* Background is here if you need it. Isabel reached out to both Cook County party and state party organizations, legislative leaders in both parties, all the major gubernatorial and US Senate candidates, etc. for comment on our Ed Lapinski Holocaust denialism story. Lapinski is an Illinois House candidate, a Cook County Republican township committeeperson and sits on the county party’s executive committee.

Her first requests for comment were sent at about 9:30 this morning.

* As the headline says, just one Republican organization/candidate has responded so far. From the House Republican Organization…

“This is deeply disturbing. HRO had no role in Ed Lapinski’s recruitment, we do not support him, and we think he should resign.”

…Adding… Senate Republican Leader John Curran…

“People who try to rewrite history and deny one of the most horrific events in the past century have no place running or serving in public office.”

…Adding… ILGOP Spokesperson…

“The Illinois Republican Party unequivocally condemns Ed Lapinski’s offensive and unacceptable comments regarding the Holocaust. The ILGOP was not involved in his recruitment for House District 56. Holocaust deniers and those who trivialize its atrocities have no place in elected office.” 

…Adding… From Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey’s campaign manager, Jose Durbin…

There is no place in the Republican party for Holocaust deniers. These comments are disqualifying for public office. We need to hold ourselves to a higher standars. We need to be a party of ideas and real solutions to the problems facing working families. That is what our campaign is focused on every day.

* Jacob Kaplan, Executive Director of the Cook County Democratic Party…

“Holocaust denialism is an antisemitic conspiracy theory that should have no place in the political arena. The fact that this denialism is espoused by Mr. Lapinski as a Republican candidate for office and leader in the Cook County Republican Party is extremely troubling but unfortunately not surprising. When President Trump dined with noted holocaust denier and antisemite Nick Fuentes, he sent a message that these sort of views are acceptable and tolerated within his party. We hope Mr. Lapinski is removed from his leadership roles by his fellow Republicans, but we won’t hold our breath waiting for action.”

* Gov. JB Pritzker’s campaign spokesperson Alex Gough…

“Spreading dangerous lies that fuel antisemitism and bigotry has become increasingly commonplace in Republican politics. It’s disgusting and it should be completely condemned. Hate has no place in Illinois and extreme enablers like Ed Lapinski and Mary Miller have no place serving in elected office. It’s my sincere hope that IPI can one day learn to do their homework.”

* US Senate Candidate Raja Krishnamoorthi…

“At a time when antisemitism is on the rise across our country, it is more important than ever to reject and denounce Holocaust denialism, including the rhetoric exhibited by Mr. Lapinski. We must never forget. These abhorrent beliefs have no place in government, no place in Illinois, and no place in America.”

* US Senate Candidate Juliana Stratton…

“Holocaust denial is a dangerous conspiracy that has no place in Illinois or anywhere else. 6 million Jews and countless others were murdered by the Nazi regime, and for anyone to suggest otherwise must be condemned in the strongest terms by all of us, regardless of political party. It is an insidious and threatening pattern — Lapinski should drop out of the race and the Illinois GOP must disavow him.”

* Senate President Don Harmon’s spokesperson Tom Bowen…

People who deny the Holocaust shouldn’t run for office.

…Adding… Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Lisa Hernandez

“It’s shameful and dangerous that time and time again, the Republican Party cozies up to antisemitism and hate. It’s embarrassing that they can’t even bother to vet their own candidates. Not being a bigot should be the baseline for a public official.”

…Adding… Rep. Michelle Mussman, who is running against Lapinski…

I’ve never relished the often salacious side of politics that can be eager to disparage someone else’s character. But spreading misinformation about a time in our history that has touched the lives of millions, and continues to serve as a warning of where hateful and dehumanizing rhetoric leads, is wrong and should rightly be called out. The crimes of the Holocaust were real, appalling, and still frighteningly relevant and Ed Lapinski’s statements cross a line that is concerning.

We’ll update if we see more come in.