A local Republican activist wants the North Carolina state elections board chairman removed from the panel because of politically-focused comments he’s made online.
Wake County GOP Chairman Charles Hellwig filed a complaint Wednesday against Democrat Andy Penry, a Raleigh attorney that Gov. Roy Cooper chose to lead the nine-member panel.
Hellwig provided images of what appear as tweets this year from Penry’s account criticizing Donald Trump and efforts to create an even-numbered elections board. A constitutional amendment rejected by voters on November ballots would have created such a board.
Hellwig cites state law prohibiting board members from making public comments supporting or opposing candidates and referendums. Trump is a declared 2020 candidate.
Penry had no immediate comment. He said in a brief interview Wednesday he hadn’t seen the complaint.
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