Mobile County Republican Executive Committee enforces party discipline threatens to expell members who refuse to endorse RINO David Sessions

MOBILE, Alabama -- Local Republican leaders are looking to close ranks following a contentious battle for the House District 105 seat in south Mobile County.

Republican David Sessions prevailed in the May 10 election in a tight vote over Constitution Party challenger Bill Atkinson. Atkinson’s anti-establishment campaign was backed by Tea Party voters and conservatives who questioned Session’s GOP bona fides.

At least two longtime Republicans received warnings from the Mobile County Republican Executive Committee that their support of Atkinson could get them banished from the party. Mike Burdine, who lost to Sessions in the GOP primary for the House 105 seat, and Lee James, a retired engineer, each received letters informing them that the party would meet to review their membership in light of the recent election.

Copies of the letters were provided to the Skinny.

“This letter is to make you aware that your membership...is in jeopardy for publicly supporting a candidate of another party,” wrote GOP chairwoman Terry Lathan, citing party bylaws against such action.

The letters also warned Burdine and James to remove items posted on their Facebook pages indicating their support for Atkinson.

James, who said he’s been a card-carrying member of the GOP since 1952, stood by his decision to back Atkinson. He said he hoped to remain a member of the party but was prepared to accept the steering committee’s judgement.

“I did what I felt was right, and I suppose they’ll do what they feel is right,” he said. “In this case, I just felt that Mr. Atkinson was the better choice of the two candidates. I did my homework and talked to both of them. My vote had nothing to do with party labels.”

“If they’re going to kick me out, I wish they’d just go ahead and do it,” he said. “I don’t know why we have to wait and have a ceremony about it.”
 Lathan, in her letter to James, indicated she was sympathetic to his situation.

“Your passion is applauded and we have great affection for you, however our membership requirements apply to everyone and we must abide by them,” she wrote.

James, one of the local party’s few minority members, said his hearing was scheduled for Tuesday.