- FAST FACTS:
- Shelby County Republican Party Chair calls on Stanley to resign
- Senate Majority Leader wants a "promt" resolution
- State Republican Party Chair says Stanley should make the "right decision"
tom.powell@wreg.com
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(MEMPHIS July 27, 2009 9:08 PM) -- The following are statements released by Republican Party leaders regarding Senator Paul Stanley.
State Republican Party Chairman Chris Devany:
"The situation involving Senator Stanley is certainly unfortunate for all involved. We have been trying to give the Senator and his family some time to make the best decision for his constituents and for his family. We are hopeful that he will make the right decision."
Shelby County Republican Party Chairman Lang Wiseman:
"We are all obviously disappointed in the revelations of the past week involving Senator Paul Stanley. He was and is our friend, and we must not forget that he managed over the years to accomplish many great things on behalf of his constituents. However, as more and more details continue to surface, it is clear that the time has come for Paul to resign his seat in the Senate.
Many who have opposed Senator Stanley's politics seem to be taking pleasure in the irony of some of Paul's public positions as compared to his private failures. Such thinking is crass, objectionable, and misguided. Indeed, all of us fall short even of our most genuine hopes and aspirations. However, that should not somehow deter us from seeking policy that reflects our better nature. Thankfully, the quest for perfect law does not require perfect men.
Notwithstanding, there are certain basic standards that we require of those persons we hold up as our leaders, and we have every right to expect that they will respect their position of honor. It is for this reason that the time has come for Senator Stanley to do the honorable thing and step aside for the benefit of himself, his family, his Senate colleagues, his Party, and the voters of District 31.
Understand that the call for Paul's resignation is not about moralizing. We all deserve the chance for forgiveness if sought with a contrite and repentant heart. However, forgiveness is not the same thing as freedom from consequence.
I take this stand with full understanding that Senator Stanley's resignation might diminish the influence of our Party over the short term. Indeed, based on recent experience our newly Democrat-controlled County Commission may ultimately view this unfortunate episode through the lens of political opportunism, and again violate tradition and commonsense notions of fairness by appointing a Democrat to fill a seat in a heavily dominated Republican district. Having said that, some principles are not worth compromising, and we as Republicans understand that demanding integrity sometimes commands a high price.
While all due care must be taken with respect to the timing of Paul's resignation in order to avoid adding insult to injury to the people of District 31, and to minimize the impact on the taxpayer, the time has come for this spectacle to end. Indeed, we have been in close contact with the Senate leadership over the past several days, and they have been working faithfully and diligently to secure a conclusion to these unfortunate events.
Our thoughts are with Paul and his wife and children. We hope and pray that God will offer them comfort and peace in these difficult times."
Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris:
As Senate Majority Leader, my job is to do my best to make sure the Senate does its job. I had hoped that our efforts regarding Senator Stanley these last few days would prove successful without standing on a soapbox. It's more important to do the right thing and meet with success than it is to send press releases about doing the right thing and meet only with the media. That is why I have been working to resolve this situation all week without resorting to press releases and press conferences.
I have repeatedly expressed my belief, publicly as well as privately since this news broke six days ago, that Paul will "do the right thing" for his family's sake and for the sake of his constituents. I have also expressed my personal opinion that the right thing for him to do is to step down from his Senate seat in time for the healing to begin and for the voters in District 31 to elect a new senator to represent them.
We have been working, and continue to work, diligently to bring this to a prompt and appropriate resolution. An appropriate resolution is one that acknowledges responsibility for one's conduct and works to restore confidence in those who serve in public office.
