Politics & Government
Haskell Calls For Resignation Of CT State GOP Party Officials
"... I also ask that all Republican incumbents and candidates who are on the ballot in November join me in this demand...."
Statement from State Senator Will Haskell:
Many of you may have heard the news reports that Thomas Gilmer, the Republican-endorsed candidate for Congress in eastern CT, dropped out of the race suddenly following his arrest for the violent assault of a former girlfriend.
What is even more disturbing is that the leadership of the Republican Party of Connecticut obtained video of the assault as early as May, prior to endorsing him for a seat in Congress. The party Chairman has confirmed that he saw the footage before making this endorsement.
This is unacceptable. I am not naïve to the realities of the political world. I strongly disagree with the Republican party on much of its platform. But I have held out hope that we come to these disagreements in good faith. That we share a sense of duty, a desire for integrity, and a commitment to the citizens we serve. This incident shakes my confidence in those convictions.
Domestic violence and its disproportionate effect on women is something we should all be committed to fighting, on an individual and systemic level. While I’m sure my ideas on how to do so differ from those in the Republican party, until recently I would have thought there was some crossover, and that neither party would prioritize a base desire for political power over the rights of survivors of domestic violence. But after watching a video of a man attacking and attempting to strangle his former girlfriend, the leadership of the Connecticut Republican Party did nothing. Worse than that, they tried to send the perpetrator to Congress.
I am calling on Chairman J.R. Romano and Vice-Chair Sue Hatfield to resign immediately. I also ask that all Republican incumbents and candidates who are on the ballot in November join me in this demand. Holding those in power accountable for wrongdoing should not be a partisan issue, and anyone who allows this behavior to continue must themselves be held accountable.
Finally, as a reminder: If you are a survivor of domestic violence, there are resources available. The CT Coalition Against Domestic Violence maintains a 24/7 hotline at 1-888-774-2900. In addition, the Domestic Violence Crisis Center of Norwalk, in our area, can be reached at 203-853-0418.
State Senator Will Haskell (D-26) represents parts of Bethel, New Canaan, Redding, Ridgefield, Weston, Westport, and Wilton.
