Missouri GOP chair defends himself against calls to resign

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- The chairman of the Missouri Republican Party mounted a public defense of his reputation Thursday as several state lawmakers called for his resignation over his alleged involvement in an anti-Semitic whispering campaign against the deceased state auditor.

GOP Chairman John Hancock said he is not resigning and has been the target of "malicious rumors" from people who believe he was telling Republican donors that former Auditor Tom Schweich, also a Republican, was Jewish.

Schweich fatally shot himself Feb. 26, a month after declaring his candidacy for governor and minutes after telling reporters he was ready to go public with allegations that Hancock had made anti-Semitic comments about him. Schweich was a Christian.

Schweich's death has roiled Missouri politics, highlighting the intense divisions among Republicans as they head into an important 2016 election in which they will be defending a U.S. Senate seat and seeking to recapture the governor's office from Democrats.

Former Republican U.S. Sen. John Danforth, an elder statesman and political mentor to Schweich, used his friend's funeral eulogy earlier this month to suggest Schweich had been driven to suicide by political bullying and angst over the perceived anti-Semitic comments.

On Thursday, five Republican lawmakers called for Hancock to resign.

"If we don't try to make a change in direction, this will haunt us in the August 2016 (primary) elections and the November 2016 elections," said state Sen. David Pearce, of Warrensburg. "Our party is at a crossroads. We need a change at the top, and that's why we're asking John Hancock to resign as our chairman."

Pearce was joined by state Sens. Mike Parson, of Bolivar, and Gary Romine, of Farmington, and state Reps. Bill White, of Joplin, and Jim Neely, of Cameron.

Hancock, meanwhile, released a list of nearly two dozen people -- headed by former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft and U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner-- vouching for his character and integrity.

"There was no whisper campaign; there is no anti-Semitism in me; I did not do any of the things that had been alleged of me," Hancock told The Associated Press. "My reputation has been damaged greatly in this process, and I want my reputation back."


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EARLIER COVERAGE

Missouri Republican Party Chairman John Hancock was a guest on KMOX radio, speaking for the first time regarding allegations that he made remarks contributing to the apparent suicide of State Auditor Tom Schweich.

His statement is as follows:

"I'd like to start by saying that my heart aches for the Schweich family. Suicide is a tragedy that touches far too many families and there is no greater pain a family can experience than coping with the aftermath of such an unspeakable event.

My relationship with Auditor Schweich began in 2010 when he successfully campaigned to become Missouri's State Auditor. Though I did not work on that campaign, I was impressed with how a first-time candidate managed to win a statewide election. It is a rare occurrence in Missouri.

Over the ensuing years, Tom and I had a number of interactions, some positive and others less so.

On November 14th of last year, I received a phone call from Senator Jack Danforth, who described to me some very troubling allegations of anti-Semitism he had heard about me from Auditor Schweich. Tom Schweich believed, according to Senator Danforth, that I had been meeting with donors on behalf of Catherine Hanaway and telling them that Tom was Jewish, when in fact, Senator Danforth explained, Tom was Episcopalian. I informed Senator Danforth that I mistakenly had believed Tom was Jewish, but could not remember a single instance of relaying that to anyone in particular, and I strongly denied having done so with any malicious intent, as such a thing is not consistent with my character. I assured him that I would not make such a mistake in the future. I also pointed out that I have never met with any donor on behalf of Catherine Hanaway, but that my firm had done some work unrelated to Tom Schweich for her campaign early last year. I assured the Senator that, as party chairman, neither I nor the party would take sides in the governor's primary.

The Senator and I spoke for several more minutes and I explained to him my history as public figure, noting that I had been an elected State Representative, a two-time candidate for Secretary of State, served as the executive director of the state party, and have been an active volunteer in my community. I told him that no one over that 25-year career had ever charged me with being a bigot and that I find bigotry to be one of the most detestable character traits that could be assigned to any human being. The Senator told me he believed me and suggested that Tom and I speak directly. I agreed.

