Kentucky candidate refuses to withdraw after posting pictures of Obama as an ape

FRANKFORT -- Dan Johnson, the Republican nominee for Kentucky House of Representatives in the 49th District, has defied the state party’s request to drop out of the race after he posted offensive images on Facebook.

The Republican Party of Kentucky sent Johnson a public letter asking him to withdraw from the race after Johnson came under fire for posting images depicting President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama as apes. He also posted several images that disparaged Muslims.

Johnson, who is running against Democratic incumbent Linda Belcher of Shepherdsville, said Tuesday he will remain in the race.

“Linda Belcher must be replaced in Frankfort by someone willing to take a sledgehammer to the status quo in Frankfort and I will be that person,” Johnson said in a written statement. “I appreciate all the support I’ve been given here in the district and look forward to being part of making Kentucky great again.”

Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/news/politics-government/article105953027.html