(La Porte County, IN) - The La Porte County Republican Party has enjoyed some notable wins in recent elections. But this week it suffered a setback that no pundit could have predicted.

 

The loss of Congresswoman Jackie Walorski hits particularly close to home for local Republican Party Chairman Allen Stevens. Having taken over the role just recently, Wednesday’s accident may be the biggest challenge he’s faced. “It’s really a big loss all the way around,” he said just hours after receiving the news. “I’m still rattled to be honest with you. I’m still trying to process it all, take it all in.”

 

Stevens said the sudden loss of Walorski leaves a void that won’t be easy to fill. “Jackie was a conservative firebrand,” he said. “She fought relentlessly for this district. She fought for veterans. It’s just going to be a huge loss.”

 

Stevens said Walorski died doing what she loved: visiting her constituents. She visited La Porte on Tuesday morning to discuss legislation regarding the opioid epidemic. On Wednesday Walorski had just left a visit to the Warsaw area and was heading to another engagement when the accident happened.

 

Stevens is also grieving the loss of St. Joseph County Republican Chair Zach Potts, who lost his life Wednesday along with Walorski and her communications director Emma Thomson. Stevens says the 27-year-old Potts had become a good friend who was showing him the ropes about being a party chairman.