Tom called later on November 14th and we discussed his concerns. I explained to Tom that it was possible I may have mentioned in passing to someone that he was Jewish, but had no specific recollection of ever having done so. I apologized to Tom for my mistaken notion that he was Jewish and told him I would not make that mistake again. He seemed most upset that I had done some work for Catherine Hanaway in the governor's race. As I had done with Senator Danforth, I explained to Tom that, if I were to become chairman of the Missouri Republican Party, neither I nor the party would take sides in his primary. It was my belief that Tom and I had cleared the air.

That evening, I sent a heartfelt email to Senator Danforth that explains my extreme sorrow that anyone would consider me a bigot. Senator Danforth responded to that email the next day, saying "I trust you." In late January, I sent Sen. Danforth a second email which contained an audio clip of me praising Tom Schweich right here on KMOX. I reassured him that, if elected chairman, I would remain neutral in the governor's race. He responded saying he appreciated my "sense of balance." These emails led me to believe that Senator Danforth did not question my character or motives as it related to the baseless charges leveled against me. I am releasing these emails publicly today. Because of these past interactions directly with Senator Danforth, my sense of hurt and confusion over his homily last week is profound. I am left to wonder if he believed me November and January, what could have possibly changed? I recently reached out to Senator Danforth asking to speak directly to him but have not heard back, thus I am left bewildered by the Senator's public remarks.

After my November conversation with Auditor Schweich, I started my campaign to become chairman of the Missouri Republican Party. Over the next three months, some of those close to Tom, including his Chief of Staff Trish Vincent, spread rumors that I was anti-Semitic, had made anti-Semitic comments, that affidavits had been prepared and that "when the truth came out," my career would be ruined. The rumors never contained any specific details or statements that were supposed to have been made. Yesterday, Mrs. Vincent came forward with new allegations about an acknowledgment she claims I made to her in December, but sadly, she misrepresented our conversation.

By the time of the election for chairman, I had confronted these rumors with several members of the Republican State Committee. In the end, I won the election with 50 of 68 votes on February 21. Though I had hoped the ordeal of the rumors was finally over, within days I learned of a planned news conference in the State Auditor's office to "expose" this issue. I learned the evening before what the specific charges were and I knew they were untrue and I knew I could prove so. My wife, Georgann, and I drove to Jefferson City in order to be present at the news conference and - once and for all - to dispel the untruths that had been spread about me. That news conference never occurred. Just two days later, Tom Schweich tragically took his life.

In the two weeks since the tragedy, many facts have come to the surface. Among them is an acknowledgement to reporters by senior advisors to Auditor Schweich that there never was any evidence of a "whisper campaign" because such a campaign never existed. Friends who have known me for decades have come forward to speak to my character, and I am overwhelmed with gratitude for those who have taken up this cause over the past two weeks when, out of respect and appropriateness, I had decided to remain silent.

There are lessons to be learned in this situation that others have learned in other times and other circumstances. Never rush to judgment. Emotional decisions in emotional situations are often wrong. Deal in facts, not speculation, and certainly not unsubstantiated rumors. In the end, the truth almost always comes out eventually.

The lessons I've learned from this experience are also profound. Appreciate your true friends. Trust in a just and merciful Creator. Tell the truth. Trust in the general fairness, decency and common sense of most people.

In the end, I agree with Jack Danforth. Anti-Semitism and bigotry have no place in the Republican Party. They have no place on this planet. And I am grateful for the many who have defended me against false charges just as vigorously as Senator Danforth once defended a friend who was nominated for the United States Supreme Court.

Now, I hope to put this tragic time behind us. It is clear there was no whisper campaign, and it is time to move on. I intend to continue working to unify our party during this critical time in our nation's history."

FOLLOWING HANCOCK'S INTERVIEW, REPUBLICAN LEADERS ANNOUNCED THEIR SUPPORT FOR HANCOCK

Missouri leaders support Chairman John Hancock

JEFFERSON CITY-This morning on KMOX, Missouri Republican Party Chairman John Hancock gave his account of the events leading up to Auditor Tom Schweich's tragic death two weeks ago. A transcript of Hancock's remarks is available at www.missouri.gop.

