Mac Warner
Of?ce of the Secretary of State Secretary of State Telephone: (304) 558-6000

State Capitol Toll Free: 

Charleston, West Virginia 25305 State ?f we? Virginia Fax: (304) 558-0900

June 26, 2019
Chairman Melody Potter
West Virginia Republican State Executive Committee
P. O. Box 2711

Charleston, WV 25330
Via U.S. Mail and email to n_1mtterwvgop_rg aol.com

RE: Wood County Republican Executive Committee Updated Roster
Dear Chairman Potter,

Thank you for your response to my inquiry regarding the updated Wood County Republican
Executive Committee roster that you submitted.

After further researching the relevant statutory and common laws, it appears clear that this Of?ce
is without jurisdiction to consider the procedural propriety of an updated roster submitted by you
under your asserted authority as Chairman of the Republican State Executive Cormnittee.

Speci?cally, in addition to the general provisions of W. Va. Code several court cases
have opined that political parties possess broad authority over party regulation matters. Here, this
Of?ce has determined that this is one such matter that is beyond our regulatory purview.

Therefore, based on the stated reliance in your response regarding the broad powers granted to
you by your party?s bylaws, the updated Wood County Republican Executive Committee roster
you submitted will be published publicly online.

Sincerely,

onald lVl. Kefsey, 
General Counsel
The Of?ce of the WV Secretary of State
State Capitol, Bldg. 1, Ste. 157-K
Charleston, WV 25304
Dkersev@wvsos.gov
(304) 368-6344 (direct)
(304) 558-6000 (main)