Group calls for Kansas Speaker to resign over Obama e-mail

January 16, 2012|by Rebecca White | KWCH 12 Eyewitness News

(WICHITA, Kan.) — A group says Kansas House Speaker Mike O’Neal needs to resign. Speak out Kansas is gathering signatures for a petition.

In an email, the Speaker cites Psalm 109, verse 8, which reads "Let his days be few and let another take his office."

However, critics point out verse 9 of that passage goes on to say "Let his children be fatherless and his wife a widow."

“I’m shocked by O’Neal’s statement,” said Speak Out Kansas Director Monty Shaw. I truly can’t fathom this is the belief of one of the most powerful elected officials in our state. By delivering such a divisive assertion, it appears Mr. O’Neal cares more about scoring political points than the health of our nation.”

O'Neal said the message was “political commentary” about the hope for a new administration.

"There is no truth to the suggestion that I'm hoping for the death of the president,” said O’Neal. “That would be an offensive thing for anyone to say."

There are specific guidelines groups must follow to qualify signatures as a legal petition. The county attorney, county clerk and county commission are all involved.

To put it on the ballot, petitioners must collect 40 percent of the votes cast in the last election for the official being recalled.

O'Neal has already apologized for forwarding a recent an e-mail calling the First Lady “Mrs. Yo Mama.”

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