Missouri political leaders, including former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft, Congresswoman Ann Wagner, Senate Majority Floor Leader Ron Richard, Former Missouri House Speaker Tim Jones, St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann, former St. Louis County Executive Gene McNary, and more than a dozen other party officials and activists, released statements supporting the character and integrity of Chairman Hancock.

The statements of support:

Former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft: "For multiple decades, I have known John Hancock to be a person of compete integrity, welcoming the broadest spectrum of citizens to full participation in politics and government."

Congresswoman Ann Wagner: "I have known John Hancock for nearly 25 years. I have worked alongside John on hundreds of campaigns. And he has worked for hundreds of different candidates of every walk of life and faith tradition. He is a good and decent man and any accusations to the contrary are false."

Ron Richard, Senate Majority Floor Leader: "There is nothing more tragic then what has happened in the past few days. With tragedy blame always follows. The Action we take and the decisions we make in the weeks and months to come will have consequences far into the future. I have known John Hancock for over 20 years. In that time I have never heard an unkind or disparaging comment about anyone. He is my friend and remains my friend."

Tim Jones, Former Speaker of the Missouri House: "John Hancock is a dedicated public servant, an industrious businessman and a devoted husband and father who has served our state in many ways over many decades. He was overwhelmingly chosen to serve the Missouri Republican Party as its next Chairman and at this time, no substantive reasons have been brought to light that should have any effect on John's continued service in that position. While we mourn the tragic passing of Auditor Schweich, who zealously and brilliantly served our state, let us not fall victim to or give any credence to the manufactured, uncorroborated rantings of a small band of mercenary editorial board writers who are shamefully disgracing Tom Schweich's memory by making ludicrous accusations and wildly casting about blame relating to Tom's death without any meaningful facts or proof as to the true source or reasons for this incredibly untimely loss."

Steve Ehlmann, St Charles County Executive: "Recently, we lost an incredibly talented and dedicated public servant. But it would be irresponsible to assign blame over this senseless tragedy. I've known John Hancock since he was elected to the State House, and I know that he would never impose a religious test for elected office. Now, it's time to move our party forward, and I believe John is the best man to lead."

Gene McNary, Former St. Louis County Executive: "We cannot ascribe logical reasons to an irrational act. I know John as a decent and honorable man, and I am pleased to continue standing with him."

David Cole, Former Missouri GOP Chairman: "I have had the pleasure of knowing John Hancock for over 20 years. I have known John in his many capacities, including candidate, Executive Director of MRP, fundraiser, consultant, but most importantly as my friend. I have always found him to be a quality individual. He is caring, open and accepting of all people."

Woody Cozad, Former Missouri GOP Chairman: "I've been privileged to know and work with John Hancock for twenty years. He is a gentleman, a man of integrity, and a blessing to the Republican Party. Anyone who desires his resignation from the MRP chairmanship is either a victim of bad information or else has no interest in the future of our Party."

Susie Eckelkamp, GOP National Committeewoman: "I have had the pleasure of knowing John for the past 30 years, during which time I have witnessed a man of great character and integrity. John has always exhibited true leadership and honor at a personal, professional and political level. These qualities are exactly what our party and our state needs at this critical time."

Lance Beshore, GOP National Committeeman: "We cannot allow the enemies of the Republican Party to use this tragedy to divide us. I have known John Hancock for many years, and I fully support his continued leadership of this party."

Valinda Freed, Missouri GOP Vice Chair: "As we move forward as a unified party, there has never been a more capable leader than John Hancock. I hope our party will speak with one voice as we support him in the important work of leading the Republican Party."

Pat Thomas, Missouri GOP Secretary: "I fully support the committee election of John Hancock, whom I've known for almost two decades. Our Missouri Republican Party can come together under his leadership and fight for a government accountable to the citizens of Missouri."

