BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A new article from Politico details messages between leaders of Young Republican groups over a more than 7-month period. The publication reports that those messages include racist, antisemitic and violent rhetoric.
The conversations detailed in the article include jokes and comments about historical atrocities, discriminatory remarks targeting various communities, and other offensive language.
The Young Republican National Federation Board of Directors said they’re appalled by the vile and inexcusable language revealed in the Politico article.
The board is calling on those involved to immediately resign from all positions within their state and local Young Republican organizations.
Reaction to the messages is pouring in from both sides of the aisle.
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz addressed the story during an unrelated news conference on Wednesday morning.
“This is probably some of the worst things I have ever seen. Even praises of Hitler,” said Poloncarz. “But I think it’s important for people to understand that that cannot be tolerated in any civil society. I’m glad to see that there’s been denounced by some of the Republican leaders in our state.”
Poloncarz later went on to say, “we can disagree on policy, and we have to have disagreements on policy to have a strong society, but we cannot go down to the lowest common denominator which is just pure hatred. And that’s what was in that chatroom, was pure hatred.”
The Republican candidate for Buffalo mayor also weighed in on the messages.
“It’s just disgust. Shock,” said James Gardner. “You know, I don’t think this is in any way reflective of any political party in the United States, certainly not the party that I’m proud to represent as the Conservative and Republican in this race.”
Gardner said there needs to be less divisiveness and more inclusivity.
“Politics is at its best when we’re bringing people together rather than tearing them apart,” said Gardner. “And using language like that — it only serves the interests of divisiveness and that’s not anything we should be working toward.”
New York State Senator Rob Ortt said in part that he was shocked and disgusted by the comments attributed to members of the New York State Young Republicans, including some made by a former member of the Senate minority staff. He said this behavior is indefensible.
Ortt says those responsible should step down immediately, and the New York State Young Republicans need a complete change in leadership to restore credibility and trust.
The chairmen for the Erie County Republican and Democratic committees are also weighing in.
Republican Committee Chairman Michael Kracker called on those involved to step down.
“I was disgusted to read the racist, antisemitic, and misogynistic comments attributed to members of the New York State Young Republicans that appeared in Politico,” said Kracker. “These comments are indefensible and have no place in our party.”
“The Young Republican chats reported by Politico are nothing less than shocking in their hateful racism and misogyny, and must be condemned by leaders from across the political spectrum,” said Democratic Committee Chairman Jeremy Zellner.
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Patrick Ryan is an award-winning reporter who has been part of the News 4 team since 2020. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter.
