SPRINGFIELD — On Tuesday, the country marked six months since a violent mob of former President Donald Trump’s most extreme supporters breached and ransacked the U.S. Capitol in hopes of halting the certification of President Joe Biden’s Electoral College victory. The events of that day did not stop more than 100 Congressional Republicans from voting
SPRINGFIELD — On Tuesday, the country marked six months since a violent mob of former President Donald Trump’s most extreme supporters breached and ransacked the U.S. Capitol in hopes of halting the certification of President Joe Biden’s Electoral College victory.
The events of that day did not stop more than 100 Congressional Republicans from voting to object to the results in Arizona and Pennsylvania.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has apologized weeks after comparing the requirement of having to wear a mask on the House floor to rules that required Jews to wear gold stars during the Holocaust.The Georgia Republican’s rare apology came after those comments her remarks on a conservative podcast were condemned by lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.As House members returned to the Capitol Monday after a three-week break, Greene spoke to reporters in a news conference at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.”There is no comparison to the Holocaust,” she said. “There are words that I have said and remarks that I’ve made that I know are offensive. And for that I want to apologize.”Democratic Rep. Brad Schneider of Illinois said he would introduce a resolution in the house this week to censure Greene. And Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota is facing a censure introduced by Republicans yesterday. The Democrat recently tweeted, comparing the U.S. and Israel to Hamas and the Taliban. Her comments were criticized by top House Democrats and Jewish lawmakers. Omar said she didn’t mean to use the comparison and later clarified her comments.The resolution also wants to censure her three closest allies, Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ayanna Pressley and Rashida Tlaib.
Among them were Illinois Rep. Mary Miller, R-Oakland, and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Georgia.
Just a few weeks ago, the pair were also among 21 Republicans who voted against awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the officers who defended the Capitol against the rioters.
On Thursday, Greene will headline a fundraiser for Miller in Effingham.
The pair will appear together for “an evening with MTG” at the Thelma Keller Convention Center starting at 7 p.m.
Tickets start at $10 for those 21 and under and $25 for adults. Those who purchase a sponsorship (prices ranging between $500 and $5,800) are entitled to a picture with the two firebrand congresswomen.
“Mary, I cannot wait to come to your district…,” Greene says in a video with Miller promoting the event. “…and we are looking forward to seeing all of you there to tell you about our fight against the radical Democrats in Congress who are trying to do everything they can to shred our Constitution and tear our country apart.”
The event comes as Miller gears up for a likely reelection campaign in 2022. She was first elected last November, replacing longtime Rep. John Shimkus, who retired.
In this May 12 file photo, U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington.
What her district will look like is still a mystery as state legislative Democrats wait for U.S. Census data before doing the one-a-decade remap.
Greene, also a freshman, has quickly become a national lightening rod. She’s a fervent supporter of the former president and has in the past expressed support for QAnon, a far-right conspiracy theory.
Earlier this year, she compared COVID-19 mask mandates in the Capitol to the Holocaust. And just this week, Greene compared Biden vaccination policy to Nazi-era “brown shirts.”
Miller, of course, has also gotten in trouble for past comments invoking Adolf Hitler at a pro-Trump rally outside the Capitol in January.
“Hitler was right on one thing,” Miller said. “He said, ‘Whoever has the youth has the future.’”
This drew widespread condemnation, some calls for her to resign and — eventually — an apology.
In this context, the pair have much in common. Though Greene, who has been stripped of her committee assignments by the majority Democrats, is clearly the more national figure of the two.
Miller
Having her in the district, which stretches from the Wabash Valley in southeastern Illinois with tentacles into the Metro East, is probably a net positive for Miller as she seeks to shore up her conservative base ahead of a potential primary election next year.
She currently represents what is easily the most conservative district in the state of Illinois, with Trump carrying it in 2020 by a whooping 46-point margin over Biden. And according to the Cook Partisan Voting Index, there are only about two dozen more conservative House districts in the country.
And with the state losing a seat in the upcoming reapportionment, the district is likely to get even bigger and perhaps take in even more downstate, conservative areas.
In a district like that, someone like Greene is a top draw perhaps because of her fervent support of Trump and willingness to attack Democrats, regardless of the facts.
Miller knows her base. She’s made that abundantly clear with her voting record in Congress and in her statements. Greene’s visit is simply an extension of this.
IN THEIR WORDS: Midwest elected officials react to U.S. Capitol breach
Elected officials react to U.S. Capitol breach
Rioters loyal to President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday and forced lawmakers into hiding, in a stunning attempt to overturn America’s presidential election and keep Democrat Joe Biden from replacing Trump in the White House.
