MAJOR UPDATE: RPV Chairman Pat Mullins has called for the resignation of RPV Treasurer Bob FitzSimmonds, per the Virginian-Pilot.
Julian Walker’s Virginian-Pilot has the scoop:
“The comments made recently by Bob FitzSimmonds are offensive and have no place in mainstream society or our political discourse,” reads a statement issued by Howell, Majority Leader Kirk Cox of Colonial Heights and Fairfax County Del. Tim Hugo.
“These comments are not representative of the House Republican Caucus or the Republican Party of Virginia,” continued the statement issued Thursday. “They do not reflect our values or principles and they are deeply inconsistent with the tone and tenor we believe is appropriate for public debate.”
FitzSimmonds is in hot water after writing this online Tuesday night in response to a commenter touting the congressional candidacy of Fairfax Del. Barbara Comstock.
This is a huge turn of events from what started as the Republican blogosphere policing its own to what has now become a national story — and perhaps a spotlight on how the “war on women” is changing minds within the Republican Party of Virginia.
To date, RPV is not returning phone calls to either media or activists. I suspect this is about to change.
UPDATE: Justin Higgins, who has been vociferous in his condemnation of the entire episode, chimes in:
This is precisely what should happen when Republicans make unforgivable and indefensible mistakes. We keep our house clean and it denies the Democrats opportunities to attack. It also makes our critiques of their idiocy more compelling.
FitzSimmonds obviously needs to go, and regardless of his pseudo-apologies, he made an unforgivable mistake.
Tough words.
Still nothing on the circular within State Central, but I assume that it’s still being — you know — circulated…
UPDATE x2: The full House Caucus release. Unequivocal just received a new definition:
RICHMOND, VA – Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford), Majority Leader Kirk Cox (R-Colonial Heights) and Caucus Chairman Timothy D. Hugo (R-Fairfax) issued the following statement Thursday:
“The comments made recently by Bob FitzSimmonds are offensive and have no place in mainstream society or our political discourse. These comments are not representative of the House Republican Caucus or the Republican Party of Virginia. They do not reflect our values or principles and they are deeply inconsistent with the tone and tenor we believe is appropriate for public debate. Mr. FitzSimmonds should resign from his position as Treasurer of the Republican Party of Virginia and we call on him to do so immediately.
“Having worked with Barbara Comstock for a number of years, we have tremendous respect for her and all that she has accomplished. She has and will continue to be a tenacious fighter for Virginia women and families.”
Hugo, Howell, Cox.
That’s leadership, folks.
UPDATE x3: As of 12.56pm, Delegates Rust, Farrell, Yost, Helsel, Ransone, Robinson, O’Bannon, Webert, Loupassi, Villaneuva, and Fowler all have signed on to Delegate Chris Peace’s letter.
This isn’t going away.
UPDATE x4: In addition to RPV Chairman Pat Mullins’ call for FitzSimmonds’ resignation, the Virginia Black Conservative Caucus has called for same:
The Virginia Black Conservative Forum echoes the call from RPV Chairman Pat Mullins for the resignation of Bob FitzSimmonds as RPV treasurer.
To tolerate this sort of language from a sitting party officer is no different than standing idly by while a Republican’s rhetoric offends those in our community. As conscience demands our response in those instances, so it is demanded here.
Party officers are held to a higher standard to carry themselves in a professional manner, being constantly aware of how their actions and words can adversely affect the work of Republicans across the Commonwealth.
FitzSimmonds has failed that standard, and as such, should offer his resignation immediately.
Question: is this the death knell for the politics of exclusion in the Virginia GOP?
