Professional Documents
Culture Documents
nd
, 2014
McLeod County Executive Committee:
Please accept this letter as notification that I am resigning from my position as the McLeod County Republican Party
Chair, effective immediately.
As many of you now know, I am involved in a lawsuit with State Representative Mary Franson. Rep. Franson and her
supporters continue in a desperate attempt to damage my reputation and professional standing by making incredibly
false accusations and maligning my integrity and character. This is being viewed by many as being in retaliation for
filing a civil lawsuit that names Rep. Franson as a defendant. Until this time, these events have not had a detrimental
impact on my ability to perform my duties as Chairman of the McLeod County Republican Party. In light of information
that is forthcoming, I now find it necessary to resign my position in the best interest of the people of McLeod County,
whom I serve, and in the best interest of the people Rep. Franson serves. The last situation that I ever envisioned was
one involving a protracted legal battle with a sitting state representative during a vital election year. This matter could
have been resolved many months ago, allowing Rep. Franson to devote her time uninterrupted to her constituents. By
resigning my position the public scrutiny will be less of a distraction to the members of the McLeod County Republican
Party. Secondary to this, no longer being construed as an "all-purpose public figure" will allow me greater latitude in
resolving future matters with Rep. Franson and others more efficiently.
The decision to leave the McLeod County Republican Party was not an easy one and involved many hours of thoughtful
consideration and much wise counsel, particularly with respect to my own future plans. The position as Party Chair is
one I sincerely love for many reasons - the responsibilities, the leadership opportunities, the people I've worked with
and the people I've gotten to know over the years. However, being a leader means making tough decisions. Looking at
the broader view and respect for everyone involved, in good conscience, I cannot allow anyone associated with the
McLeod County Republican Party to be further scrutinized unfairly by Rep. Franson and her supporters.
My greatest hope for an outcome is that the facts of this case will in time be revealed. If this matter continues, we
hope that the fact that Ms. Franson being a sitting state representative will not have an influence on the
decisions within the legal system. Being a nation and state built on the rule of law, those laws should apply equally to
all.
It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the people of McLeod County over the past five years. I greatly
appreciate the love and support that I've received over the years, and that continues today. Being involved with the
McLeod County Republican Party has been an opportunity for me to grow and develop. I appreciate the trust, and
faith provided for me by the people of McLeod County and the McLeod County Republican Party, and everyone's
professional guidance and support.
I hope you will respect my position in this matter. I will provide any assistance possible during this period of transition.
Eric Harpel
Officers: Eric Harpel, Chair; Jim Bobier, Deputy Chair; John Grein, Secretary; Jennifer Moore, Treasurer;
Vice Chairs: Nate Kiewel, Lori Hornick-Lindell, Jim Nielsen, Carmen Patino, Jonathan Boesche