Arizona GOP Chair Jeff DeWit has stepped down following the leak of an audio recording where he allegedly attempted to dissuade Kari Lake from entering the Senate race through bribery.
Here is a statement from the Lake Campaign to Frontline:
“Statement from The Lake Campaign:
“The tape speaks for itself: The Arizona GOP Chairman Jeff DeWit attempted to bribe Kari Lake. Thankfully Kari is an extremely ethical person who rejected DeWit’s multiple attempts to offer her money and corporate board seats in exchange for Kari not running for public office. She will be an incredible Senator for Arizonans.
No one from the Kari Lake campaign threatened or blackmailed DeWit.
It is unfortunate that Dewit hasn’t recognized how unethical his behavior was and still hasn’t apologized to Arizona Republicans.
DeWit’s false claims are just par for the course. The Arizona GOP must be relieved to have his resignation. Now we can focus on getting ethical leadership and win big in 2024. “
“A few hours ago, I received an ultimatum from Lake’s team: resign today or face the release of a new, more damaging recording,” DeWitt said in a prepared statement, adding, “I have decided not to take the risk. I am resigning as Lake requested.”
The resignation, prompted by the revelation, is seen by some as insufficient, with calls for more severe consequences. Despite resigning, DeWit has controversially criticized the leaked audio, dismissing it as a “deceptive tactic” and a “selectively edited recording.”
He hinted at the possibility of legal action, stating, “In light of the recent revelation… I must clearly address this deceptive tactic.”
DeWit argued that the recording, spanning over ten months, lacks context and undermines the confidentiality of crucial private discussions for party leadership.
He further emphasized ethical concerns, pointing out that Lake recorded their conversation while she was his employee. DeWit’s resignation is reportedly linked to the anticipation of more damaging recordings held by Lake, adding a layer of complexity to the unfolding situation.
DeWit, claiming to have been “set up” by Lake’s team, criticized the leaked audio as a “deceptive tactic” and a “selectively edited audio recording,” and suggested that Lake orchestrated the situation to gain control over the state party.
Describing the scrutinized conversation as an open exchange between friends, DeWit regretted his words and deemed the controversy a distraction, leading to his resignation.
With Lake’s endorsement, DeWit, formerly NASA’s CFO, became Arizona’s GOP Chair a year ago. Lake had recently addressed VP speculation, expressing a commitment to helping Trump in the Senate.
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