Retired journalist and Sussex County Republican Committeeman Donald Ayotte, 62; has declared his candidacy for State Chairman. Ayotte has been one of current Chairman Tom Ross' most vocal critics. Ayotte authored a resolution of censure against Ross and offered it at a recent Sussex County Republican Committee meeting. The resolution was passed by voice vote, though no one knew for sure who was an eligible voter and who was not. The election will occur at the 2011 Republican State Convention at Dover Downs on April 29, 2011.