|
Dear Mr. Rayborn and Mr. Harris,
Thank you for reaching out regarding the ALGOP financial audit. I am working to put together the information you requested in yesterday's email.
As you are aware, both Chairman Wahl and Acting Chairman Reynolds have maintained an open-door and open-records policy at State Party Headquarters. Any member of the State Executive Committee or Steering Committee is welcome to request documents, ask questions, or review records at any time.
I have to admit I am very confused by your letter, especially by the assertion that you repeatedly requested information and have been ignored. I reviewed my communications with both of you and also confirmed with Chairman Wahl and Chairman Reynolds. None of us have records of prior requests for this information before your recent letter.
In fact, the agenda for the last Steering Committee meeting (4th Quarter of 2025) included an audit update. During that meeting, invoices related to the audit were available, and Chairman Wahl provided a comprehensive briefing. At the conclusion of that update, Steering Committee members were invited to ask questions. You were both present and had the opportunity to raise any concerns or request additional information at that time.
This audit process has been completely open and transparent. The State Party has consistently welcomed input, questions, and feedback. It is also important to recognize that Chairman Wahl was originally the person who recommended commissioning this audit following a change in treasurers, and he implemented a standing recommendation that the ALGOP conduct a financial audit or review after each election cycle moving forward.
Everyone involved in this process would have preferred the audit to be completed sooner—especially myself, as I balance many other duties at the State Party—but this is an important process that requires time to complete. There were faster options presented, but the Steering Committee voted to conduct a full, in-depth four-year audit—an undertaking that is necessarily detailed and time-intensive. You both voted in favor of the accounting firm selected, despite being advised that the firm’s use of a different accounting system could significantly slow the process due to required record conversion. With that understanding, the firm was approved and is working on the audit.
In the meantime, the State Party has implemented some of the most transparent financial practices of any state party in the country. Every transaction in and out of the State Party has been made available to the State Executive Committee, members have been encouraged to ask questions, and Party Headquarters has remained open for in-person review of records. Several members have already taken advantage of this access, and you are welcome to do the same at any time.
I will be compiling the materials you requested. The Acting Chairman and I met with the Party's audit firm, Pearce Bevill, yesterday afternoon, at a meeting scheduled prior to receipt of your letter. White the firm is unavailble to meet on Sunday, they have offered to meet with you tomorrow afternoon.
Party Headquarters has always been, and remains, fully accessible to you and the requested information is readily available.
Please let me know if I can be of further assistance.
Kindest Regards,
Shannon Whitt
ALGOP Chief of Staff
| 
