Delaware Republican Party chairman Tom Ross, who vigorously opposed Christine O’Donnell during her Senate primary against Congressman Mike Castle, has now issued a statement on the primary. He calls for party unity and declares the GOP’s support for its candidates — but oddly enough, he never actually says O’Donnell’s name.
Ross, of course, is the man who famously ripped O’Donnell in the run-up to the primary. “She’s not a viable candidate for any office in the state of Delaware,” Ross had said. “She could not be elected dog catcher.” And as a result, he faced calls for his resignation from various sections of the Tea Party movement.Â
In a new statement, Ross speaks out — and declares that he will not resign.
WILMINGTON – Delaware State Republican Chairman Tom Ross released the following statement from GOP Headquarters this afternoon:
“Tuesday night, Delaware Republicans came out in large numbers to nominate candidates across the state to bring prosperity and accountability to Washington and Dover. After a hard fought primary it is time to come together and unite over our shared principles and determination to rescue our economy from the destructive policies advanced by Democrats.”
“The Delaware Republican Party plans on doing what it does every election year – working hard for our candidates. We have reached out to the NRSC, NRCC, and RNC to ensure that our candidates have as much support as possible. The winds of change are blowing hard in Delaware and together we can take our state and country back. I will honor my commitment to our party’s grassroots activists and continue to serve as Chairman of the Republican Party of Delaware.”
I asked state GOP communications director Tom Doheny whether there was any significance or further comment on the fact that O’Donnell’s name was not directly mentioned. “All I can tell you right now is that this is the only comment that we’re gonna make, is issuing this statement for right now,” said Doheny.
So does the party support O’Donnell, I asked? Doheny would only respond: “I’m gonna refer you to the statement.”
The TPM Poll Average gives Democratic nominee Chris Coons a lead of 52.2%-38.8%.
