The 2nd District chairman of the Republican Party has resigned Wednesday, a day after he was quoted saying Hillary Rodham Clinton might "get shot" in Arkansas if she ran for president.
U.S. News reported this week that Johnny Rhoda made the statement after being asked about what support Clinton would get in Arkansas if she runs.
"She'd probably get shot at the state line," Rhoda was quoted as saying, adding later: "Nobody has any affection for her. The majority don't."
Republican Party Chairman Doyle Webb said in a statement that Rhoda resigned Wednesday from his post as 2nd District Republican chairman.
"He was apologetic for the statements he made to media yesterday and although he feels he was taken out of context, he knows that his statements have created an unnecessary distraction from the important issues before the State today," Webb said. "Johnny has been active in this Party for decades and all members of the Republican Party sincerely thank him for his service. I have accepted his resignation which is effective immediately.”
On Tuesday, Democratic lieutenant governor nominee John Burkhalter condemned Rhoda's statement and noted that his Republican opponent, U.S. Rep. Tim Griffin, in 2010 named Rhoda the Van Buren County chairman for Griffin's 2010 run for Congress.
In a statement Wednesday, Griffin responded that Rhoda has not been affiliated with his campaign for lieutenant governor. He also called Rhoda's remarks about Clinton "inappropriate" and "offensive."
"Mr. Rhoda's decision to resign from his position with the Arkansas Republican Party is the right one for him, the Party and Arkansas," Griffin said.