Washoe County Republicans oust chairman, pick retired pilot as new leader
RENO — Despite endorsements from Lt. Gov. Brian Krolicki and at least two state lawmakers, Washoe County Republican Chairman Dave Buell has failed in a re-election bid.
Tom Taber, a retired United Airlines captain and unsuccessful Assembly candidate in November, defeated Buell in a vote of 282 central committee members Thursday.
The final tally was not immediately disclosed, but Buell told the Reno Gazette-Journal that he lost by a “vast majority.”
Last month, Krolicki and Republican state Sens. Greg Brower of Reno and Don Gustavson of Sparks endorsed Buell’s re-election, citing his fundraising abilities and leadership in electing Brower in 2012.
Taber’s two-year term begins July 1.
Among other steps, Taber says he’ll organize volunteers and obtain input from the community to help Republican candidates.
