COEUR d'ALENE - The local Republican Party reorganized its legislative district and county central committee structure Wednesday night, but not much changed.

Neil Oliver will remain as the county central committee chairman after two of his challengers dropped out of the race for the sake of "peace and unity."

Because the party's executive leadership does not have to hold an elected committee seat, Brent Regan was nominated for chairman. Idaho State Rep. Luke Malek was also nominated.

Each candidate was given a few minutes to make the case for why they deserved to be chairman of the party.

"It has been a great honor to be chairman for the past two years," said Oliver, the incumbent.

He added that no matter who takes over as chairman, he hoped the committee structure that flourished under his leadership would continue.

"We have a Republican Party that is divided," Regan said. "We have groups of individuals but we need a central committee that stands together."

He said if he is elected, he would mend the divide in the party and get people listening to each other again.

"We could have peace or we could continue fighting while everything else goes to hell," Regan said.

Malek said he also believes the party should be unified, and if elected he would work toward that with a focus on fairness.

But just as Oliver was explaining that the chairman would have to secure a majority of the votes cast, which could involve several votes in a three-way race, Regan dropped out of the running.

"In the interest of peace and unity, I am withdrawing my nomination," Regan said, giving his endorsement to Oliver.

Malek followed suit.

"Also in the spirit of peace and unity, I will also withdraw," he said.

After that, all other officers were unanimously re-elected at the county level except for Bjorn Handeen. Former state representative candidate Toby Schindelbeck was elected to Handeen's State Committeeman post.

The re-elected officers were Vice Chairman Tony Wisniewski, Secretary Sheila Waller, Treasurer Doug Balija, State Committeewoman Ruthie Johnson and Youth Committeeman Dirk Mendive.

Wednesday's meeting started with newly elected precinct committee officials breaking into three groups, representing Legislative Districts 2, 3 and 4.

In Legislative District 2, former state legislator Phil Hart was re-elected as chairman, Abbi Sonesen was selected as vice chairwoman and Norma White was named secretary.

In Legislative District 3, Angela Cross was re-elected as chairwoman, Cathyanne Nonini was elected vice chairwoman and Agness Kane was selected to serve as secretary.

In Legislative District 4, Jim Pierce was re-elected chairman, Sid Smith was re-elected vice chairman and LaDonna Beaumont was selected as secretary.