Dear Editor,

Last week, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, two ads ran in The Covington News advertising the mass precinct meetings for the Newton County Republican Party to be held on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016 in various locations in Newton County beginning at 5 p.m. This ad was not authorized by the Newton County Republican Party and was done to create confusion and interfere with the legitimate operations and process of selecting delegates to the County, District, State and National Republican Party conventions.

As Chairman of the Newton County Republican party, I have instructed our General Counsel, attorney Jason Shepherd, to send cease and desist letters to the individuals responsible. Furthermore, if these individuals fail to comply with the cease and desist letters, the Newton County Republican party is prepared to take any and all legal action, including seeking criminal charge, against these individuals. Interfering with an election is a serious offense and it is my duty as Chairman to see that the voters of Newton County are represented in the process.

I want to emphasize that the mass precinct meetings for the Newton County Republican Party will take place on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016 at 7188 Turner Lake Circle, Covington, GA 30014 beginning at 10 a.m. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and you must be in line by 10 a.m. to participate.

It is sad and troubling that a couple of individuals are out there seeking to undermine the Republican Party and, potentially, cost Newton County voters the chance to participate in the selection of the Republican nominee for the President of the United States. If any Newton County voters have any questions, they can reach me at 770-595-8477.

Sincerely,

Ray Cowan, Chairman of the Newton County Republican Party