FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) - Republicans in one of Texas' most populous counties are scheduled to decide whether to remove a Muslim doctor as a party vice chairman amid infighting over some members' claims about his beliefs.

A precinct chairman in Tarrant County has led the call to oust Shahid Shafi, a surgeon and City Council member in suburban Fort Worth. Top Republicans have condemned the effort, including U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and Land Commissioner George P. Bush.

A meeting is set for Thursday night.

Some party members claim Shafi may be more loyal to Islamic law or connected to a terrorist group. Shafi denies both claims.

Former county GOP leader William Busby says the issue is affecting fundraising. He tells the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that some large corporate donors "don't want to be associated with a party that's going in the direction of excluding people based upon their religious beliefs."

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