This is the state of the Republican Party, 2018. Corey Stewart, who “supports Confederate symbols,” has won the GOP senate nomination in Virginia. From CNN:
- He made Charlottesville’s push to remove its statue of Robert E. Lee the centerpiece of his campaign for governor, holding rallies for the monument and displaying Confederate flags while defending “heritage” at his events. At one point, he attended an Old South ball.
- He attended a news conference with the leader of the white supremacist protest that later resulted in the death of a counter-protester in Charlottesville. And after that counter-protester, Heather Heyer, was killed in a hit-and-run, Stewart blamed the violence on “both sides.”
Corey Stewart, the bombastic conservative who built his public image on championing Confederate symbols, will win the Republican Senate nomination in Virginia, CNN projects https://t.co/HKrsNESVeI pic.twitter.com/iiTuZtYPum
— CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) June 13, 2018
I am extremely disappointed that a candidate like Corey Stewart could win the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate. This is clearly not the Republican Party I once knew, loved and proudly served. Every time I think things can’t get worse they do, and there is no end in sight.
— Bill Bolling (@lgbillbolling) June 13, 2018
Stewart will face Senator Tim Kaine, who was Hillary Clinton’s running mate in 2016. The National Republican Senate Committee won’t say if it will endorse Stewart, but Donald Trump didn’t waste any time showing his support.
Congratulations to Corey Stewart for his great victory for Senator from Virginia. Now he runs against a total stiff, Tim Kaine, who is weak on crime and borders, and wants to raise your taxes through the roof. Don’t underestimate Corey, a major chance of winning!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 13, 2018
Stewart was the Virginia campaign chairman for Donald Trump before he was fired. He’s been known to associate with white nationalists and once called a “pro-white” candidate for Congress in Wisconsin his personal hero.
Now, how many brave Republicans in VA and Congress will condemn Neo-confederate nominee Corey Stewart and his association with white nationalists? pic.twitter.com/7j6Ap6ZaZO
— Tom Perriello (@tomperriello) June 13, 2018