RICHMOND, Va. — Democratic Party of Virginia Chairwoman Susan Swecker released the following statement today calling on Republican gubernatorial nominee Ed Gillespie to denounce the David Duke-backed KKK rally planned for Saturday in Charlottesville:

“The KKK rally planned for Saturday in Charlottesville represents a direct attack on our commonwealth’s bedrock values of justice, equality and fairness. Ed Gillespie must immediately condemn this protest and make clear that hate has no place in our commonwealth. This is not a political or partisan issue — it is a moral question that cuts to the heart of who we are as Virginians. Leaders in every party must denounce this racist protest and come together to build a more just and inclusive future for our commonwealth.

“It’s time for Ed Gillespie to answer one simple question: are you with Virginia or are you with the KKK? Silence, non-answers, and excuses are simply unacceptable. Voters are sick and tired of Republican politicians — starting with Donald Trump and Corey Stewart — using bigotry and hate to divide the American people. They deserve to know whether their next governor will fight for them — not the Alt-Right. Gillespie must make clear, once and for all, who he stands with: the most bigoted and extreme elements in our politics or the people of Virginia."

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