Saratoga County, N.Y. – The Saratoga County Republican Committee announced Thursday that its chair, Joe Suhrada, will step down effective 6 p.m. that day. The decision follows a Times Union investigation that linked Suhrada to a recording in which he repeated dialogue from the 1994 film Cobb, a scene that includes language widely regarded as racist and homophobic.

Context of the recording

According to the newspaper, the audio was captured by Assembly candidate Allen Caruso, who released it amid his own campaign for the state legislature. Suhrada contended that the clip was taken out of context and that the language was part of a quotation from the movie, not a personal statement.

“It is telling that for months, while he held onto this recording, Mr. Caruso continued to ask me and the county party for money and support,” Suhrada said in a Facebook post. “Only now, for his own political purposes, he releases it, in conjunction with a consultant that was on the receiving end of our party largesse before my tenure.”

Suhrada’s apology

In a written statement, Suhrada expressed regret for any hurt caused by the words, emphasizing that he never intended to direct such language at any individual, publicly or privately. “If anyone is hurt by the words in that film and my recitation of the script and screenplay, then I am sorry,” he wrote.

He also noted that the character portrayed by Tommy Lee Jones in Cobb is historically known for racist attitudes, and that his citation was meant to reference the film’s narrative, not to endorse those views.

Reactions from the local GOP

The Saratoga County Republican Committee posted the resignation notice on its official Facebook page, stating that the transition would be handled smoothly to maintain party operations. No immediate replacement has been named.

Local party members expressed a mix of disappointment and support for the decision, emphasizing the importance of unity and the need to focus on upcoming elections.

Caruso’s response

CBS6 reached out to Assembly candidate Allen Caruso for comment. At the time of publication, a response had not been received.

What’s next for the county party?

The resignation triggers a vacancy that the Saratoga County Republican Committee must fill according to its bylaws. Party officials indicated that an interim chair will be appointed while a formal selection process is organized.

Stakeholders hope the episode will serve as a reminder of the high standards of conduct expected from public officials and party leaders, especially in a politically charged environment.

Original reporting: CBS 6 WRGB Albany (local) — read the source article.