Republican Kari Lake, who contested the results of the 2022 Arizona gubernatorial election, is now calling for the resignation of Arizona GOP Chairman Jeff DeWit.
This call for resignation comes in the wake of the recent release of audio on Tuesday, which appears to capture DeWit offering Lake a bribe to suspend her campaign for a U.S. Senate seat representing Arizona.
The audio surfaced following Lake’s allegations that she was being offered money to withdraw from the Senate race, as reported by the Washington Examiner.
Following the publication of the audio by the Daily Mail, and while Lake was actively campaigning for former President Donald Trump in New Hampshire, she asserted to reporters that DeWit should step down from his position as Arizona’s GOP Chairman.
“I want corruption rooted out of government,” Lake said. “I don’t care if it is on the Republican side, or the Democrat side.”
Highlighting Trump, who was set to address the New Hampshire election watch night event, Lake remarked, “We are committed to eliminating corruption, and that’s precisely why the people are eager for the individual about to step onto the stage.”
Kari Lake calls for @AZGOP Chair Jeff DeWit to resign after release of audio in which he can be heard bribing Lake to not run for the U.S. Senate in exchange for a potential job (and its salary): https://t.co/8tF4sodXf3 pic.twitter.com/4XBSzoVyYL
— Vaughn Hillyard (@VaughnHillyard) January 24, 2024
The leaked audio purportedly captured DeWit inquiring whether there was a monetary offer that could persuade Lake to halt her campaign.
Lake provided further details, stating, “So, today I received a proposal from individuals back east, asking if there were companies willing to put me on their payroll to keep me out of the race.”
As previously reported by RTM, DeWit urged Lake to stay away from politics for two years, citing pressure from “very powerful people.”
According to reports, DeWit cautioned, “There are influential individuals who will ensure your exclusion. However, they are prepared to back their words with significant financial support.”
Lake firmly rejected the notion, asserting, “I cannot be swayed, not for $10 million, $20 million, $30 million… not even a billion.” She emphasized, “No, this isn’t about money. It’s about our country. It’s disconcerting that anyone would entertain such thoughts.”
BREAKING: Arizona Republican Party chair Jeff DeWit caught on secret recording trying to bribe Kari Lake not to run for the Senate.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) January 23, 2024
Holy s***!
"There are very powerful people who want to keep you out," he said.
At one point during the secret recording, Lake was asked to name… pic.twitter.com/9r1DoDzITD
The anticipated Senate race in Arizona is expected to include Kari Lake (R), Representative Ruben Gallego (D), and the incumbent Krysten Sinema (I).
