Just when we thought normalcy is returning to US politics, the Colorado GOP once again demonstrated that they are not dealing in reality. In a move that sounded alarm bells all across Colorado, Chairwoman Vickie Tonkins, the El Paso County GOP Chair seeking reelection this Saturday, signaled her support for the United American Defense Force, a right-wing militia. Chairwoman Tonkins intends to use the militia to provide security for this Saturday’s GOP meeting as Republican voters seek to elect party officials.
Not only does the move instill fear in the hearts of Coloradans everywhere, it also threatens employment prospects for law-abiding security personnel, and creates a publicity stunt for the United American Defense Force. It is imperative that we prevent right wing militias from further damaging our democracy. Just their very presence at rallies and town hall meetings heightens the chances of violence and sets a dangerous precedent for future GOP events.
The move by Tonkins left the CO GOP fractured and caused fierce debate within the GOP’s most heavily populated Republican county. Colorado reporters were swift in their repudiation of the move. Many are now left wondering - what will the CO GOP do next?
