Arizona GOP Jeff Dewitt Resigns After Recording Released of Alleged Bribery

Arizona Republican Party Chairman Jeff DeWit is resigning — one day after an audio recording was released of DeWit appearing to try to bribe fellow Republican Kari Lake out of politics.

DeWit, in a statement released by the Arizona Republican Party's communications director, said the recording was edited and out of context. 

"There are very powerful people who want to keep you out," DeWit said to Lake in the released audio. "They're willing to put their money where their mouth is, in a big way."

The recording was released Tuesday by DailyMail.com, a London-based news site.

DeWit claims the recording, which was from more than 10 months ago, was of a conversation had while Lake was employed by DeWit.

"Our relationship was based on friendship, and the conversation that is now being scrutinized was an open, unguarded exchange between friends in the living room of her house," DeWit said in his statement. "I genuinely believed I was offering a helpful perspective to someone I considered a friend."

DeWit said Wednesday morning, he was "determined to fight for his position," but received an "ultimatum" from Lake's team that made him reconsider.

"I received an ultimatum from Lake's team: resign today or face the release of a new, more damaging recording," DeWit wrote. "I am truly unsure of its contents, but considering our numerous past open conversations as friends, I have decided not to take the risk." Lakes team has denied DeWit’s allegations of threats.

Calls for Dewit’s resignation came from General Flynn and Senator Wendy Rogers.