Douglas County Citizenry Opens the Blinds on the Local Republican Party Dysfunction
1.0 Introduction
1/21/2026
In a rare inside look at the nonstop infighting at the Douglas County GOP, the local political group, Douglas County Citizenry’s Facebook site, published the sudden resignation letters of two GOP Executive Committee (EC) members.
Last year, at the Feb 2025 Central Committee, 1st Vice Chair Allen Thomas III and Treasurer Susan Canny were long shots re: winning seats. Viewed by many as outsiders, Thomas and Canny were elected over the ruling MAGA extremist cohort. According to social media, enough voting attendees felt the need to move on from those who remained loyal to discredited state Chair Dave Williams.
But the election fell short of a governance makeover. Three MAGA “good ole” mainstays won the remaining three seats (Webb/Chair; DiCarlo/2ndVice; Budimlya/Sec’y).
This unproven 3-to-2 dynamic caused many a prayer, asking for the “great coming together”, most notably from Lauren Boebert. However, if there’s one predictable norm re the DougCo GOP’s culture, almost no one is willing to give an inch, and so those prayers to the Almighty went unanswered.
In the Facebook comments below, Lora Thomas expressed her thoughts about the ensuing dysfunction: “I’ve been an active member of DCGOP since 2005, and the January [2006] Excomm meeting was a complete disaster with no leadership visible. The inmates are running the asylum, just like the Board of County Commissioners. Douglas County’s future is in grave trouble.”
(Note: Laura S Teal reinforced her clan low brow reputation: “Lora Thomas is just a bitter old woman with no life, no legacy, and no hope of ever being relevant again.”)
After all was said and done, time didn’t heal those wounded MAGAn egos upstaged by the elections of Thomas and Canny. So they went after Thomas and Canny with a letter of no confidence. (Signers included Windju, T. Harvey, K. Huffman, Wicks, Bonham, the Gills, and the Hamptons, among others).
Thoughts:
(1) An unabashed power by Flora’s associates at this point, as they sensed a “blood in the water” opportunity to break out of the local GOP’s poor standing…the Citizenry’s attempt to finally wipe out their flailing local party.
(2) A run-up 2026 move by local DougCo elected leaders to distance themselves from the GOP dysfunction junction, in hopes of gaining/regaining on the campaign fundraising front and newfound attractiveness to unaffiliated voters and outside money.
(3) Pressure from billionaire-backed outsiders – Turning Point USA, Independence Institute, Daniels Fund, Anschutz. DougCo is no longer recognizable as the prototypical national libertarian community.
(4) Sprinting away from Trump (after all they supported Ted Cruz in 2016). It’s a good time to play away from the primary theme of MAGA election denial, with rotation to Christian nationalism. Both are popular with their shrinking base.
(5) Other reasons explicable only to The Irrational.
2.0 About Douglas County Citizenry
“Gathering Douglas County Citizens of good will to be encouraged, informed, and engaged so we can stand together for one another’s Constitutional right to live, think and speak freely.”
2.1 Registration as Colorado Corporation
2.2 Social Media Sites
FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/people/Douglas-County-Citizenry/61565804833956/?checkpoint_src=any
X (Twitter) not active
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@DCCitizenry They video record most of their public forums.
2.3 Google AI Generated Summary
Douglas County Citizenry is a conservative-leaning local political advocacy group and community organization based in Douglas County, Colorado.
Founded by Deborah Flora and Mandy Connell
Key aspects of the organization include:
Mission & Principles: The group operates under the tagline “Liberty Loves Company” and states its purpose is centered on principles of liberty and community commitment.
Political Activity: It actively engages in local elections and policy debates. For instance, in 2025, it hosted a forum for Douglas County School Board (DCSD) candidates. During that election, it was associated with supporting conservative candidates such as Parker, Ryan, Callahan, and Denzler.
Gathering Place: As of late 2025, the group holds its meetings and gatherings at Union, An American Bistro in Castle Rock, Colorado.
Political Context: The group exists within a politically active environment in Douglas County, where there has been significant debate over “home rule” (local control) and education policy.
The organization is distinct from official government bodies like the Partnership of Douglas County Governments or the various Citizen Advisory Boards appointed by the County Commissioners.
The organization is distinct from official government bodies like the Partnership of Douglas County Governments or the various Citizen Advisory Boards appointed by the County Commissioners.
Foundational Principles
The group’s history is rooted in three primary areas:
- Liberty-Focused Advocacy: Operating under the slogan “Liberty Loves Company,” it was founded by local residents to provide a social and political hub for conservative policy discussions.
- Education Reform: Much of its early history involved supporting the “Kids First” or conservative slate of candidates to overhaul Douglas County School District (DCSD) policies.
2.4 Known Associations – Deborah Flora
- Moms For Liberty (recently named to National Board)
- Parents United America (Founder)
- Independence Institute Center Right Coalition
- Turning Point USA
- CPAN (Colorado Parent Advocacy Network)
- GAG (Gays Against Groomers)
- Joe Oltmann (FEC United)
- KNUS Radio/Salem Radio Network
- Leadership Program of the Rockies (graduate and advisory board)
- Friends of Abe
- American Enterprise Leadership Network
- The Club for Growth
Candidate 2024 House CD4 (Raised $451k) ; 2022 US Senate Race (raised $402k)
3.0 Jan 20, 2026 Douglas County Citizenry Posting DCGOP 1st Vice Chair Allen Thomas’ resignation letter to keep our Fellow Douglas County Citizens informed.
4.0 Jan 20, 2026 Douglas County Citizenry Posting DCGOP Treasurer Susan Canny’s resignation letter to keep our fellow Douglas County Citizens informed.
The group’s history is rooted in three primary areas: