Amid revelations regarding Bishop E.W. Jackson's personal finances and controversial statements as a minister, there has been talk among some Virginia Republicans of trying to convince him to resign as the GOP's nominee for lieutenant governor this fall.
But one former Republican office-holder who is not a Jackson enthusiast told Newsmax not to pay much attention to the talk of getting Jackson off the ticket.
"Why would he withdraw?" the GOP stalwart asked. "It would create a backlash against [Republican gubernatorial nominee Ken] Cuccinelli the way there was against George McGovern when Tom Eagleton was forced to leave as the vice presidential nominee. I don't think it will happen."
If Jackson resigned, the Republican state central committee would select the new nominee for November's election.
The 61-year-old preacher has allegedly had tax liens placed on his businesses for non-payment of taxes and other debts. He has also been accused of taking a personal loan from his campaign account.
Jackson, the second black Republican to be nominated for statewide office in Virginia history, is also under fire for statements he made as a minister, including denunciations of homosexuality and charging that Planned Parenthood did more harm to black people than the Ku Klux Klan. In his 2008 book "Ten Commandments to an Extraordinary Life," Jackson wrote that yoga can lead to Satanic possession.
Jackson has promised to answer all questions about his financial past and statements at a news conference but has not set a date.
John Gizzi is chief political columnist and White House correspondent for Newsmax.
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