SPOKANE, Wash. – Members of the Spokane County Republican Party spoke out on Thursday morning following GOP chairwoman Cecily Wright’s Wednesday night resignation.
Party members who attended included State Senator Michael Baumgartner, Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich, and County commissioner Mary Kuney. Their main message this morning is that the Republican party is committed to standing against white supremacy and hateful views.
"The previous chair Cecily Wright acknowledged her mistake in judgment. She knows that she screwed up and no longer should serve in that position. So we appreciate that she stepped down," Baumgartner said.
This comes after a YouTube video captured Wright hosting a controversial speaker and former president of Washington State University College Republicans James Allsup at a recent meeting.
“The future of the Republican Party does not belong with the likes of Mr. Allsup. The future of the Republican party is rooted in its history and a belief that all are created equal,” said new interim GOP chair Isaiah Paine, who previously served as vice chair.
Paine released the following statement this morning:
The Spokane County Republican Party remains firmly committed to standing against white supremacy, racism, and bigotry in all forms.
As such, we are disappointed in the lack in judgment shown by our former chair in allowing Mr. Allsup to speak at Northwest Grassroots.
Mr. Allsup does not represent the GOP and his opinions are contrary to our beliefs as a party, and as a country. Those who espouse such views must not be given a platform to spread hate and prejudice.
We stand by the statement issued in June denouncing Mr. Allsup and his beliefs; and follow our words with action. In accordance, Cecily Wright has resigned as Spokane County GOP Chair.
The Republican party is the party of Lincoln. A party founded on the principles of freedom, liberty, equality, and opportunity. Ideals for which Lincoln paid the ultimate price. Those principles still guide the Republican party today. The future of the Republican Party does not belong to the likes of Mr. Allsup. The future of the Republican Party is rooted in its history, in a belief that all are created equal.
Our mission has never changed. We will continue to fight for the rights of all people regardless of color, race, ethnicity, gender, or political party.
This is a not a partisan issue. Racism and bigotry have no legitimate place in any political party. That’s why I’ll be at the rally right here later today as we all face this challenge together."
At the gathering, Paine said members will attend a rally at 5:30 p.m. Thursday to denounce racism and white nationalism.
"The Spokane Republicans are against racism and bigotry in all forms. So we will be here. We don't think this is partisan, we want to work with anybody from any political persuasion to confront this to work together to bring solutions to better our community," Paine said.
Organizers of Thursday's rally said Wright's resignation is a victory against white nationalism. They still want to hold other republican leaders who attend the meeting to be held accountable as well.
Republican Party members said the meeting was not made public ahead of time and they did not know Allsup would attend. They also said they did not have prior knowledge of the video shown at the meeting.
Wright released a statement on Wednesday night. It reads:
The statement reads:
"I profoundly apologize for giving Mr. Allsup a platform to speak at the Northwest Grassroots meeting in July. I consider this a serious mistake in my judgment and I deeply regret that decision."
“The Spokane County GOP remains committed to standing against white supremacy, racism, and bigotry in all forms. We will always support a free society where individuals are judged on the content of their character rather than the color of their skin."
“At this point, I do not believe that I can continue as Chair and resign the position effective immediately. It is my sincere hope that our community can continue to build bridges, support our neighbors, and build a more unified community in Spokane and across Eastern Washington."