In a stunning display of political chicken, embattled Republican State Chair Jack Kimball resigned his position on Thursday night after weeks of refusing to do just that at the request of Republican leaders in Washington and Concord and just before Republican leaders planned a vote to remove him.
“I’m not going to become an obstacle,” Kimball told the Executive Board.
Some interested parties say Kimball had already become an obstacle due to his poor fundraising, special election failures, inter-party squabbling and for signing a petition to place the Libertarian Party on the state ballot.
The GOP federal delegation, the Republican State House Speaker and the Republican Senate President all called for Kimball to step down as Chairman two weeks ago. Instead, Kimball ramped up a campaign to keep his position, and many of Kimball’s supporters took to the Internet to personally attack Republican leaders.
The NH GOP’s Executive Committee accepted Kimball’s resignation without discussion or debate and quickly adjourned the meeting.
Republican leaders are viewing Thursday night’s events as an opportunity to breath new life into the GOP after the brief, tumultuous Kimball era.
DEVEOPING …
At the scene of Kimball's resignation
Video of Kimball’s remarks:
