Amy Tarkanian, former Nevada GOP chairwoman and prominent conservative TV pundit, is getting backlash from the Republican Party after endorsing two candidates from the Democratic party, ahead of the midterms on November 8.
This week, Tarkanian, who formerly resided in Las Vegas and is the wife of Danny Tarkanian—the Commissioner of Douglas County—shared a letter on social media which was sent to her by James McKalip, who chairs the Republican Central Committee of Douglas County. In this letter, the latter says that the endorsements which she gave go against the bylaws of the committee, and that the executive board is deliberating recommending that she be removed from the committee.
A regular contributor to Nexsmax and Fox News programs, Tarkanian has crossed party lines in supporting Democrat Zach Conine, who is trying to get reelected state treasurer and is being opposed by Republican Michele Fiore. Tarkanian also members the “Republicans for Ford” a group of noted GOPers in support of Democratic AG Aaron Ford’s reelection.
McKalip stated the executive board planned to discuss the matter in order to “protect the integrity of our Republican brand.”
Tarkainian has received an invitation to show up Aug. 11 at the board meeting to be held in Gardnerville and discuss the situation.
McKalip left it on the table for Tarkanian to settle the matter herself.
“You are welcome to submit your resignation to me in writing should you desire to bring this process to an immediate conclusion,” McKalip wrote.
Tarkanian said in an interview that she had no plans of doing anything in response. “I don’t feel that I should waste my time,” she said. “If these people are willing to treat me this way, then I’m not going to give them the time of day, but I am still a Republican.”
She also stated she wasn’t even certain she was a member of the committee. “I think I am, but I’m not sure,” she said. “I don’t go to their meetings at all. I think maybe I’ve gone to two meetings since I’ve been up here, and we lived here for three years. It’s kind of funny that they would feel this is something that would affect me.”
The incumbent Conine received Tarkanian’s endorsement for treasurer, with the latter saying in a statement that she was a “smart and experienced leader”. The republican nominee Councilwoman Michele Fiore, on the other hand, was criticized. Fiore has received FBI subpoenas regarding her campaign finances last year.
Tarkanian also threw her support behind Ford instead of Republican Sigal Chattah. The latter was shown in leaked text messages to have messaged that Ford should hang from a crane.
Following the endorsements Tarkanian made, the Nevada GOP started criticizing her, labeling her a “failed chair” and claiming she has ties to Governor Steve Sisolak as well as other Democrats.
Tarkanian chaired the Republican Party for a period beginning June 2011 and ending February 2012.
