Amid growing calls for Rep. George Santos (R-NY) to resign, the freshman congressman has reiterated his refusal to step down. The controversy arose when it was revealed that Santos misrepresented his work experience and education credentials during his campaign.
Lending weight to the call for Santos to resign is the Nassau GOP. The organization operates in Santos’ congressional district and is the first Republican group to call for Santos to resign.
Nassau County GOP Chairman Joe Cairo said in a statement: “George Santos campaign last year was a campaign of deceit, lies, and fabrication. He has no place on the Nassau County Republican committee, nor should he serve public service, nor as an elected official. He’s not welcome here at GOP HQ.”
Fox News Digital reached out to the embattled congressman on Wednesday morning. Initially, Santos said he had no comment but later told reporters on Capitol Hill that he “will not” resign. Santos tweeted this statement:
“I was elected to serve the people of #NY03, not the party & politicians, I remain committed to doing that and regret to hear that local officials refuse to work with my office to deliver results to keep our community safe and lower the cost of living. I will NOT resign!”
According to Fox News, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman “told the outlet he hopes Santos’ refusal to resign turns out to be ‘just another lie.'”
Blakeman added: “I have a member of the House of Representatives that represents roughly half of the county of Nassau that I can’t trust. And it’s untenable to deal with somebody that, you know, you know is not going to tell you the truth.
“So, from a governmental standpoint, that that’s a big problem,” Blakeman continued. “With respect to our residents, obviously, they’ve lost confidence in George Santos. And this is somebody that’s completely delusional. And quite frankly, needs help.”
Blakeman concluded: “Americans are very forgiving people, and a lot of people get a second chance, but he’s not going to get a second chance if he continues to sit in Congress and be a stain upon the House of Representatives.”
On Wednesday afternoon, the New York State Conservative Party joined Blakeman’s group in calling for Santos’ resignation, according to a statement from party chairman Gerard Kassar.
The Fox News report quoted Kassar as saying: “The New York State Conservative Party stands with Nassau County Republicans in calling on newly elected Rep. George Santos to resign.”
Kassar added: Mr. Santos’ profound use of mistruths as a candidate morally disqualifies him from serving in public office and exposes him to potential legal action.”
“It is my hope… that Mr. Santos will voluntarily tender his resignation out of respect for the public and the institution to which he was elected under false pretenses,” he continued.
Reporters swarmed the congressman as he walked down a corridor and prepared to enter an elevator on Wednesday morning. “Congressman, will you resign?” one shouted.
“I will not,” replied Santos.
Congressman, will you step down?” asked another.
“I will not,” repeated the congressman.
Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly warned:
“The numerous fabrications and inconsistencies associated with Congressman-elect Santos are nothing short of stunning. The residents of Nassau County and other parts of the third district must have an honest and accountable representative in Congress. No one is above the law and if a crime was committed in this county, we will prosecute it.”
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