ICYMI: In a recent interview with The News-Gazette, Republican candidate for County Clerk Terrence Stuber was asked whether or not Trump won the 2020 election:
2020 did a number on everyone’s faith in the election process, no matter what side of the aisle you’re on. If there are questions like that, something’s wrong,” he said.
But when asked if those questions are valid, Stuber said, “Who knows? Right now, we’re only hearing one side of the story.”
And when asked if Donald Trump won the 2020 presidential election, Stuber hedged and said only, “I don’t know if he truly was the winner or not, but I do think it is definitely the time to move past it.
His opponent, current County Clerk Aaron Ammons, responded soon after:
This is a terrifying and damaging statement from someone who wants to serve as the foremost Election Authority from Champaign County…
At best Mr. Stuber is avoiding directly answering the question because he doesn’t want to upset the 70% of Republicans that believe Trump won. At worst he’s avoiding directly answering the question because he genuinely buys into the Big Lie. Either way, this is a disqualifying answer. Whether it’s cowardice or ignorance, Mr. Stuber has failed a very early and very basic test.
Don’t get me wrong, I can understand why Mr. Stuber might want to “move past” this issue, but as long as candidates like him fail to clearly answer this question, we can’t meaningfully do that. Until conservative politicians summon the courage to face facts and tell their voters uncomfortable truths, we will continue to be plagued by the delusional paranoia of those who believe the election was stolen.
Top photo from Terrence Stuber for Champaign County Clerk Facebook page.