Richard Morgan’s position in the N.C. House should not be considered an “executive” position or representative of more people than those in his district. The proper historical definition of the speaker is not an individual whose position allows or requires unilateral state policy decisions. But rather as the chief parliamentarian whose most important responsibilities are to protect and provide for civil discourse within the chamber.

Farrell Blount is the state party chairman and represents the ideological positions of the party faithful through the principles of representative democracy. The definition of the party is not controlled by an individual Republican elected to either office or party position, but by the collective input of those who participate at the precinct, district, county, and state conventions to develop the party’s platform. That platform is most significant in the voter’s allegiance to one party or the other.

While Richard Morgan desires to change the face of the Republican Party through trickery, deceit, and tyranny, he has forgotten the most fundamental functions of representative democracy. On the major issues in the House this year where the party has expressed its opinion, Richard Morgan’s side of the caucus has always been in the minority on the final vote.

Those issues include the speaker’s vote, the tax increases, the budget, and redistricting. The people of his party have had the opportunity to decide what they stand for, and Farrell Blount has represented that properly. The people of Moore County will now have the opportunity to decide if Richard Morgan stands for them.

You may ask, “Who is the Party?” one elected office holder from one county or the unanimously elected chairman of the party organization who represents the opinions of Republicans across the state.

Rep. J. Sam Ellis (R)