Kari Lake, a Republican Senate candidate from Arizona, is facing a lawsuit from Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer for defamation over election conspiracy theories. Richer, also a Republican, sued Lake for making false claims of election malfeasance that led to relentless threats against him and his family. Despite initially defending her statements, Lake has now decided to not further engage in the lawsuit and is asking a judge to determine any damages owed to Richer. Richer expressed relief that Lake and her allies have backed down, acknowledging the damage her lies have caused to his reputation and personal life.
Richer’s lawsuit against Lake is seen as a significant step in addressing her election claims, which have been debunked by the courts. Lake’s decision to distance herself from the defamation lawsuit may be an attempt to appeal to more moderate voters in her Senate campaign, following criticism of her inflammatory rhetoric on the 2020 election. Despite her campaign receiving backing from the Senate Republicans’ campaign arm, Lake still holds on to her election fraud claims, echoing former President Donald Trump’s sentiments about the issue.
In a video statement, Lake described the lawsuit against her as frivolous and a political witch hunt, aligning her situation with Trump’s legal troubles. She accused the Washington political establishment of trying to tie her up in legal battles to keep her off the campaign trail. Lake declared that she would not participate in the lawsuit, focusing instead on her Senate race. Last month, the state Supreme Court denied Lake’s attempt to delay the case, setting it on a path towards discovery and trial. Lake’s legal team maintains that requesting a default judgment hearing does not equate to admitting to the allegations in the lawsuit.
Despite the ongoing legal battle, Lake’s Senate campaign continues with the support of establishment Republicans. She aims to succeed retiring Sen. Kyrsten Sinema in a highly competitive contest. Lake’s advisers have advised her to tone down her rhetoric on the 2020 election to appeal to a broader electorate. The lawsuit with Richer marks a significant development in addressing the impact of false election claims on individuals and the broader political landscape in Arizona. Lake’s decision to distance herself from the defamation lawsuit may reflect a strategic shift in her campaign approach as she seeks to broaden her appeal and focus on the upcoming election.
