Jeff DeWit slammed as recording reveals he tried to bribe Kari Lake to dissuade her from Senate run

NASHUA, NEW HAMPSHIRE: Arizona Republican Kari Lake has called for the resignation of Jeff DeWit, Chair of the Arizona Republican Party, following the release of the leaked audio by the outlet, DailyMail.com.

The recording appears to show DeWit attempting to dissuade Lake from running for the US Senate by offering her a job or financial inducement.

Speaking to the outlet on Tuesday, January 23, Lake asserted that the American people have reached a point of saturation.

“The people are rising up and saying, no, we want our country back,” she said, adding. “We want our government back and we will no longer put up with one more ounce of corruption. And the truth is all coming out now.”

When pressed on if she believes he should resign post-haste, she replied, "I believe he should."

What was revealed in leaked audio of conversation between Lake and DeWit?

During a recent interview, Lake discussed the extensive measures taken to prevent her from participating in a race.

The identity of the person responsible for these measures was never disclosed until Arizona talk show host Garret Lewis revealed the name of the individual to be Jeff DeWit.

DeWit was elected chairman of the Arizona GOP in January of last year.

Per the audio recording obtained by DailyMail.com, DeWit offered his proposition to Lake at her residence in early March of the same year.

DeWitt can be heard saying, “There are very powerful people who want to keep you out.”

DeWit informs Lake, who is one of the most well-known representatives of the former president's MAGA movement and is regularly mentioned as a potential 2024 vice presidential candidate, that he believes Trump will lose and that it is time to create room for someone else.

He makes his first offer after requesting her to keep the conversation private.

“So the ask I got today from back east was: ‘Is there any companies out there or something that could just put her on the payroll to keep her out?’” to which Lake counters angrily.

“This is about defeating Trump and I think that's a bad, bad thing for our country,” she noted.

During their discreet conversation, Lake was reportedly contemplating a candidacy for the US Senate.

This episode highlights the tensions that arose after she refused to concede the 2022 Arizona gubernatorial election.

Following her defeat, the 54-year-old Republican garnered national attention and began appearing regularly on Fox News, where she espoused views that aligned with Trump's denial of the election results.

This stance placed her at odds with the more traditional wing of the Republican Party, who were concerned that a new generation of Trump loyalists might alienate major donors.

In October of the same year, Lake officially announced her candidacy for the Senate.

The 10-minute audio clip includes DeWit asking for secrecy before going on to explain the reasoning behind the offer.

“If you say no, its fine, it's your choice, don't tell people,” DeWitt stated, adding. “I think what it really comes down to for a lot of people, it’s not about like control or agenda. It's about the ability to raise money to win.”

Lake retorted at the prospect of political suicide, “I don't want to make a deal with these kinds of people. This is a hill worth dying on.”

“I'm not ... if they're gonna steal the election to make me and our movement go away. I'm not letting them do that. I owe it to the people of Arizona to carry their torch and voice,” she remarked.

Internet reacted to news of Arizona GOP chair trying to bribe Kari out of running for Senate

People on social media slammed Jeff DeWit who has been outed since to be an instrument of affluential Republican donors who are used to throwing money around to make problems such as Kari Lake, within the GOP, fade away into obscurity.

One X user remarked: "You just know this stuff goes on all the time. Rare to see it spill out into public view."

Another user said: "Refreshing to see someone who can't be swayed by dollar signs. Good on Lake for not treating public service like an auction item. Our country's future PRICELESS!"

Another user wrote: "Jeff DeWit might as well join the Democrat Party now. This is outrageous. I’m glad to see Kari Lake told him to go pound sand."

One user stated: "A rare view into the DC backroom deals that have destroyed America."

Another X user remarked: "Kari Lake is a true Patriot. I want to know who these people from "Back East" are I swear politics is worse than any organized crime family or even the dam cartels. They are going to do their best to interfere with the elections in 2024, this has been made crystal clear!"

Finally, this user tweeted: "After hearing this I have so much respect Kari Lake. Thank you for putting America first!"

 

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