Dick Peerson, Missouri GOP Treasurer: "I've known John Hancock for 34 years. He is a man of great character and integrity, and I am disgusted by those who are dragging his name though the mud. I was proud to have supported his election as Chairman, and I continue to believe that he is the right person for the job."

Tony Feather, Former Missouri GOP Executive Director: "I have known John Hancock for 25 years. He has never expressed even the slightest hint of prejudice or bigotry. He is a man of great character and will be a good leader for our Party."

Lloyd Smith, Former Missouri GOP Executive Director: "Now is a time to put aside politics and come together. Making hasty decisions will not help anyone. After working with John Hancock for 20 years, I believe he provides the steady leadership that we need."

Jonathon Prouty, Missouri GOP Executive Director: "I have known John Hancock for many years, and I consider him to be a friend. He is a good man with a good heart, and I am saddened by those who are attempting to use this tragedy to pursue their own political agendas."

Harvey Tettlebaum, Partner, Husch Blackwell LLP: "I have known John Hancock for over 20 years. I first met him when he was a state legislator representing a heavily Jewish district in St. Louis County. I worked with him when he was executive director of the Missouri Republican Party. I continued to have contact with him after he left the State Republican Party and struck out on his own opening a political consulting business. I know his wife and family. Never in all these years have I ever known John Hancock to utter even by way of a joke or otherwise an anti-Semitic remark or any statement which could even be construed as anti-Semitic or derogatory of Jews. On the contrary, he has always conducted himself respectful of both his religion the faith of others."

Stan Herzog, Chairman & CEO of Herzog Companies Inc: "I have known John Hancock both in a professional and personal capacity for over 23 years. During that time we have become good friends and I have formed a very solid opinion of his character and the kind of person he is. Relating to recent allegations that John made remarks using religion or ethnicity to damage the career of another dear friend of mine, I do not believe it and without proof of his intention to do so I will continue to believe as I do. He will remain my friend and look forward to his continuing service as the Chairman of the Missouri GOP."

Tim Person, Jr., Principle at Tim Person & Associates: "Like all Missourians, I am deeply saddened by the loss of the former Missouri State Auditor Tom Schweich. He was a committed public servant, a good person and a great family man and he will surely be missed by all. I am also extremely bothered by the feeding frenzy of the media and others to rush to judgment and assign blame because of an unfortunate choice that has left us all dumbfounded and looking for answers. We cannot allow the drive for either political gain or media rating points to alter our party's course of action or denigrated our leadership. I find it unbelievable that without any real basis, people have pointed fingers and engaged in whisper campaigns. I have only known John Hancock to be a great party leader and principled person with a huge heart. He is not a malicious, mean spirited, win at any cost leader. As an African American, I have watched John successful reach out and work with persons from my community to expand the party's interest by building relationships. John is good for our Party and should lead us to a victorious 2016."

Jon Seaton, Managing Partner of East Meridian Strategies: "I am disgusted that ugly, unsubstantiated allegations of anti-Semitism are being hurled at a good and decent man like John Hancock. In the years that I have known John, he has shown nothing but respect for my Jewish faith, and for all faiths. As a person of deep religious belief himself, I know that John would find it sickening to use one's faith as a campaign tool. I'm proud to stand up to defend my friend, John Hancock."

Jay Kanzler, Partner, Witzel Kanzler: "Tom Schweich's death is tragic. As his former law partner and former candidate for State Auditor, I understand well some of what he was going through. Of course, no one can ever know what drives a person to end his life. But he was a good and decent and honorable man, and he will be missed greatly. I also know John Hancock to be a man of integrity and character, and I consider him also to be a friend. The allegations being made about John are contrary to everything I know about him. As a man of faith, for me it is possible to both grieve for Tom and believe in John."

Michael Kelley, Co-Host of KMOX's Hancock & Kelley: "I've known John Hancock for more than a decade, and I consider him to be one of my closest personal friends. While he and I disagree on many political issues, I have never doubted his integrity or had any reason to believe that he harbors any prejudice."