Roby won’t attend GOP luncheon

Published 3:00 am Friday, October 14, 2016

U.S. Rep. Martha Roby was scheduled to speak to the Pike County Republican Women (PCRW) this month, but that changed shortly after Roby publicly withdrew her support from presidential nominee Donald Trump.

PCRW President Shirley Reddoch explained why the group decided to switch speakers.

“The Pike County Republican Women have always had a good relationship with Congressman Roby,” Reddoch said. “We’ve had a lot of negative comments about her coming out in opposition to Donald Trump and the potty mouth that he had.”

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Roby, R-Alabama, declared on Saturday that she would not vote for Trump, stating that his “behavior makes him unacceptable as a candidate for President.”

Her statement was made after videos surfaced in which Trump was recording making lewd comments about groping women during a 2005 interview. Roby was among numerous GOP officials and party leaders throughout the country who said they would not vote for Trump in the wake of the revelations.

“That was her opinion, but we felt it was in our best interest and in her best interest that she doesn’t come to speak,” Reddoch said. “Her opinion is hers, but we just wish she had kept silent.”

In her statement, Roby explained her position that the best thing for America and the GOP is for Trump to step down and allow a “responsible, respectable Republican to lead the ticket.”

Todd Stacy, communications direct for Roby, said Roby would support Vice Presidential candidate Mike Pence leading the ticket. Stacy explained that if Trump does not step down, Roby would write-in another Republican on the ballot.

“But her vote is her own, and she certainly isn’t trying to tell anyone else how to vote,” Stacy said.

The allegations against Trump have continued this week. In a New York Times article published on Wednesday, two women accused Trump of groping them. Trump denied the accusation and threatened the New York Times with a lawsuit.

In an interview with the Washington Post on Saturday, Trump said that he would not be stepping down from the race.

“I’d never withdraw. I’ve never withdrawn in my life,” Trump said. “No, I’m not quitting this race. I have tremendous support … Zero chance. I’ve never quit in my life. . . . I can give you my word that I’m never leaving.”

Perry Hooper, co-chair of Trump’s campaign in Alabama, will speak in Roby’s place at the event.

The meeting will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Julia’s restaurant at noon on October 26.