Ohio lawmaker who blamed shootings on gay marriage refuses to resign
The chairwoman of the Ohio Republican Party called for her to resign. (Facebook)
Chairwoman of the Ohio Republican Party Jane Timkin has called for Candice Keller, the lawmaker who blamed mass shootings on “the breakdown of the traditional American family”, to resign.
Keller made the comments in a since deleted Facebook post, which came in the wake of two mass shootings in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio. A combined total of 29 people were murdered.
Timkin told the New York Times in a statement: “Candice Keller’s Facebook post was shocking and utterly unjustifiable.
“Our nation is reeling from these senseless acts of violence and public servants should be working to bring our communities together, not promoting divisiveness. I am calling on Candice Keller to resign.”
Screenshots of Keller’s post were shared on social media before she deleted it. (Candice Keller/Facebook)
Candice Keller is refusing to resign
However, Ohio lawmakers can only be removed from their positions if they are voted out or are convicted of a felony, and Keller is refusing to resign.
According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, Keller responded to Timkin’s call for her resignation in a statement saying: “Establishment moderates have never been fans of mine because I ran against their endorsement and won.
“As the only conservative in this race, I will be taking my Senate campaign to the voters to decide.”
Nan Whaley, the mayor of Dayton, Ohio, said she agreed with Timkin on Twitter.
She wrote: I don’t often agree with @ohiogop [Ohio Republicans] chair @JaneyMurph [Jane Timkin], but state Rep. Candice Keller needs to resign.
“No matter where you’re from, who you love, or what you look like, you’re welcome in Dayton.”
I don't often agree with @ohiogop chair @JaneyMurph, but state Rep. Candice Keller needs to resign. No matter where you're from, who you love, or what you look like, you're welcome in Dayton. #DaytonStrong https://t.co/IsobEKdDoJ
— Nan Whaley (@nanwhaley) August 5, 2019
Keller has a reputation for making controversial comments.
In 2017 she spoke on a white power advocate’s radio show, and in 2018 she branded survivors of the Parkland school shooting “Dorito-eating video gamers.”
She has also compared health service Planned Parenthood to the Nazi regime.
