Mean Girls of the GOP: Luncheon Drama, Loyalty Tests, and a Violin for Lorton

Today, February 26th and Friday, February 27th Mayoral Fundraising Events … can’t wait to see the Contribution and Expense Reports to see who raised the most money.

Picon has said it before — nothing says “party unity” like Republicans fighting Republicans.

For years, the local GOP has operated like an exclusive club. Loyalty isn’t encouraged; it’s enforced. Support the approved candidate or risk being shown the door. That’s been the pattern.

Enter the curious disappearance of Diana Hoffman.

Hoffman served as the Bylaws Chair and Parliamentarian of the Republican Women of Reno — until she didn’t. No explanation. No send-off. Just political vapor. One day she was leadership. The next? Radio silence.

Now Hoffman is reportedly working on the mayoral campaign of Eddie Lorton.

But here’s where it gets delicious.

Through her involvement in a local youth music program, one interestingly enough Commissioner Mike Clark donated Washoe County discretionary funds to, Hoffman connected with a talented young violinist whose well-heeled parents are hosting a fundraiser for Lorton. Nothing says grassroots grit like chamber music and catered hors d’oeuvres.

The question isn’t whether the fundraiser will happen. It’s whether the other Republican women, you know club members, cheerleading for Lorton will show up — and if they do, whether anyone will dare to whisper what happened to their former Bylaws Chair. Could there be a food fight at the appetizer table?

Will it be unity? Or will it be polite applause layered over simmering resentment?

This group can’t manage a monthly women’s luncheon without casualties.

And while the GOP sorts out its seating chart, longtime powerhouse Democrat Margo Piscevich is hosting a fundraiser at her home tonight, for Reno Mayoral candidate Kate Marshall.

Two houses. Two parties. Two very different vibes.

At one, the tension may be thick enough to slice with a butter knife.

At the other, at least the guests won’t be scanning the room wondering who’s next to be voted off the island.

The bigger question isn’t who pours better wine.

It’s who raises more money — and which party actually looks like it can function without eating its own.