Election Integrity: The Necessity of Private Ballots for a Fair, Integrity-Driven Winter Meeting

Would it surprise you to learn that a segment of our Pennsylvania Republican Party — often referred to as the ‘deep state’ — has attempted to bribe and threaten elected state committee members ahead of the upcoming Winter Meeting on February 7th and 8th? This faction, which was resoundingly and bipartisanly rejected in the election of Donald J. Trump as President, now seeks to fracture and divide our Party through such illegal conduct. How about statewide candidates being induced to take certain actions, and if the inducement is rejected, then threatened?

Unfortunately, I am truly disheartened to have to inform you that it is true. Last week, I became aware of conduct by South West Caucus Chair Jackie Kulback that not only was false, deceptive and dishonest, but also likely illegal. As a result, consistent with my gentlemen’s agreement with Chairman Tabas from when I ran in ’23, I wrote him a letter asking that the Party stop these forms of “dirty politics that only serve to divide and fracture our Party.” When I received no response but learned that the conduct was ongoing, widespread, and spanning multiple candidates, I sent a follow-up letter, requesting that the issues be addressed by today, at 5PM, and providing a Private Ballot Process for consideration for the Winter Meeting. It sincerely pains me, as I had faith that this issue would be resolved internally, to say that the time has come and gone without any response by the Party.

While Ms.Kulback responded to my letters earlier today, it is remarkable that she does not dispute any of the allegations contained in them, including her likely criminal conduct. While remarkable, it is unsurprising, given all the witnesses to her actions. Instead, she attempts to justify her actions… Interestingly, she asserts 1st Amendment protections; yet, as you’re undoubtedly aware, yelling “fire” in a crowded theater, where no fire exists, is conduct not protected by the 1st Amendment. Similarly, it does not shield acts like bribing or threatening elected officials, both of which are subject to civil and criminal liability. Furthermore, instead of substantively addressing the allegations, she resorts to an ad hominem attack by referencing the PBA Judicial Evaluation Commission’s 2023 rating of me. Her response once again relies on deceptive and false claims, while failing to acknowledge the biased nature of the JEC’s conclusion—a bias that was driven by my success in Second Amendment litigation. In contrast to the tactics she has chosen to employ, I want you to have the opportunity to judge everything equally and fairly, without a thumb on the scale and I am happy to directly answer any questions that you may have about her allegations.

While our Republic demands that we all vet and support our chosen candidates for office, it does not tolerate threats and inducements being provided to ensure votes for one’s chosen candidate. These mafioso-esque actions—reminiscent of Nancy Pelosi’s practices, which she admitted in her memoir Know Your Power: A Message to America’s Daughters, date back to her childhood involvement in keeping records of “favors” owed and blackmailing people under the guise of forming “strategic alliances”—rely on bribery and threats to achieve their aims. Such behavior not only fractures and divides our state Party but also tarnishes the reputation of the national Republican Party. These actions erode the values that we, as true Republicans, stand for: integrity, justice, liberty, and truth.

As a result of what has occurred and to ensure election integrity, while precluding election interference, I am asking you to join me in the following:

1. Demand that all statewide candidates, including for Chair of the Pennsylvania Republican Party, issue public written statements denouncing the actions specified in my letters and explicitly stating, if true, that they had no involvement with or knowledge of any such actions, and to the extent promises or threats were made on behalf of their candidacy, that they rebuke them and that no inducements, promises, or threats made will be carried out in any form.
   
2. Demand, to ensure election integrity, while precluding election interference, that the Private Ballot Process that I drafted be implemented for all candidacies at the Winter Meeting.
   
3. Support individuals of state committee and beyond, who were promised inducements or who were threatened, in coming forward and notifying Chairman Tabas – LTabas@pagop.org – and Party counsel Tom King – TKing@dmkcg.com – of the inducements and/or threats. Those individuals can also feel free to CC me – Josh@PrinceForJustice.com – on any such emails, if they feel comfortable. Together, we can ensure that this type of conduct ends now.
   
4. Send emails to Chairman Tabas and PaGOP Counsel King demanding that Ms. Kulback be removed as Chair for the South West Caucus and Chair of Cambria County, for a period of no less than 5 years, for conduct unbecoming a Republican, let alone, a state committee person.

To those – as there are unfortunately some – who believe the conduct specified in my letter is acceptable, first, please know that you have no place in our Republican Party. Second, as you will come to learn, if you haven’t already, you have made an egregious miscalculation in electing to implement these tactics, especially given my drive for Truth, Liberty, and Justice. Third, the issues identified in my letter – precluding election interference and ensuring election integrity – are far more important than any one, single judicial race and are issues that must be resolved once and for all, to perpetually ensure not only our Party, but our Republic. Lastly, as I have done throughout my career, I will always stand as a shield against injustice and for the oppressed, including for those without or unwilling to use their voice.  

De Oppresso Liber

In Hoc Signo Vinces

Yours in Truth, Liberty and Justice,

Josh Prince Esq.

Candidate for the Commonwealth Court of PA