Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey pulls out of event, which will feature candidate Brett Simpson in a modified program that will center around discussions about election integrity

Clark County Republican Women (CCRW) received notification from Greg Kimsey that he is canceling his participation in the Clark County Auditor’s Candidate Debate slated for Friday (Sept. 9) in Vancouver. Candidate Brett Simpson has indicated he will honor his original commitment and he has confirmed his attendance to participate in a modified program. 

The Sept. 9 dinner forum will take place at Groove Nation, 3000 Columbia House Blvd., Vancouver, with doors opening to the public at 5:30 p.m. A revised format will center around discussions about election integrity with Simpson. 

“We had expectations that both candidates for Clark County auditor would attend this important event,” said Liz Pike, President of the Clark County Republican Women. “As the largest Republican Women’s organization in the state, our CCRW membership counts on us to provide educational candidate forums so that they can become informed for themselves. Our events also attract large numbers from the general public. Our members and guests think for themselves and appreciate the opportunity to meet candidates face to face and hear them discuss the issues that are important to voters.’’ 

Several weeks ago, CCRW received confirmation from both candidates running for Clark County auditor that they would participate in a robust debate-style format.

“Our Executive Board of the CCRW feels very strongly that this event must go on, with or without Mr. Kimsey. We look forward to hearing from candidate Simpson on a variety of topics including maintaining accurate voter rolls, transparency during ballot counting, vote by mail, security of red ballot drop boxes and general thoughts about restoring the public’s trust in our election system.” 

Kimsey explained his decision to Pike in a Friday (Sept. 2) post on the CCRW Facebook Page.

“As Clark County Auditor, I have been accessible and responsive to every person, or organization, interested in learning about the Auditor’s Office, including the elections administration process. I am proud of my record and the fact that I have appeared at hundreds of gatherings, large and small.

“My hope has alway been that my comments would be heard with an ‘open mind.’ Recently it has become apparent that the upcoming Clark County Republican Women’s ‘Auditor’s Debate’ between myself and my opponent would not afford me that courtesy.

“When I committed to participating in this event you as the moderator, and who also serves as the President of the Clark County Republican Women’s club, had not publicly endorsed either candidate. Since that time you have endorsed my opponent, creating an obvious bias. Of the other four board members of this organization at least three have publicly endorsed my opponent. Those endorsements undermine what a debate should be: an opportunity for the audience to hear the candidates in a neutral, unbiased setting.

“It appears this event would be nothing more than a campaign event for my opponent disguised as a ‘debate.’

“I look forward to participating in the League of Women’s Voters’ September 26 Candidate Forum.

“Anyone with questions or concerns regarding any aspect of the Clark County Auditor’s Office is encouraged to contact me. My email address is Greg@GregKimsey.com, my phone number is (360) 521-6685.”

Clark County Today will provide media coverage of Friday’s event. The public is invited to attend; cost is $25 per person and includes a box dinner provided by Ingallinas and complimentary beverage services. 

Online registration is available until midnight on Tuesday (Sept. 6) at https://clarkcountyrepublicanwomen.org/.

To purchase tickets, click on https://clarkcountyrepublicanwomen.org/events/.