INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — County Commission District 2 candidate Carolyn Corum had been invited to attend and speak at the Republican Women of the Treasure Coast’s Wednesday luncheon, as had the three other Republican candidates running for the seat.
Wednesday morning, however, Corum was notified that she could attend, but not speak, because she had changed her political affiliation to Independent. Organizer Connie Pease said the club’s bylaws allow only registered Republicans to address the club’s members at functions. To allow any other political party to speak would jeopardize the club’s charter.
Corum did attend the luncheon in hopes of collecting signatures for her qualification.
She said she decided to switch to Independent because she did not believe she could win against the other Republicans, Commissioner Joe Flescher, Dale Simchick and Charlie Wilson.
As for the timing of her political party switch, Corum said she was able to at least address the Republican Executive Committee earlier this month.
Corum said she had asked many of her would-be supporters who were registered Independents to switch their party affiliation to Republican so they could vote for her. She said she believes she would have a better chance winning the District 2 seat running against one Republican – instead of three.
She will face the winner of the Republican Primary in August and Democrat David Snell.
