PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5/AP) — The Chairman of the Arizona Republican Party has resigned amid a growing number of calls to step down after a British tabloid released clips of him reportedly trying to “bribe” former gubernatorial candidate and television news anchor Kari Lake to not run for Senate.
The verified audio recording obtained by the Daily Mail reveals party chair Jeff DeWit asking Lake to “Just say, is there a number at which,” that appears to signify Lake to essentially “name her price.” Lake is heard in the audio tape taking offense to the remark, stating, “I can be bought? That’s what it’s about.” The clip continues with DeWit saying: “You can take a pause for a couple of years. You can go right back to what you’re doing.” To which Lake replies, “This is not about money, it’s about our country.”
At the time of the recording last March, Lake was waging an unsuccessful court fight challenging her loss in the 2022 race for Arizona governor and gearing up for a U.S. Senate campaign. Meanwhile, Republicans in Washington, bruised by a disappointing showing in the midterms, were talking openly about plans to seek GOP Senate nominees who would be more viable in general elections.
Colorado state Rep. Mike Lynch, the top Republican in the House, resigned his post Wednesday just days after reports surfaced about his 2022 arrest and attempts to hide being charged for driving while intoxicated and gun possession.
Why it matters: The revelations eroded the standing of the minority GOP caucus’ and created turmoil for days. And for Lynch, the political fallout all but crushes his congressional bid in the 4th District.
Driving the news: Lynch (R-Wellington) announced his decision on the House floor in an emotional speech that came after his Republican colleagues twice attempted to oust him in no-confidence votes this week.
What he’s saying: “It is with a heavy heart that I make this decision, but I firmly believe that our caucus is stronger when we stand and fight together for the people of Colorado,” Lynch, 54, said in a statement.
Catch up fast: Lynch became minority leader just weeks after being stopped by a State Patrol trooper on Sept. 30, 2022 for speeding at 90 mph in a 75 mph zone on Interstate 25, records show.
www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/01/24/colorado-house-gop-leader-mike-lynch-resigns-dui-arrest
