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The campaigns for the Republican and Democratic gubernatorial nominees sparred over comments about the Ku Klux Klan Thursday.
It began during a press call Wednesday when Democratic Party of Virginia Chairwoman Susan Swecker called on GOP gubernatorial candidate Glenn Youngkin to “grow a backbone” and stand up to the Ku Klux Klan after they passed out flyers in Loudoun County pushing back against transgender policies.
Youngkin’s campaign responded Thursday with a statement through spokesperson Macaulay Porter. “Do these people have any shame? Virginia’s Democrat governor, who they all support, was in a photograph with a KKK hood and robe. Glenn Youngkin thinks he should have resigned because the KKK is repulsive and detestable, but Terry McAuliffe and Hala Ayala gladly accepted and still tout his endorsement. The only person in this race associated with the KKK is Terry McAuliffe.”
Renzo Olivari, McAuliffe’s spokesperson then responded to Porter’s comment. “Terry stood up to the KKK and white supremacists in Charlottesville while Donald Trump – who Glenn said represents why he is running – cowered and called them very fine people. Maybe they should sit this one out.”
You can read Virginia Scope’s coverage of the press call and rally in Loudoun County for more context on these comments.
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