Arizona GOP Elects Chair Who Suggested ‘Gangster’ John McCain Might Have Her Killed
Fringe right-wing fixture and twice failed U.S. Senate candidate Kelli Ward was elected to lead the Arizona Republican Party for the 2020 election cycle on Sunday, beating out incumbent chair Jonathan Lines for an upset victory.
In a statement, Ward called for unity in the party, despite her reputation as a right-wing firebrand known for viciously attacking fellow Republicans she deems not conservative enough:
“I am deeply humbled and honored to have the support of so many of our party’s state committeeman. I want to thank Chairman Lines for his service and commitment. One of my top priorities as chairman is to unify our party so we enter 2020 at full strength. Together, we will ensure a resounding victory for President Trump and Arizona Republicans up and down the ballot. Our party’s future is bright.”
Ward made a national name for herself by running for the U.S. Senate twice in Arizona — once to challenge the late John McCain in 2016 and once for Jeff Flake’s seat in 2018 — but ultimately did not come close to winning. During these races, the newly elected state GOP chair pandered to the party’s conspiratorial factions.
In a 2017 interview with America’s most famous conspiracy theorist, Ward told Infowars founder Alex Jones — a Sandy Hook truther who has accused the government of staging the mass shooting to enforce harsher gun laws — Ward suggested “gangster” John McCain might attempt to assassinate her.
“I’ve had people who have told me that I should get an auto-starter on my car, that I should never be starting my own car,” she said. “I really hope things haven’t gotten that far out of control that I should be fearful for my life.”
Additionally, when McCain announced he was diagnosed with cancer in 2017, Ward argued that she should take his place in the U.S. Senate since he was unwell.
Her other stunts include bringing on Pizzagate conspiracy theorist and date rape apologist Mike Cernovich as a surrogate during her 2018 race and comparing Obamacare to American chattel slavery.
At one point prohibition & slavery were the law of the land too – they were wrong & so is #Obamacare #StopJudicialActivism #ChangeDC
— Dr. Kelli Ward (@kelliwardaz) June 25, 2015
In response to the election, the state’s largest newspaper the Arizona Republic published an op-ed titled, “AZ GOP died with John McCain – Kelli Ward just proved it.”
“The paper should print this on the obituary page because … the Arizona Republican Party is dead,” wrote columnist Ej Montini.
[image via screengrab]
