See below for a statement by far-right, “Big Lie,” “Stop-the-Steal” conspiracy theorist and January 6 insurrectionist Sen. Amanda Chase regarding her former legislative aide in 2015/2016, Susan Beals, who Youngkin just named as VA Elections Commissioner.
According to Chase, she’s “deeply troubled and devastated” by this appointment; Beals was NOT one of Chase’s recommended candidates (and, in fact, “the Governor’s office did not reach out to me for a reference regarding her appointment“); and it’s a “huge disappointment” given that Beals “denied any election irregularities and did not support a resolution calling for a full forensic audit that was being presented by members of the committee” (Chase calls Beals’ position on this – which of course is 100% correct – “a travesty”). In sum, Chase says, “This appointment is a devastating blow to the grassroots movement in Virginia to seek a full forensic audit here in Virginia and I hope the Governor will reconsider this appointment.” Which is encouraging news, of course, for every Virginian who cares about our democracy and doesn’t buy into dangerous conspiracy theories about our elections.
I’m receiving a number of inquiries regarding Susan Beals, a former aide from 2015 through my first session in 2016, to the position of Commissioner to the State Board of Elections, asking my thoughts. Upon hearing the news I was deeply troubled and devastated.
As a state Senator representing Chesterfield, Colonial Heights and Amelia, Chairwoman of the National Election Integrity Caucus, the only legislator who has spearheaded grassroots election integrity efforts in Virginia and across the country, including introducing a bill calling for a full forensic audit, I made several recommendations to the Governor’s office as to my recommendation for key positions in the State Board of Elections. Those individuals were not selected. In fact, the Governor’s office did not reach out to me for a reference regarding her appointment.
While I congratulate Susan on her appointment, it’s a huge disappointment to those of us who have spent countless hours investigating the irregularities that occurred in the 2020 Presidential election.
At a recent Chesterfield GOP meeting, Susan denied any election irregularities and did not support a resolution calling for a full forensic audit that was being presented by members of the committee. This is a travesty and I do not support her position.
Hopefully her mind can be changed once she takes time to meet with those of us who have documentation on noted irregularities that occurred here in Virginia and that we presented to the Attorney General’s office several weeks ago.
This appointment is a devastating blow to the grassroots movement in Virginia to seek a full forensic audit here in Virginia and I hope the Governor will reconsider this appointment.
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