Attorneys representing Kari Lake, a candidate running for the Arizona Senate, have made the decision to forfeit the defamation case filed against her. They have chosen not to contest the allegations that she defamed a state election worker following the 2022 election.
Last year, Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer (R) filed a lawsuit against Lake, accusing her of defaming him in his personal capacity. The defamation claims arose after Lake refused to concede her defeat in the 2022 Arizona gubernatorial election and made allegations of election fraud.
According to the lawsuit, Lake consistently and systematically made false statements about Richer’s conduct as recorder, resulting in harassment and numerous threats to his life. Richer further alleges that Lake baselessly accused him of stuffing ballot boxes with 300,000 invalid votes and intentionally creating confusion for voters through his position as recorder.
Last year, when the lawsuit was filed, Richer made a statement expressing the relentless harassment, intimidation, and threats that he and his family had endured for the past seven months. He emphasized that the defendants in the case had been spreading false information about him, his work, and the integrity of the elections.
In the court filing on Tuesday, there is no contestation of Richer’s claims. The filing also requests an expedited hearing to assess the amount of damages involved.
Richer presented the filing as an acknowledgment of wrongdoing.
In a recent post on X, formerly known as Twitter, he expressed his stance by stating, “I won’t defend and can’t defend.” He acknowledges that he will face consequences for his actions, but he also emphasizes the millions of people who were deceived by her lies.
According to the speaker, those who donated to support the cause and the individuals who ended up in jail due to their unwavering belief in Kari’s falsehoods will not receive the recognition they deserve.
Lake shrugged off the filing, dismissing it as a refusal to partake in what she deemed a “political witch hunt” and a “frivolous” lawsuit. She firmly denied any responsibility.
In a heartfelt video message, she expressed her frustration with the corrupt practices in Washington, D.C. According to her, the city thrives on blackmail and bribes, but since she cannot be blackmailed or bribed, they have resorted to a vindictive lawsuit aimed at crippling her financially. Despite the threats of losing everything she owns and potentially leaving her, her husband, and children homeless and destitute, she remains steadfast in her resolve. She asserts that nothing will deter her and her family from fighting for what they believe in.
“I will not be participating in this lawsuit,” she stated firmly. “Doing so would only validate this distortion of our legal system and give malicious individuals the opportunity to meddle in our forthcoming election.”
Lake is currently in a tough competition against Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) for the seat that is being vacated by Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I). Early polls show that Gallego holds a slight lead over Lake. This race is considered a crucial battleground for both parties in their ongoing battle for Senate control.
