Currents News Staff
Protesters gather outside Virginia’s Capitol as the governor huddles inside with staff.
Ralph Northam is trying to figure out how to move away from this racist photo. It appeared on his page from his 1984 medical school yearbook.
Initially, the governor said he was in the photo.
“I accept responsibility for my past actions,” said Gov. Ralph Northam.
And 24 hours later, Northam changed his tune.
“I’m telling the truth today. That was not my picture,” he said.
Almost instantly, members of both parties called for his resignation.
“The governor has lost the confidence of the people and cannot effectively govern,” said Kirk Cox, the Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates.
“We don’t think there is place for this in the 21st century,” Rep. Jamie Raskin, a democrat from Maryland.
“I believe him to be a good person, however I think for the betterment of our commonwealth of Virginia, he has to step down and step aside,” said Wes Bellamy, a friend of Gov. Northam.
According to Virginia’s constitution, a governor can be removed from office, but it’s not easy.
“And obviously on impeachment, that’s a very high standard. And so that’s why I think we’ve called for resignation. We hope that’s what the governor does. I think that would obviously be less pain for everyone,” said Cox.
As the governor asks for time, and space, to make his decision, he remains in power but with little support.
“I believe the Governor’s has to make a decision that’s in the best interest of the Commonwealth of Virginia,” said Justin Fairfax, the Lt. Governor of Virginia.