Republican Party Chairman Ron Weiser issued an apology Saturday for his comments labeling the state’s top Democratic officeholders as “witches” and stated he’s never advocated for violence.
At an Oakland County Republican event on Thursday, Weiser, who is also a member of the Board of Regents at University of Michigan, said the party is focused on removing the “three witches” of Michigan, referring to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, and Attorney General Dana Nessel.
Addressing the crowd’s assertion that there was a need to address the witches in their own party, referring to U.S. Reps Fred Upton and Peter Meijer, who voted for impeaching Trump, Weiser had some other gems in his repertoire:
“Ma’am, other than assassination, I have no other way … other than voting out. OK?” Weiser said. “You people have to go out there and support their opponents. You have to do what you need to get out the vote in those areas. That’s how you beat people.”
On Friday Weisel attempted to blow off his comments as “off the cuff” and “out of context,” but fellow U of M Board of Regents and a list of academic leaders would have nothing of it and many called for his resignation.
“Your words do damage and disrespect not only to women in leadership positions, whether elected or appointed, but also to young women who will lead in the future. We must speak out in protest when women are threatened with violence because of the decisions they have made. We believe that sexist name calling and threats of violence, especially from those in positions of power, simply are not acceptable. This is not a context-dependent question: they are not acceptable….
Detroit Free Press
Weiser’s “apology” below:
“In an increasingly vitriolic political environment, we should all do better to treat each other with respect, myself included. I fell short of that the other night,” Weiser said.
“I apologize to those I offended for the flippant analogy about three women who are elected officials and for the off-hand comments about two other leaders. I have never advocated for violence and never will. While I will always fight for the people and policies I believe in, I pledge to be part of a respectful political dialogue going forward.”