COLUMBUS, Ohio — A state group of Republicans is calling out a dubious Twitter page for being racist.
Sally Culling, a candidate running for the Ohio House, is under scrutiny after accepting and promoting an endorsement from the “Ohio Conservatives PAC,” Twitter and Facebook page led by Joe Gergely from his basement in Alexandria, Ohio. The endorsement took a controversial turn when the wannabe-PAC, through Gergely, posted a racist message on social media targeting U.S. Naval Officer and current State Representative Haraz N. Ghanbari.
The Ohio House Republican Alliance (OHRA) is now urging Culling to distance herself from Joe Gergely and the so-called Ohio Conservatives PAC, condemning their use of racist language and calling for a renouncement of their endorsement. Culling, who holds dual citizenship, is facing criticism for aligning with an organization that promotes such divisive rhetoric, labeled as “uncalled for” and “gutter politics.”
Ghanbari’s background, born in the United States, with over two decades of military service as both an enlisted Army soldier and a current Naval officer, has been highlighted by the OHRA. He was elected to Perrysburg City Council by voters, chosen twice by Wood County Voters as State Representative, and holds the distinction of being the youngest person ever inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame.
The OHRA says the need for Culling to exhibit strength by denouncing the endorsement from what they describe as a “made-up organization.” The controversy raises questions about the vetting process for endorsements and the responsibility of candidates in addressing divisive rhetoric associated with supporting groups.
The “PAC” has come under fire recently, as well, for meddling in the Second Congressional Race of Ohio, where Gergley released a fake poll in the race. The poll was cited as “an internal poll” and showed carpetbagger Kim Georgeton polling at number three in the race, with nearly 7%. The poll lacked a margin of error, cited demographics, questions, or parameters, causing many to call the poll fake, much like the “PAC.”
Georgeton was the group’s most frequent donor, according to finance filings on record with the Secretary of State, making numerous donations at $52 each. It’s worth noting that Georgeton is not considered a serious candidate in the OH-2 race and resides outside of district. Her place in the poll had many questioning the legitimacy of the numbers.
Congressional candidate Derek Myers called out the poll on social media for appearing to be fabricated, which led Gergley to unleash a disjointed tirade against the conservative Republican.