The chairman of the New Hampshire Republican Party is defending his performance as several prominent Republicans urge him to step down.

State GOP chair Jack Kimball, a self-proclaimed “Tea Partier,” said in a recent press statement that he has made strides to defend New Hampshire’s first-in-the-nation primary, bring new blood to the organization, and provide a “bridge between the past and the future of the Republican Party.” 

Kimball’s comments came in response to an effort from top Republicans to remove him from the post. A statement released on Aug. 25 urges Kimball to “put the best interests of New Hampshire Republicans first and step aside as chairman of the party.” The statement was issued by U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte, U.S. Reps. Frank Guinta and Charlie Bass, state Senate President Peter Bradgon, state House Speaker William O’Brien, and Republican National Committee members Phyllis Woods and Steve Duprey.  

The NH GOP Executive Board is meeting on Thursday, Sept. 1, at which time they are expected to vote on whether or not to remove Kimball.

Many Republicans have been critical of Kimball’s performance, citing recent Democratic victories in special elections around the state, weak fundraising efforts, and the recent firing of state GOP executive director Will Wrobleski.

Kimball denied allegations that he has been a poor fundraiser, saying the party raised more than $191,000 in federal receipts in the first half of 2011. He said the party’s biggest fundraising event of the year is scheduled for September with Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell.

He said recent Republican losses in special elections were “unfortunate” but “to be expected,” since the party has super-majorities in both chambers of government and therefore has less incentive to win.

Kimball also addressed reports that he signed a petition to include the Libertarian Party on the next state ballot. He admitted to signing the petition but said it was a “momentary mistake” that he corrected immediately.

He also addressed rumors that House Speaker O’Brien met with him and told him the Republican Governors’ Association was prepared to donate $100,000 to the state party, and that the federal delegation would provide additional funds, but only if Kimball resigns. He confirmed the meeting but said he was not swayed.

“I won’t stand for that kind of deal-making—neither will the voters—and they deserve to know the truth,” he said.

Kimball took over as chair of the state GOP in January after former chair John H. Sununu resigned from the post. He described himself as “the first Tea Partier to be elected chairman of the Republican Party in the nation” and said he has been working to unite young Tea Party Republicans and established party members. 

“I have pledged to unify and be the bridge between the long-time Republicans and the newer liberty-minded Republicans,” he said. “Growing pains and conflict are bound to occur. But it is a shame to see the false accusations and the infighting on such a spectacular scale.”

The statement calling for Kimball to step down says Republicans respect and appreciate his efforts. “But to ensure that all of the party’s energy and resources are solely focused on electing Republicans, we believe it is time to move beyond this serious distraction,” the statement reads.

But Kimball indicated he has no indication of stepping down, and he begged Republicans not to vote him out of office.

“Those who seek to remove me from my duly elected position must recognize that I represent a movement—a political moment—much larger than myself,” he said. “I plead with them not to pick this fight. It will only damage the party and cause unnecessary division.”