Threats Against Arizona Election Official

Maricopa County Republican Party Vice Chair Threatens Recorder Stephen Richer

Just a week ago as members of Leadership Now Arizona , we recently issued an open letter and an op-ed reaffirming our support for these officials amidst an increasingly hostile environment, while highlighting the critical role democracy plays in our state's economic health.?

As Arizona business and community leaders, Adam Goodman & I unequivocally condemn the threats made recently by Shelby Busch, the first vice chair of the Maricopa County Republican Committee, toward Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer .

Please read the entire story by the Arizona Republic , including a link to a disturbing video of Ms. Busch. While she has since apologized, the other disturbing element is to realize that the audience did not react.

Silence from those in attendance is disturbing and unacceptable.

For an elected official of the GOP to suggest that she would "lynch him" and the non-response and apparent acceptance by those in attendance - suggests violence against elected officials may be acceptable.

A good friend reminded me this morning that:

Antisemitism is not patriotism. Racism is not patriotism. Hate and violence in the name of patriotism is heresy.

We can all agree violence towards election officials is unacceptable. Elections are the heart of American democracy. Officials like Stephen Richer take on the essential role of executing secure and accurate elections and must be free to do so without constant concern for their safety or that of their staff.

My call to action is simple and costs nothing:

1) Give thanks to Stephen for his courage and the courage of his colleagues statewide to perform their jobs in the face of rhetoric that promotes violence.

2) Share this post as many Arizonans are away from the heat and may miss this important news story.

3) Sign on to our community letter at Leadership Now Arizona - so you can become more directly part of the Arizona effort to defend our elected officials and democracy from further attack.