The man who many believe had the most thankless job in the state will have a proper sendoff.
Pat Shortridge, chair of the Republican Party of Minnesota, leaves the position April 6. On Monday, March 18, conservative blogger and activist John Gilmore will host a thank-you event at the Seven Sushi and Steak Ultralounge in Minneapolis.
“He stopped the bleeding and he made us believe that we would live to fight another day if we stopped fighting among ourselves,” Gilmore said in explaining why he decided to organize the party.
Shortridge, who took no salary, replaced Tony Sutton. Under Sutton's management, the party accumulated a $2 million dollar debt and fines from the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board. Shortridge is credited for reducing the debt by about $300,000.
Gilmore is rounding up Republican notables to headline the evening. A Facebook event page extends the invitation to all politicos.