Politics

RNC chairman goes on offense against conservative critics

Alex Pappas Political Reporter
Font Size:

Republican National Committee chairman Reince Priebus went on the offense Friday against conservative critics of the party organization he leads.

Speaking to committee members at the RNC’s winter meeting in Washington, Priebus said, “What we’re doing is a big deal. So obviously, it’s disappointing when people try to attack our work—or create dissent, or the appearance of dissent, for their own benefit.”

“Every once in a while, we read or hear some of our own friends even attacking the RNC,” Priebus said. “There’s nothing to attack. Attack what?”

It’s rare to hear the RNC publicly take issue with its conservative critics. Priebus didn’t specifically note anyone particular, but some conservatives have criticized the Republican “establishment” for not winning back the White House in 2012.

The RNC chairman boasted of things the committee has recently done to help Republicans win elections across the country, including how the committee “pays for the infrastructure that all our candidates need to be successful.”

He cited the committee’s “permanent field operation,” a “multi-million dollar technology upgrade” and new engagement with “Hispanic and African American and Asian American communities, conservative groups, faith leaders, and youth” voters.

Priebus also boasted of a renewed ground game to help Republican candidates, and a new focus on data and digital.

“Everything we’re doing is about one thing: getting more Republicans elected at every level of government,” he said. “And all of it is essential for winning and helping this country. And anyone who opposes that isn’t looking out for the good of our party or our country.”

Follow Alex on Twitter