The Gilpin County Republican Central Committee (GCRCC) held its County Assembly at the Historic Courthouse in Central City on March 21, 2024. Around 40 to 50 people attended the event, the purpose of which was to elect delegates and alternates to the State Assembly, to select County candidates for open offices, and to submit the County Election Judge List to the County Clerk.

The GCRCC consists of Chair Marie Mornis, Vice-Chair Rick Wenzel, Secretary Brenda Diehl, and Treasurer Jessica Kays. Mornis, who is also a Gilpin County Commissioner, called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. County Sheriff Kevin Armstrong and County Treasurer Mary Lorenz also attended.

A Precinct Committee Person (PCP) attends monthly meetings, helps with “Get-Out-the-Vote” activities, delegates at the County Assembly, and serves on the Vacancy Committee.

The voting members at the Assembly included four Committee Officers, two elected County officials, up to 12 PCPs, and 12 delegates/alternates, for a total of 30 possible votes.

The Report of the Credentials Committee from the recent caucus showed that there were 27 voting delegates present and entitled to vote.

The ratification and certification of the Republican PCPs was approved with all in favor.

Next on the agenda, the GCRCC designated Republican candidates for the position of County Commissioner, District 3, to appear in the June 2024 Primary Election ballot.

There were 10 minutes allotted in total for nominators and the candidate to speak.

Corey Marshall was nominated and seconded for candidacy in District 3. Midcap nominated Marshall, saying he is an ethical family man with a strong business background.

Marshall accepted the nomination and said he would have a “common sense business approach” to running the County and that budgets need to look at least five years into the future, if not ten. He also said the County needs to grow its revenue by being friendly to new industries.

There was a motion to close nominations for District 3. Motion passed unanimously. 26 of 27 delegates voted in favor. He will appear on the ballot for District 3.

Mornis recused herself from the next portion of the Assembly. Balfour nominated Mornis and said Mornis inspires her. “She holds herself to a high standard, is steadfast, and trustworthy.”

Okray-Parman seconded the nomination for Mornis and said “We can turn this County around with Marie and Corey.” She stressed that the County needs to open the Rec Center seven days a week and stop overspending and overhiring.

Mornis was nominated and seconded for County Commissioner District 1. With two minutes left to speak, Mornis accepted the nomination and said, if elected, she will continue to promote fiscal responsibility and conservatism. She said she would like to focus on broadband accessibility in the future.

Lorenz nominated Kays for Gilpin County Commissioner District 1. Lorenz said that Kays is a great communicator, listener, and leader.

Marilyn Ashmore, Delegate for Precinct 2, seconded Kays’ candidacy, saying that the Committee needs to show inclusive, non-biased support. She continued to say that Kays “will meet each challenge and opportunity by making thoughtful, fair, knowledgeable, and effective decisions.”

Kays accepted the nomination and thanked her supporters. She said, “It is time for the Republican Party to step up. This evening is about unity. If your opinions of me are from over a decade ago, I invite you to have a conversation with me so we can catch up and talk about where our lives’ journeys have brought us.”

Nominations for District 1 were closed. All eligible voters casted their votes. The votes were gathered and counted under the watch of observers for each candidate.

While waiting for the results, Mornis resumed her duties as Chair and called for a motion for the County Assembly Vacancy Committee for Republican Candidates. A delegate moved to accept the Committee as described. All were in favor.

The results were announced for District 1 Commissioner Republican candidates. Of the 27 votes, Kays received 12 and Mornis 15. Both candidates will appear on the Primary Election ballot because they each received at least 30% of the votes. Mornis will be listed first.

Mornis then called for the Election of Delegates to higher assemblies. An election was unnecessary for those who signed up because there was space for eight candidates and eight alternates, but that number had not been reached.

Mornis signed up for Judicial District 1. For House District 49 and Congressional District 2, Balfour, Okray-Parman, Diehl, and Mornis signed up. For the State Assembly, Okray-Parman, Balfour, Diehl, Mornis, Corey Marshall, and Debbie Marshall wrote their names. The information will be reported to the County Clerk and the State Republican Party.

The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.

The next monthly business meeting of the GCRCC will be held Thursday, April 4 at the Gilpin County Community Library.