The Democratic Party of Virginia hosted a call with Democratic Party of Virginia Chairwoman Susan Swecker, and congressional candidates Jane Dittmar (VA-5) and Eileen Bedell (VA-7) to discuss the implosion of Virginia Republicans - including Corey Stewart's recent controversy.
Key experts can be found below:
DPVA Chairwoman Susan Swecker:
"In Virginia -- a battleground state -- with less than 30 days until Election Day, Donald Trump’s state chairman and most loyal supporter staged a 'rebellion' against his own political party and was then fired by Trump’s campaign, which apparently informed the press of his firing before informing Stewart himself. On the same day you have Katrina Pierson bragging about down-ballot candidates losing, Paul Ryan saying that he won’t defend Trump, Jerry Falwell Jr. claiming that the GOP leaked the tape, and just this morning, you have Donald Trump tweeting about Paul Ryan’s disloyalty. Corey Stewart also complained that the RNC has not made critical investments in Virginia – this is consistent with what we’ve seen on the ground with their weak organizing operation."
"Last Friday, this firestorm started because Americans saw Donald Trump himself brag about groping women – as though these Republicans didn’t know what they were getting themselves into by supporting Donald Trump in the first place, a man who has called women 'fat pigs' 'disgusting' and 'dogs.'”
"To the Virginia Republicans feigning outrage: Don’t act like you didn’t know something like this was going to happen. We have decades of evidence of Trump’s demeaning treatment and disrespectful language he uses toward women. Especially Insiders like Ed Gillespie who is running for Governor – You had to have known what you were getting into, and you still endorsed Trump. You still put your party first."
5th Congressional District Candidate Jane Dittmar:
"To have this come out and Donald Trump treat it so lightly...it's disgusting and discouraging, it's vile, damaging, and demeaning."
“My opponent Tom Garrett condemned Donald Trump’s comments in a statement, but it was woefully inadequate – and insulting to women. He started off his statement with the phrase ‘In a move that surprise some’– and I don’t know why it should surprise anybody. And then he said he still supported Trump!”
7th Congressional District Candidate Eileen Bedell:
"I have the somewhat dubious honor of running against someone who even the Republican Party establishment has called the precursor to Donald Trump ...It is truly a shame what politicians like Trump or Brat have done with what used to be a very respected party in this country."
"Not only was my opponent's statement inadequate, it was unduly delayed. Disturbingly so."
"Dave Brat has campaigned as a graduate of seminary school and considers himself to be someone who holds himself to a higher moral or ethical standard...accountability is something he has campaigned on...and yet here we are. I find it fascinating that my opponent refuses to hold Donald Trump accountable by continuing to support him, but also not understanding the fact that he himself will be held accountable."