Teton County GOP Distances Itself From Its Own Committeewoman Over ‘CheckGate’ Controversy

The Teton County Republican Party has formally condemned the actions of its state committeewoman, Rebecca Bextel, for handing out campaign checks on the Wyoming House floor earlier this month. The Wyoming Republican Party has also distanced itself, emphasizing Bextel was not acting on its behalf.

In a Saturday email to party leaders, Teton County GOP Chair Kat Ruckert pointed to the state Senate’s unanimous condemnation of the Feb. 9 incident and expressed support for the Legislature’s ongoing investigations. “Bextel acted on her own accord,” Ruckert wrote. “Her statements, conduct, and actions are not a reflection of the intent or posture of the Teton County Republican Party.”

Wyoming GOP Chair Bryan Miller echoed that sentiment in a Sunday text message, stating Bextel was at the Capitol on a press credential, not representing the party. Miller called for a thorough investigation, saying the party expects “nothing less of our elected officials” than to ensure public trust is maintained.

The controversy erupted when Bextel distributed checks to several House members after adjournment on the session’s first day. She has defended the act, saying she was delivering lawful campaign contributions on behalf of a Teton County donor and was simply saving postage. The donor, Don Grasso, later told Cowboy State Daily he understood Bextel would mail the checks and disagrees with her handing them out on the floor.

Rep. Nina Webber, R-Cody, escorted Bextel onto the floor ahead of the incident, according to Rep. Karlee Provenza, D-Laramie, who photographed the exchange. Webber has not commented. Provenza said she made the photo public because she feared the incident might otherwise “get swept under a rug.”

The fallout has been swift. The House has convened a special investigative committee, the Laramie County Sheriff’s Department is investigating possible bribery, and the Senate is drafting new rules banning campaign contributions during session.

Ruckert urged party members to stay focused on policy issues rather than personalities. “The way to show the downfall of our system is not by false innuendo, but by putting false characters on full display,” she wrote. “You are worth more than ‘right’ or ‘left’—you are Wyoming.”

Some local GOP leaders have taken a different view. Park County GOP Chair Vince Vanata criticized Provenza’s decision to share the photo with media rather than leadership, calling it “completely inappropriate.”

Provenza stood by her choice. “I didn’t send it to leadership because I think this was such an egregious violation of the public’s trust, and I wasn’t sure I trusted leadership to handle it appropriately,” she said.