When the Republican Women Start Acting Like Devon Reese, You Know They’ve Hit Rock Bottom

Picon enjoys that Washoe Freedom Coalition to now trolling for companies who are not having a holiday party to come to theirs. They might want to consider what companies Human Resources Departments would think about sending employees to a Republican PAC’s party. Now if you want to go to a party tomorrow head over to the Nevada Nomads where you’re money will do some good.

Yesterday should have been a simple holiday gathering — the Washoe Republican Women’s annual party at a member’s home. Cookies, ornaments, political small talk. Instead, it turned into yet another snapshot of the GOP’s ongoing identity crisis, starring none other than Commissioner Clara Andriola, who was there holding court like the club exists solely at her pleasure.

For a group that’s supposed to be grassroots, it’s becoming increasingly clear who’s actually running the place — and she’s not just a club member; she’s a sitting county commissioner. Odd dynamic, considering elected officials usually attend party functions, not control the guest list.

Speaking of the guest list …

Earlier our publisher had been across town at the going-away bash for conservative talk host Carole Fineberg, he learned something curious: Several long-time WRW members were uninvited from the holiday party because Commissioner Andriola would be “uncomfortable” if they were there.

Say what?

This is the same Commissioner Andriola who took a victory lap for bringing The Dignity Index to Washoe County — you know, the Diversity-Equity-Inclusion-lite initiative that’s supposed to promote respect, civility, and openness. Apparently “dignity” now includes veto power over who gets a cookie and a cup of cider.

But wait, the dessert table has more …

According to attendees, while Andriola greeted guests and shepherded them toward the dessert table — where her “homemade” tres leches cake awaited (we’re calling it: store-bought with confidence) — she also took time to introduce people to Jon Killoran, the Republican challenging incumbent District 2 Commissioner Mike Clark.

So now WRW isn’t just excluding its own members; it’s being used as a soft-endorsement launchpad. One Republican women’s club choosing one Republican over another because Clara says so? Interesting interpretation of “supporting all Republican candidates.”

Meanwhile, back at Carole Fineberg’s send-off …

Things weren’t much calmer.

Our publisher got called out — directly — for reporting on Republicans.
Apparently some in the room were furious Picon refuses to pretend Democrats are the only ones capable of missteps.

The loudest critic?
The president of the Republican Women of Reno, who warned him to “knock it off” and report only on Democrats. Because nothing says journalistic integrity like being scolded by partisan hall monitors.

Larry calmly reminded them all:
He is not their employee.
They are not the boss of him.
And Picon will continue reporting on everyone — Republicans, Democrats, independents, and the periodic circus in between.

Maybe someone should look at the numbers …

If the goal is to bully votes and control press coverage, someone should take a look at the engagement metrics. The Washoe County Republican Central Committee is down to fewer than 175 active members — likely an all-time low — and all but making the group clout-less.

Recapping yesterday …

Threatening reporters.
Uninviting your own members from Christmas parties.
Trying to force loyalty oaths at luncheons.
This is less “party leadership” and more Devon Reese school of political pressure tactics — and frankly, that’s not a compliment.

Before Republicans can claim the moral high ground, win elections, or rebuild credibility, they might want to stop acting like the very Democrats they love to criticize. Because right now, the infighting, ego flexing, and exclusion games aren’t hurting Picon — they’re hurting the party.

Fix the mess.
Stop the bullying.
Invite your own members to your own events.
And leave the tres leches theatrics at home.

Washoe Republican Women’s Christmas Party Invite … we left off the address, email, phone - to be kind.