ST. PAUL, Minn. — Former pro-basketball player Royce White should quit his campaign for the U.S. Senate, said the state Republican Party chair. Alex Plechash issued his call to White after a judge issued a restraining order for allegations of wife-beating and other family abuses. White, age 35, is seeking the GOP nomination to succeed Tina Smith, a Democrat, who is retiring from the Senate. Said Plechash:
“Mr. White should immediately suspend his campaign, address the personal and legal matters before him, and stop putting Republican voters and activists in the position of defending the indefensible.”
Plechash noted that the party can’t force anyone out of races. But, he added, candidates “must demonstrate sound judgment, behavioral discipline, and respect for the law.”
Tina Smith Senate seat
Among leaders seeking their party nomination for one of two U.S. Senate seats from Minnesota:
Democrats
> Angie Craig, currently representing MN-2 n U.S. House.
> Peggy Flanagan, currently the state’s lieutenant governor.
Republicans
> Adam Schwarze, former Navy SEAL.
> Michele Tafoya, sports broadcaster.
> Royce White, former NBA player.