A group of state Republicans want newly-elected National Committeewoman Pat Anderson to resign her post now that she is working to expand gambling.
The executive board of the 8th Congressional District Republicans unanimously approved a resolution Tuesday that said Anderson violated the party platform when she became lobbyist for expanded gambling at Canterbury Park a week after being elected to the national post.
"This lack of prudent conduct along with the blatant disregard for the MNGOP platform makes Ms. Anderson an unacceptable representative of this organization," the resolution said.
Anderson and several other high-ranking Republicans have noted that the platform is contradictory on the issue of gambling. The platform also calls for the promotion of free enterprise and the busting of tribal monopolies on casino-style gaming.
"Activists are all over the board on this issue," Anderson said recently.
The resolution calls on the state GOP executive board to replace Anderson if she declines to resign.
It's unclear how widespread the sentiment is and whether other districts will follow suit.
Republicans have been quarreling publicly over gambling much of the year. In late February, state GOP Party Chairman Tony Sutton sent a letter urging Republican legislators to resist proposals to raise taxes or expand gambling. But Republican legislative leaders are behind some of the most controversial gambling expansion proposals this session.
