts but urged delegates to focus on the bigger picture.

“There’s nothing wrong with a little bit of arguing in the Republican Party,” Greene said at a Saturday breakfast event, but called for putting a stop to them at this critical juncture.

“If we’re too fractured, we can’t work together to hit that home run in November,” she said. “And that’s going to be a problem. If we’re too off in different directions, and not working together, we cannot hit that home run in November.”

Greene’s call for unity came in stark contrast to the ongoing absence of Governor Brian Kemp from party conventions. Kemp, who has been at odds with Trump supporters after affirming the 2020 election results, has established his own fundraising and political operation, further highlighting the party's fractures.

The discord intensified when some party leaders backed former US Senator David Perdue’s Trump-supported challenge to Kemp in 2022, which ultimately failed.

There were, however, glimpses of reconciliation. Kemp allies such as Insurance Commissioner John King and State Representative Tim Fleming, Kemp’s 2018 campaign manager, addressed the convention. Additionally, a larger number of state lawmakers participated this year compared to last, a sign that efforts to mend internal rifts might be bearing fruit.

Party Chairman Josh McKoon emphasized this point: “That’s another thing we’ve been working on, is our relationship with elected officials and kind of bringing everybody back to the table.”

The convention also saw Republicans emphasizing issues they believe will resonate with voters. Inflation and immigration were highlighted as critical concerns that could sway undecided voters and those who voted for Biden in 2020, The Hill reported.

Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson illustrated this point dramatically during his speech on Friday, brandishing his wallet to emphasize economic issues.

“Don’t pound them over abortion, don’t pound over things that maybe aren’t relevant,” he advised. “Pound them over what really matters, which is right here. This is relevant to every single American. It’s their pocketbook.”

Amy Kremer's election sparks backlash on social media

The election of Kremer sparked significant backlash on social media. Critics condemned the decision, pointing to her involvement in the events of January 6.

"What is wrong with Georgia???" one posted on X.

"So Amy was an organizer of January 6th. This is what they do. They elevate criminals," another wrote.

"Good Lord this is a three-alarm fire! The @gop only allowing criminals to run their state parties. Please @fbi investigate this dangerous woman @AmyKremer who participated in the January 6th Insurrection," someone else commented.

"Stop pretending any of this is politics. This lunatic should be in a cell. Our country is under attack. AGAIN," another fumed.

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