Jim Allen, Montgomery, Illinois' Republican Party chairman, had already apologized for a sexist and racially charged attack on congressional candidate Erika Harold made public Wednesday. But a day after the rant,  Republican National Committee chairman Reince Priebus issued a call for Allen's resignation, which he obliged.

It all began with an email Allen sent to Doug Ibendahl, editor-in-chief of Republican News Watch. He called the Harvard-educated attorney a "love child" of the Democratic Party and compared her to a "street walker" whose "pimps" are the Democratic Party and RINOS, a term used to describe Republicans in name only.  

Allen, who is a supporter of Rep. Rodney Davis, the Republican freshman Harold is challenging in a GOP primary, also suggested that when the election is over, she'll be "working for some law firm that needs to meet their quota for minority hires."

The former party leader's comments are the antithesis of the image the RNC is trying to portray. Since losing the presidential election last year, the party has been trying to rebrand itself to become more appealing to African-Americans and other minorities.

“The astonishingly offensive views expressed by Chairman Allen have absolutely no place among the leaders of our party at any level," Priebus said in a statement. "His behavior is inexcusable and must not be tolerated. He should apologize to Erika Harold and resign immediately."

BET Politics - Your source for the latest news, photos and videos illuminating key issues and personalities in African-American political life, plus commentary from some of our liveliest voices. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter. 

Get ready for the BET Experience, featuring Beyoncé, Snoop Dogg, R. Kelly, Erykah Badu, Kendrick Lamar and many more. Go here for more details and info on how to buy tickets. Register now to attend free film screenings, celebrity basketball games and more.

(Photo: Courtesy of Erika Harold for Congress)