It appears Democrats are not alone in their fear of violent behavior from the Tea Party wing of the GOP. Follow me below the fold for the infighting that has members of the GOP in that district resigning in fear for their life.
How bad is it when your own Precinct Chairman is resigning along with several others? A Precinct Chairman that worked for McCain's election campaign? From this article.
In an e-mail sent a few hours after Saturday's massacre in Tucson that killed six and injured 14, including U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, Miller told state Republican Party Chairman Randy Pullen he was quitting: "Today my wife of 20 yrs ask (sic) me do I think that my PCs (Precinct Committee members) will shoot at our home? So with this being said I am stepping down from LD20GOP Chairman...I will make a full statement on Monday."
Now I might discount this as just one guy being a bit paranoid whose wife pushed him into it. But then he wasn't alone. Three others resigned as well.
The newly-elected Dist. 20 Republican secretary, Sophia Johnson of Ahwatukee, first vice chairman Roger Dickinson of Tempe and Jeff Kolb, the former district spokesman from Ahwatukee, also quit. "This singular focus on 'getting' Anthony (Miller) was one of the main reasons I chose to resign," Kolb said in an e-mail to another party activist. Kolb confirmed the contents of the e-mail to the Republic.
Apparently there was a pretty heated race in that District with the Tea Party taking quite a few positions but losing to Miller for the Chairmanship. Even Sheriff Joe came out to try and defeat him.
Kolb said the Tea Party and associated conservative groups ran their slate of candidates for seven Dist. 20 leadership positions, winning three -- the treasurer's post and two vice-chairmanships. However, Miller beat challenger Thomas Morrissey for the top post after Sheriff Joe Arpaio made a personal appearance for Morrissey. Phone messages left for Morrissey were not returned.
Then there's the fact that Miller is one of the oh so rare Republicans who is also African American. I always shake my head when I see African American Republicans and wonder "What the hell are they thinking? They are never going to like you, no matter how hard you try." It appears Mr. Miller learned this lesson as indicated by his parting statement.
Miller said when he was a member of McCain's campaign staff last year has been criticized by the more conservative party members who supported Republican opponent J.D. Hayworth. The first and only African-American to hold the party's precinct chairmanship, Miller said he has been called "McCain's boy," and during the campaign saw a critic form his hand in the shape of a gun and point it at him.
"I wasn't going to resign but decided to quit after what happened Saturday," Miller said. "I love the Republican Party but I don't want to take a bullet for anyone."
How crazy are things in Arizona? Someone needs to get a lid on these people and bring some sanity into the conversation. Wow. Just wow.