The following is the full release from the Young Republicans Federation of Virginia and the College Republican Federation of Virginia, issuing a joint statement calling on RPV Treasurer Bob FitzSimmonds to step down.
In response to the recent comment made by Republican Party of Virginia Treasurer Bob FitzSimmonds, Young Republican Federation of Virginia Chairman John Scott and College Republican Federation of Virginia Chairwoman Elizabeth Minneman released the following joint statement:
“The recent comments made by RPV Treasurer Bob FitzSimmonds are not only offensive to women, but also undermine the principles of the Republican Party of Virginia and reflect poorly on our leadership,” Minneman stated. “College Republicans make up a new generation of conservative activists dedicated to working towards a future of smaller government and increased economic opportunities. Mr. FitzSimmonds’ comments misrepresent our values and are detrimental to our efforts to expand our message to young people across the Commonwealth.
“The Republican Party needs to take a stand against this type of hateful speech and focus on promoting our principles of job creation and protection of individual liberties. I applaud Chairman Mullins for calling for the resignation of Mr. FitzSimmonds and signaling that the RPV will not stand for these unacceptable actions,” Minneman said.
YRFV Chairman John Scott echoed and expanded upon CRFV Chairwoman Elizabeth Minneman’s comments:
“It is unfortunate that in the 21st century Republican Party, situations such as this still appear. There is absolutely no place within the Republican Party of Virginia (RPV) for offensive and abusive rhetoric such as that which Bob FitzSimmonds used, inadvertently or otherwise,” said John Scott. “I appreciate the quick and decisive call by Chairman Mullins and House leadership and join their call for Bob Fitzsimmonds to resign his position within the Republican Party of Virginia.”
“Sadly, this is not the first time that Mr. FitzSimmonds has made controversial remarks on his own accord. Whether it be about Obama ‘going to hell’ or his own opinions regarding contraception and sex education, Mr. FitzSimmonds never spoke on behalf of the party. However, the media and our opponents linked his comments to our Party, our candidates, and our movement with the sole attempt of attacking us. Bottom line, Mr. FitzSimmonds has displayed a stunning lack of perception regarding his comments, and does not seem to understand the damage that it causes. Our leadership must hold the greater good of our Republican Party as its highest priority and Mr. FitzSimmonds long has not done so,” said Scott.
“In the future, situations such as these should swiftly and internally be handled by RPV, to avoid this public display of infighting over a clear-cut issue. Since our founding, we have been the party of opportunity and equality. We must reflect these principles from the forefront, not just pay them lip service as an after thought.” said Scott.
John Scott has served as Chairman of the Young Republican Federation of Virginia since 2012. Elizabeth Minneman has served as Chairman of the College Republican Federation of Virginia since 2014.
