GOP official apologizes for email picturing Obama as a chimpanzee but refuses to resign
An Orange County Republican Party official who sent an email that included President Obama's face superimposed on that of a chimpanzee with the words "Now you know why — No birth certificate!" issued an apology Wednesday but said she will not resign.
At a news conference, Marilyn Davenport, an elected member of the party's central committee, said it was "unwise" to send the email and didn't realize how much it would offend people. When pressed by a reporter, she said the apology was to anyone who was offended as well as to President Obama himself.
But she said she will not step down from her party position, as some officials have requested. She said she's heard from many Orange County Republicans to stay put.
"Out of respect for my constituents, I will remain in office," she said at the news conference, which was broadcast live on KTLA News.
County GOP Chairman Scott Baugh has called for Davenport to resign.
Baugh said he received the email Friday afternoon and quickly responded with an email telling Davenport it was "dripping with racism and is in very poor taste." He said the issue should be referred to the Orange County GOP's ethics committee.
At the news conference, Davenport said she “offended the black people” and that "I humbly receive your rebuke.''
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Photo: With her husband, Dick Davenport, right, at her side, Orange County GOP Central Committee member Marilyn Davenport at her Fullerton home Wednesday. Credit: Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times
EDITOR'S PICKS:
Ms Davenport,
You are what's wrong with Orange County and a Raciest.
How can your constituancy continue to support you oviously you have very little moral fiber have more than likely view being prejudice to minorities as an acceptable way of life.
Do the right thing and go away.
Miguel Elliot
El Segundo, CA
Posted by: Miguel | April 20, 2011 at 04:39 PM
Why should Davenport resign? She is a spokesperson for her constituents. She knows that she has the backing of a majority of Orange County Republicans. She would not have published something to offend them "Out of respect for my constituents....." She is merely stating what many of her constituents say in private. Birds of a feather flock together.
Posted by: googies17 | April 20, 2011 at 04:41 PM
I never understood why any particular race or ethnicity would be offended by a comparison to a chimpanzee. Of course, it's personally insulting to the person being compared, but it's not like chimps look anything like African- Americans. Most have faces that are more Caucasian than black. I think being offended just perpetuates a stereotype that has no basis in reality.
Posted by: michael | April 20, 2011 at 04:47 PM
Another example of how the Republican party insults the intelligence and dignity of human beings. This type of incident is so common in the GOP and why they are very minority political party in California viewed by most residents as ignorant and racist. It's ironic that Orange county is a last bastion for the GOP as Republican further isolate themselves from the reality that they are not in the mainstream and basically pariahs in California. Pathetic people!
Posted by: charles happold | April 20, 2011 at 04:52 PM
This woman needs to resign. It is very inappropriate for her to e-mail a picture of our President with his face on a chimpanze. She is very stupid for doing that. She need to resign. It's very clear that she does not have any work to do. She's just getting paid for nothing. She needs to go home and draw her social security she is certainly old enough. Her judgement is obviously impaired this maybe due to her age. Maybe she has dementia. What an idiot. Go home fool
Posted by: Loretta | April 20, 2011 at 04:55 PM
She's offended me with that picture, and I am not even black!
Posted by: geo88a | April 20, 2011 at 04:57 PM
Maybe she's just angry because she didn't get cha-cha heels...
Posted by: RuhRoh | April 20, 2011 at 05:03 PM
The stupidity of these "birthers" just keeps growing. Funny how a white president's birthplace was never questioned. By the way, I'm white.
Posted by: DG | April 20, 2011 at 05:03 PM
Hey, guess what, Marilyn? You didn't just offend "the black people." You offended plenty of "the white people," too! My stomach turned when I saw your despicable email. To say you intended no racism with that image is completely unbelievable. Either way, you should definitely resign: either you're a moron or a racist. Which is it?
Posted by: sinclair323 | April 20, 2011 at 05:05 PM
Your constiuents who support you are racist too. Your just too old to realize it!
Posted by: v williams | April 20, 2011 at 05:10 PM
For the first time in my life I, a moderate republican, find myself in agreement w/ Al Sharpton. LADY, YOU NEED TO GO! Your explanation was weak and stunts like yours only damage a worthwhile cause.
Posted by: Chi Guy | April 20, 2011 at 05:14 PM
Woman, you didn't just offend "the black people". You offended anyone who has at least the IQ of algae.
Posted by: Sean Roaney | April 20, 2011 at 05:16 PM
Remember when the GOP stood for balanced budgets, individual freedom and isolationism.
The Republican Party has run up these deficits, we want the federal government to be in our bedrooms and between our women and their doctors, we started two wars instead of ending them like the Korean War and were supposed to stop the Vietnam War the Democrats started. We have lost our way!
So why waste our time with these fools who use their racist rhetoric, like this Marilyn Davenport and Donald Trump with his birther unproven myth, why do we allow our Fox news people to keep talking down our country. Don’t they know we can win the next election with optimism and hope instead of the current rhetoric, that the sky is falling, if we are not careful we will end up like chicken little where no one will listen to us.
Posted by: Ron Paul | April 20, 2011 at 05:33 PM
Why would this lady quit? She represents the real face of the repub party in one of its few honest moments. Should she step down for being too honest?
Posted by: jopsjennings | April 20, 2011 at 05:40 PM
Miss Davenport should not be asked to resign. The County should fire her. If that email was sent by another employee, you would be certain they would be terminated for gross misconduct. Ridiculous and stupid woman. We do not need you as a member of any government office. Why is the County not terminating someone of this caliber. That is part of the problem today. Everyone is afraid to stand up to idiots for fear they will be ridiculed etc. Shame on you.
Posted by: Megan Stilwell | April 20, 2011 at 05:45 PM
Great censorship guys
Posted by: Jim | April 20, 2011 at 05:45 PM
Better she stays put and is a continuing albatross around the OC GOP.
Maybe she will do something even more offensive.
Posted by: Alann | April 20, 2011 at 06:10 PM
As a white person I am offended by both the actions and follow up comments by Ms. Davenport. I am glad I am not a local republican that has to take responsibility for electing a person with such poor judgement and character to her position, and am releived that I don't have to think she is staying in office to represent my beliefs.
Posted by: Joel | April 20, 2011 at 06:18 PM
"Offended the black people" ????
You have offended everyone, lady... It seems you belong to a different era.
Posted by: Nick M | April 20, 2011 at 06:21 PM
A racist remark from an OC Republican. what a surprise. I am as white as they come, and I was just as offended as 'The Black People''
Posted by: Steve | April 20, 2011 at 06:36 PM
Is the Republican Party of Orange County even relevant to anything anymore?
Posted by: Austa Whitlow | April 20, 2011 at 06:38 PM
A new combination for texting: WAI What An Idiot
Posted by: Just Sayin' | April 20, 2011 at 06:43 PM
Old woman, you didn't just offend "the black people".
You offended anyone with at least the IQ of algae.
Posted by: Sroaney | April 20, 2011 at 06:51 PM
how can anyone take what republicans do seriously anymore? do they even know what is anyone's best interest? I doubt it very much.
Posted by: Johnjon | April 20, 2011 at 07:21 PM
Ms. Davenport: You are a racist. Everyone but you realizes this fact. Do yourself a favor; quit and simply fade away into obscurity.
Posted by: the truth | April 20, 2011 at 07:26 PM