Story highlights As the sitting president, Trump largely sets the direction of the Republican Party

But his ties to its nationwide infrastructure are tenuous, and Priebus was Trump's most important connection

Washington (CNN) President Donald Trump's decision to replace Reince Priebus as chief of staff deepened the concerns of some Republican state party officials over the direction of the White House.

"I am extremely disappointed," said Robin Hayes, the chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party.

"Reince gave his heart and soul to the administration," he said. "This is not an appropriate reward. And it sends a message to other potential folks who could help them: Watch out."

As the sitting president, Trump largely sets the direction of the Republican Party. But his ties to its nationwide infrastructure are tenuous, and Priebus -- who spent six years as the chairman of the Republican National Committee -- was Trump's most important connection.

Trump's allies in the state parties broadly knew Priebus and liked him. "He knows where the lights are," Hayes said.

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