After Ricky Jones rips 'nasty' Republicans, party seeks donations not debate

Lucas Aulbach
Courier Journal

Count the Jefferson County Republican Party among the many who had a strong opinion about Courier Journal contributing columnist Ricky Jones' latest piece.

The Louisville GOP sent a fundraising email Thursday linking to Jones' opinion column – headlined "Why I have contempt for racist, lying, nasty Republicans" – and asking readers to donate money or time to help Republican candidates ahead of election season.

"Don't let the Courier-Journal dampen our spirits," the email reads, in part. "Follow this link to read the latest attack on our Party and our values by far-left Ricky Jones. Let's support our candidates by donating and volunteering."

It continues with a request for readers to follow a link and donate $20.19 to the Jefferson County Republican Party to support reelection efforts for Gov. Matt Bevin, Sen. Mitch McConnell and President Donald Trump, and to "push back on Ricky Jones and his far-left distasteful hateful rhetoric."

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Jones railed against the Republican Party in his column, saying he has contempt for the GOP because he believes the party is working to weaken civil rights, repeal abortion laws and suppress minority voters, among a host of other reasons. He also challenged the Jefferson County GOP to discuss their differences publicly, saying he would "debate any 10 of you at once. That would make the exchange halfway fair."

Ricky Jones

When reached by the Courier Journal on Friday, Jones ripped the county GOP for not accepting his debate invitation due to their inability to defend "their ideas and madness," and for seeking to "rip citizens off for another $20.19."

"The GOP’s dispatch falls back on their usual empty, nativist tropes painting themselves as victims of some sinister force threatening their 'freedoms.' It’s yet another in a long line of repugnant lies," Jones continued. "Only the already indoctrinated or the ignorant will give their lamentations any weight.

"Again, they prove that they are all too willing to deceive anyone who will listen by painting false narratives of conservative persecution. Our city, state and country would be better off if Democrats were more muscular in calling these people out for who and what they are."

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Courier Journal Editor Rick Green said Jones, who is a freelance columnist and not a full-time staffer, has a view that is important to share with readers across Kentucky and Southern Indiana.

"Dr. Jones is one of two paid political columnists who share opinions with our readers. The other is Scott Jennings, a Republican consultant and a familiar face on CNN who lives in Louisville,” Green said. “I respect both of them and am appreciative of the content and opinions they share.

“This is an important time in our nation’s history, and now – more than ever – we need a wide spectrum of political commentary and conversation. Our vision for the Courier Journal’s Opinion section and the related content on courierjournal.com is to provide a forum where opinions are shared and the community weighs in. With this particular column by Dr. Jones, I believe we accomplished that goal.”

Jones serves as chair of Pan-African Studies at the University of Louisville and writes a biweekly opinion article for the Courier Journal. His column used in the Jefferson County GOP email was published online Wednesday at courierjournal.com.

Lucas Aulbach can be reached at laulbach@courier-journal.com, 502-582-4649 or on Twitter @LucasAulbachCJ. Support strong local journalism and subscribe: www.courier-journal.com/lucasa.