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Kentucky GOP Asks Candidate to Drop Out After Racists Facebook Posts

Republican Party of Kentucky/Facebook

The Republican Party of Kentucky has asked a state House candidate to drop out of the race after he posted several photos on Facebook depicting President Barack Obama and the first lady as monkeys. 

Republican Party of Kentucky chairman Mac Brown and House Republican Floor Leader Jeff Hoover both signed the letter. It says while Dan Johnson has a First Amendment right to free speech, elected leaders "must hold ourselves and those with whom we serve to a higher standard."

Johnson did not immediately return messages seeking comment. Johnson said Friday the posts were satire and that he would not drop out of the race.

Republicans need to pick up four seats in November to win a majority in the Kentucky House of Representatives for the first time since 1920.

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