The Sedgwick County Republican Party is calling for the resignation of three elected officials who have been linked to a false attack ad during the Wichita mayoral campaign last year.
Recent audio recordings were released with Sedgwick County Commissioner Michael O’Donnell, State representative Michael Capps, and Wichita City Council member James Clendenin. The three men were discussing who to blame for the attack ad, which made false allegations against Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple during his campaign for office.
The Republican Party statement was issued on social media over the weekend:
This week’s events bring to a head the malicious and dishonest actions of Michael Capps, Michael O’Donnell, and James Clendenin over the past year. We have stated from the beginning that this type of politics and actions would not be supported by the Sedgwick County Republican Party. We have said, and repeat, that those involved in this video ad campaign and the misinformation campaign are not fit to serve in public office and should step down.
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Sedgwick County Commissioners David Dennis and Jim Howell, both Republicans, issued statements calling for the three men to resign. Commissioner Lacey Cruse, a Democrat, said in a statement on social media that she had asked for a special commission meeting for Monday, but other commissioners would not commit to the meeting. Cruse said an external investigation should be conducted to make sure no county resources were used in connection with the attack ad.
The county commission released a statement Monday evening:
The Board of County Commissioners is aware of the recording related to a lawsuit naming County Commissioner Michael O’Donnell, II. The District Attorney has initiated an investigation into potential ouster proceedings. Commissioners have limited actions available to use on this matter and are in consultation with the County Counselor. Each commissioner is elected by the people and do not have authority over one another. A special meeting is scheduled for Wednesday and this topic may be discussed then.
A member of the District Advisory Board for Clendenin’s District 3 said on social media that he was calling for a special meeting to discuss the situation. The board has a regularly scheduled meeting for November 4th.
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Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett issued a statement Monday explaining state law regarding recall petitions and the ouster of a public official. He said in the statement, “Investigators with the Office of the District Attorney have begun an investigation of this matter in cooperation with the Wichita Police Department and the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Department. When the investigation is complete, a determination will be made by this office as to whether there is a factual and legal basis for further legal proceedings. At that time, any decision will be made public.”
Late Monday, the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce also issued a statement:
The Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce and Wichita Regional Chamber Political Action Committee (PAC) condemn the actions of Michael Capps, James Clendenin, and Michael O’Donnell, relating to the production, release, and cover-up of a fabricated attack video. Due to the gravity of the situation and the lack of integrity and civility displayed, we ask them to step down from their roles and withdraw from any current races immediately. There is no place in our community for this type of behavior. It is ugly and unacceptable, and we demand better.
No official statements have been issued by Capps, or O’Donnell. Clendenin issued a statement Monday to our news partners at KWCH:
“I am proud of the many years of honorable service I’ve been fortunate to provide for the residents of Wichita and particularly District 3. I should not have attended the meeting that has become widely discussed and frequently misunderstood. When publicly questioned about that person’s potential involvement, I did not lie and instead stated I had no knowledge if he did. I never, at any level, had any involvement in the scripting, directing, editing, or distribution of the television ad in question. Nor did I even know of its existence until after it was produced. I look forward to honorably completing my term in office as the City Councilmember representing District 3. I anxiously look forward to being able to fully, completely discuss this matter and my involvement in it as it works through the legal process.”
The person Clendenin refers to in the statement is Sedgwick County Republican Party chairman Dalton Glasscock. The audio recording appears to be a discussion on blaming Glasscock for the false attack ad.
