PHOENIX — Arizona Republican Party Chairman Jeff DeWit is resigning after an audio recording was released of him appearing to try to nudge fellow Republican Kari Lake out of politics ahead of her Senate run.
DeWit, in a statement released Wednesday by the Arizona Republican Party's communications director, said Lake's team threatened to release more audio if he didn't resign.
"I received an ultimatum from Lake's team: resign today or face the release of a new, more damaging recording," DeWit said. "I am truly unsure of its contents, but considering our numerous past open conversations as friends, I have decided not to take the risk."
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: Presidente del Partido Republicano de Arizona renuncia tras ultimátum del equipo de Kari Lake
Dewit said the audio recording released Tuesday by DailyMail.com, a London-based news site, was edited and out of context.
"There are very powerful people who want to keep you out," DeWit said to Lake in the audio. "They're willing to put their money where their mouth is, in a big way."
The audio quality indicates Lake was wearing a wireless microphone during the conversation.
DeWit claims the recording, which was from more than 10 months ago, was of a conversation had while Lake was employed by DeWit.
"Our relationship was based on friendship, and the conversation that is now being scrutinized was an open, unguarded exchange between friends in the living room of her house," DeWit said in his statement. "I genuinely believed I was offering a helpful perspective to someone I considered a friend."
Lake's campaign released the following statement following DeWit's resignation:
"The tape speaks for itself: The Arizona GOP Chairman Jeff DeWit attempted to bribe Kari Lake. Thankfully Kari is an extremely ethical person who rejected DeWit’s multiple attempts to offer her money and corporate board seats in exchange for Kari not running for public office. She will be an incredible Senator for Arizonans.
No one from the Kari Lake campaign threatened or blackmailed DeWit. It is unfortunate that Dewit hasn’t recognized how unethical his behavior was and still hasn’t apologized to Arizona Republicans.
DeWit’s false claims are just par for the course. The Arizona GOP must be relieved to have his resignation. Now we can focus on getting ethical leadership and win big in 2024."
DeWit said Lake recording the conversation was not "just a betrayal of trust," but also a violation of the fiduciary responsibilities as an employee, adding that Lake has a "disturbing tendency to exploit private interactions for personal gain."
"I question how effective a United States Senator can be when they cannot be trusted to engage in private and confidential conversations," DeWit said.
DeWit claims the recorded conversation was "set up" by Lake, so she could have "control over the state party."
"It is obvious from the recording that she crafted her performance responses with the knowledge that she was recording it, intending to use this recording later to portray herself as a hero in her own story," DeWit said.
DeWit said he resigned because the release of the recordings had become a "distraction" to his mission as chairman.
"My actions will always reflect what's best for Arizona Republicans, our commendable elected officials, and our mission to reclaim the White House," DeWit stated.
<< This story will be updated as additional information becomes available. Stay with 12News for the latest.
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