Voters Receive Last Minute Letters Ahead of Saturday's Crucial Chair Vote

Voters Receive Last Minute Letters Ahead of Saturday's Crucial Chair Vote

Date: 02/26/25

Author: Logan Foster

Amy Drake Exploratory Committee CFA-4

Precinct committee chairs and vice chairs across St. Joseph County are receiving last-minute letters urging them to critically evaluate their choices for Saturday’s pivotal Republican Party Chair election. One such letter, written by Gloria Niedbalski, a precinct committee person, raises questions about Councilwoman Amy Drake's intentions and financial situation as a candidate vying for leadership.

Niedbalski's Letter Raises Key Questions

The letter, dated February 24, 2025, highlights Drake's formation of the "Amy Drake Exploratory Committee" and speculates on her potential political ambitions. Niedbalski’s letter questions whether Drake is preparing to run for Secretary of State or to challenge an incumbent Republican in a primary. Both scenarios, Niedbalski argues, could strain Drake's ability to focus on supporting local Republicans in upcoming elections for prosecutor, sheriff, and auditor, which are key targets for the county's party.

"Amy Drake should come forward and tell us the purpose of her Exploratory Committee, and let us know what offices she is considering running for in 2026," Niedbalski wrote. "As this is important to know, when we consider who is the best person to lead us as Party Chair."

Financial Concerns

Adding to the debate, the report filed by the "Amy Drake Exploratory Committee" currently has financial debts totaling $50,000. The debt includes loans contributed to fund exploratory activities for a yet-to-be-announced political office.

This raises concerns among voters about how Drake plans to fundraise effectively for the St. Joseph County Republican Party if she is elected as chair.

"As it stands, the Amy Drake Exploratory Committee currently owes $50,000," one unnamed precinct voter shared with Redress South Bend. "Saturday's precinct voters should know how Councilwoman Drake plans to fundraise for the St. Joseph County Republican Party when she currently has $50,000 of debt for the pursuit of an office she has yet to reveal to the Republican Party voters."

Close up of the $50,000 debt that appears on the Amy Drake Exploratory Committee CFA-4

Closing Thoughts

On February 24th, 2025, I shared my thought process in detail about Saturday's upcoming vote. If you are interested in what I had to say, you can read that perspective here.

We will be attaching Gloria Niedbalski's letter below: