"We want to get more numbers," said Nelson, who supports Paul. "We hope to change the status quo. ... We hope to change the party for the better." He added that the "established" part of the party is "really wrong on social liberties and individual liberties."

Peters, a Romney supporter who has been a PCO since 2008, said she wants to work to oppose President Obama and get more Republicans elected. She said she worries some of the newer candidates may not be committed to the nuts and bolts PCO work if they're more focused on simply forwarding Paul's agenda.

Wendfelt agrees.

"We can go back in our records and see for the most part these people haven't contributed their time or effort or treasure for the party," he said. "My job is to try and create party unity, and that's my goal. But I'm distressed that there is an apparent attempt to create this confusion."

Wilbur, the state GOP chairman, believes the differences can be worked out.

"I have faith in the end that we'll unite behind the Republican candidate," Wilbur said. "I have faith that we'll all end up holding hands and saying lovely things to each other. We will achieve that in the end."