Arizona GOP head Jeff DeWit stepping down after leaked audio tapes

The head of the Arizona GOP is stepping down after audio tapes with U.S. Senate candidate Kari Lake were released, where he reportedly offered Lake money to stay out of this year's senate race to focus on running for governor. Chairman Jeff DeWit released a statement Wednesday where he adamantly denied Lake's accusation, but he also announced his resignation in the statement.

__________________
 
ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix is your source for local breaking news, in-depth investigations, the latest weather and traffic, and continuous live video.
 
 
 
 
Watch more ABC15 on YouTube:

[michaelhapgood]

The SOB tried to bribe her. End of conversation.

[jeffwiegers]

The people of AZ need to know who was pulling this guys strings.

[ninaappelt]

He called her to set up that meeting. Came to her home then tried to bribe her. He should go to jail. There is no way he can spin this.

[paulduffy]

A private conversation, it was a bribe 😮…He went to her house, anyone defending him is also corrupt

[elijahbey]

If you listen to the whole recording, DeWit-less actually gives Lake an implied threat. The guy should be criminally charged with attempted extortion.

[Nitrodr]

Jeff said his comments were taken out of context. Yeah right. I heard what he said, he clearly offered her money, spoke of the cartels being in all 50 states. Threats and bribery all in the same call.

[naenae]

Goodbye RINO party! We want investigations, his resignation is not enough! How does he know the CARTEL is operating in ALL 50 STATES? Who all is responsible here for this kind of corruption! We need more of this!!!

[dwillis]

That was disgusting, he must stand down regardless of what party is involved.

[vociferonheraldofthewintermist]

"I was set up!" Sir, Kari didn't make you say all that crap. YOU said it. Maybe someone else made you say it and that's the nature of the 'set up, ' but YOU still said it.

Ya done.

Lake for senate 2024.

[hbarwickjr]

Dewits excuse falls flat; his words and tone speak for themselves. Glen Beck aired the entire call. Very alarming and disgusting!

[ray.d.oeaux]

So as long the bribe is made in a "private conversation" then there is no crime. Got it.

[bigpapakilcrease]

They act like bribery is okay
This is where we are

[terrydawley]

These people who are trying to come up with excuses for what he did are not Americans let alone Patriot.

[digitalwasabi]

Why did you leave the part out where he threatened her life? And a “setup”? Wow this jerk is as immoral and dishonest as they get.

[CaptainRon]

DeWitt says "you know the Cartels are in all 50 states don't you?"... What an absolutely bizarre thing to say. Did he think he was going to scare her with his Cartel connections?... I think his story is bullsht. I think he wanted her to quit so he could run for the Senate seat.

[SunFlower-]

😂😂😂OMG He says he was setup. No you tried to setup this candidate by buying her out. You and your cronies on both side of the isle need to step down.

[bon]

They are more concern about the private conversation than the crime itself. I call that smart KARI

[justmee-hq]

We want the names of the people that sent him and then arrest them all.

[mizv]

everyone seems to be missing the part of the conversation where dewitt said they would kill him

[lgflanang]

Corruption is endemic in both parties' leadership. Members it seems are assumed for sale.