Oops She Did it Again

Hey Party Watchers,

Pour yourself a cup of coffee (or something stronger) because Dorothy Moon is back at it with her signature management style; if by management, you mean tossing executive directors out of the Idaho GOP office faster than you can say “job security.”

Wednesday, in what has become a recurring episode, Dorothy apparently fired the Executive Director of the Idaho GOP. We say “apparently” because, in true Moon fashion, she couldn’t even muster the professionalism to let her own party director know where he stands.

Instead, we all got to read a rather heartfelt (and slightly bewildered) message from Anthony Tirino to the executive committee. Spoiler: he’s not sure if he’s actually fired, since Dorothy won’t respond to his messages. (We’d make a joke, but honestly, it’s just sad at this point. Anyone else catch the "?" next to his title?)

Here’s the tricky bit: The rules (as in, the actual rules—see attached screenshots) aren’t even clear if Dorothy can do this without the executive committee’s blessing. Section 15 says the State Chairman can appoint an Executive Director, but only with the consent of the Executive Committee. So, was the committee even in the loop? Or did Dorothy just decide to Marie Kondo her office staff again?

And let’s not forget, by our count, this makes six—wait, no, make that SEVEN—different EDs (or “executive secretaries,” for those playing along at home) that Dorothy has burned through in the past three years. If there’s a prize for turnover, someone please send Dorothy a trophy (or maybe just an HR manual).

Now, rumor has it that the executive board is finally fed up and may actually push back on Dorothy over this one. Anthony, you’ll recall, is part of the “Old Guard” in the Bonneville County Republican Central Committee, back before Bryan Smith, Mark Fuller, and Doyle Beck were shown the door at the BCRCC. It makes sense they'd want to step in; after all, we all know how much Bryan and Doyle love playing “big boss.”

Let’s talk about leadership—because, honestly, it’s in very short supply at IDGOP HQ these days. Under Dorothy Moon’s watch, the party’s finances have nosedived to historic lows. Fundraising? Let’s just say the bake sales are starting to look like a viable option. In desperation, Dorothy has reportedly resorted to raiding the county coffers, and there are serious questions swirling about the accounting practices (don’t worry, we’ll be diving into that mess in a future email).

As for staff retention, Dorothy holds onto employees about as well as a colander holds water. If you’re looking for any of the “Organizational Leadership Skills” in the handy chart attached; strategic thinking, goal setting, decision making, delegation, team building, conflict resolution, or (gasp) financial management, well, you’d have better luck finding Bigfoot at an executive committee meeting. Stay tuned for the continuing saga of “What Not To Do: Leadership Edition.”

How will this all play out? Will Dorothy keep firing staff until she’s the only one left? Will the executive board finally grow a backbone? Will someone please clarify who’s actually employed at IDGOP HQ? Stay tuned, because you know “Party Watch” is here for every twist, turn, and passive-aggressive email.

Grab your popcorn; this show isn’t over yet.

Stay snarky,
Party Watch