NWU Withdraws!!!

From a source close to Northwestern University College Republican Chair Chelsea Thompson:

I certainly hope that Brett Kotecki was not removed from office. Had I known of the meeting, I would have called for the resignation of Patrick, NOT Brett. The Northwestern College Republicans removed itself from the ICRF this week because of his poor leadership.

So, Ms. Thompson didn't know about the meeting and she's a chapter chair? Who else didn't know? Rumor has it that 2nd Vice Chair Ketel, Treasurer Kotecki, or Secretary Miller didn't have the opportunity to attend due to the late notice of the meeting.

How many more chapters will withdraw from the ICRF due to the poor leadership of J. Binning and Rose.

He's Out, He's In, now we can't keep up!

On December 5, 2007, Chairman Patrick J. Binning sent out an email officially announcing the remvoal of Brett Kotecki from his position of Treasurer.

"This is an announcement to officially inform the chapters across the state that Brett Kotecki is no longer our Treasurer due to unfortunate recent events. Last night, With a 9-0-1 vote, Mr. Kotecki was removed and Meagan Szydlowski from Northern Illinois University will be taking over as our new Treasurer...

I ask that all of us deal with this in a mature manner and put ourselves aside. Our number one priority should be the thought of what is best for the organization as a whole. Sometimes, being in leadership means sacrifice. Being future Republican leaders, what we practice now, will be the foundation of what we practice in the future, so let's do it right from the beginning."

So, Brett Kotecki was removed and replaced with NIU Chair Meagan Szydlowski. Is this more of the same? A few years, several downstate chapters left the ICRF as they thought too much power was being given to Chicago-area schools, specifically Northern Illinois University. This gives the NIU delegation the potential to have 7 votes at the convention, 3 votes at any board meeting, and 2 votes at any executive board meeting. Other chapters have a max of 6 votes at the convention, maximum of 2 votes at any state board meeting if an officer is also from that university, and only one vote on the state board. Something's not right about this picture. What is preventing them from removing the entire officer team and replacing them with NIU College Republicans. I wouldn't be surprised if many more than downstate schools withdraw from the ICRF because of it... It get's weirder...

In an email sent by Secretary Ben Miller and posted on Facebook:

Chairman Binning, Executive Director Rose, It is my opinion that you are lying to the entire ICRF. Here is my response to your lies. Please do not act as if I agreed to, or had any part in your witch hunt. And don't you ever put words into my mouth, or confirm that i received anything. Is it hard for you to just tell the truth? Obviously our good chairman didn't write that memorandum, because there aren't any spelling errors. I will alert the media if I find it necessary. And, I will sue you if you slander me as much as you have slandered Brett Kotecki.

Based on the Authority given to me by the ICRF Constitution, I declare the actions of the State Board, Executive Director Jeremy Rose and Chairman Patrick Binning illegal, and therefore null and void, because of numerous violations of the ICRF Constitution.

Brett Kotecki retains his position as Treasurer.

So, now he retains his position of Treasurer? Very Confused! And what's this about slander? Surely not by Jeremy Rose or Patrick J. Binning, surely not.

Drinking For Jesus? What?

"It’s that time of year again folks. Yup, drinking on account of little baby Jesus. So, in honor of our little guy….let’s get wasted!!!…So come one, come all! Lets do this one for Jesus!…No Jewish people were harmed during the making of this message"

Was the description on a facebook group event titled, "Drinking For Jesus" as reported by CRNation.com.

"These allegations were confirmed by CR Nation by simply looking up the facebook event."

Mr Binning, in an email, stated –

I understand that there was some concern about the “Drinking for Jesus” party, a non ICRF-event that was associated with my Executive Director, I apologize for this on Jeremy’s behalf for offending anyone who may have been inadvertently offended. That being said, it is important that we come together as one team and put aside our differences, so that we can accomplish our goals over the next 12 months.

Right, Mr. Binnin. Let's come together. Lo, and behold, he have other plans. And accomplish our goals over the next 12 months? He plan on making this a dictatorship? He has already showed his do-nothing attitude since taking office in April, what makes him think he is worthy of another term? You said it, Jeremy Rose is YOUR executive director, we need someone who will be OUR executive Director. Does it matter it the event is non-icrf related? He's a leader within this movement, the public eye, donors, and potential donors see no seperation between what Jeremy Rose does when he has his ED hat on and when he doesn't.

Contacting Mr. Rose himself, CR Nation obtained this comment –

Recently is has come to some people’s attention that I signed on to be a host of a Christmas party with the title “drinking for Jesus.” I’d like to apologize if this has offended anyone. It was caviler and irresponsible of me.

I apologize for the distraction this has cause the Illinois College Republican Federation. We have serious issues to attend to and I suspect this came to light due to another individual’s personal grudge. That however doesn’t excuse my behavior. What we at the ICRF have to do is important work and we can all go without distractions like this.

I hope this will just be a bump in the road on the way to the ICRF achieving its goals this year and I look forward to continuing assisting the ICRF in its endeavors.

Yes, sir, it was very irresponsible of you. And do you even know the definition of "caviler"? "someone who raises annoying, petty objections" ring a bell? Okay, so maybe you do know the definition. You're right, this doesn't excuse your behavior, maybe you should resign. We do have important work to do and can't handle any more of your distractions. By the way, I hardly believe you merely signed on to be a host especially considering you were the CREATOR of this event and it listed your email and phone number as the contact for this event. Let's fully disclose the facts, shall we.

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