Here’s how elected officials in Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin reacted to the situation.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Democrat
“I’m disgusted watching the violence playing out inside and around the Capitol,” Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat, said in a social media post. “First and foremost, I pray for the safety of our first responders, elected officials, staff and the public.
“This violence is abhorrent and is nothing like what the founders envisioned for this nation. The peaceful transition of power is a bedrock of our democracy. It is sacred and must be protected.
“Donald Trump has incited a violent coup attempt. And his enablers share responsibility for this, pure and simple.”
Illinois U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, Republican of Channahon
As supporters of President Donald Trump breached the U.S. Capitol, Republican U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger tweeted: “This is a coup attempt.”
He then responded to a tweet by President Donald Trump, who said: “Mike Pence didn’t have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution, giving States a chance to certify a corrected set of facts, not the fraudulent or inaccurate ones which they were asked to previously certify. USA demands the truth!”
Kinzinger responded: “You are not protecting the country. Where is the DC guard? You are done and your legacy will be a disaster.”
Illinois U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, Republican of Peoria
“I have always fought for the right to peacefully protest, but there is a stark difference between protesting and rioting,” LaHood tweeted Tuesday afternoon. “Lawlessness is never an acceptable answer. This must end now.
“Thank you to Capitol Police and law enforcement for working to keep people safe.”
Illinois U.S. Rep. Mike Bost, Republican of Murphysboro
“Americans cherish our right to free speech & peaceful protest,” U.S. Rep. Mike Bost, a Murphysboro Republican, wrote on Twitter. “But what’s happening in our nation’s capital is not just unacceptable, it’s un-American. Please pray for peace & the safety of our brave law enforcement & 1st responders.”
Illinois U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis, Republican of Taylorville
“This is a sad day for our country,” U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis, a Taylorville Republican, said on Twitter. “The lawlessness has got to stop. Protestors must leave the Capitol so Congress can resume the process of confirming the Electoral College vote. My staff and I are currently safe. More to say later.”
Illinois U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, Democrat
Sen. Tammy Duckworth, an Illinois Democrat, said in an interview with NBC News that she was evacuated from the Capitol and is safe with a couple of her staff members.
“I never in my wildest dreams would I think Americans would do this,” she said.
Duckworth said she supports peaceful protest but “this is a mob. This is a riot.” She said the mob following “the will of a wannabe tin-pot dictator.”
On Twitter, she said: “I have spent my entire adult life defending our Constitution and people’s rights to peacefully demonstrate. I never thought I’d need to defend democracy from an attempted, violent overthrow in our own nation’s Capitol. I will not yield to those who seek to harm our democracy.”
Indiana U.S. Rep. Andre Carson, Democrat of Indianapolis
“Everything that’s happening in DC today — from the political theater inside the Capitol, to the unruly protests outside of it — is an insult to our Democracy,” U.S. Rep. Andre Carson, D-Indianapolis, wrote on Twitter. “Congress is here to serve the people. The people chose Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, and we must uphold their choice.”
Indiana U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski, Republican of Elkhart
“Every American has the right to exercise their First Amendment rights, but violence and destruction are never the answer,” U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski, R-Elkhart, said on Twitter. “Stop these attacks on our country now and keep the protests peaceful. Grateful to the U.S. Capitol Police for protecting everyone in our Capitol.”
Indiana U.S. Rep. Jim Banks, Republican of Columbia City
“Peaceful protest is healthy, but what is happening at the U.S. Capitol right now is unacceptable and un-American,” U.S. Rep. Jim Banks, R-Columbia City, said on Twitter. “Those participating in lawlessness and violence must be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Indiana U.S. Rep. Larry Bucshon, Republican of Evansville
“Supporters of Donald Trump please stand down and leave the Capitol,” U.S. Rep. Larry Bucshon, R-Evansville, said on Twitter. “I do not condone any form of violence. A peaceful protest is your Constitutional right but what is happening now is not lawful. It is un-American.”
Indiana U.S. Rep. Trey Hollingsworth, Republican of Jeffersonville
“The day started with democracy at the Capitol, people debating and asserting the views of millions of Americans,” U.S. Rep. Trey Hollingsworth, R-Jeffersonville, wrote on Twitter. “But what happened this afternoon at the Capitol is not democracy and not reflective of the ideals we hold so dear. There is no space in our system of government for violence or vandalism, and none should be tolerated here or anywhere in our great land.”
Indiana U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz, Republican of Noblesville
“We are a country of laws and the lawlessness in and around the U.S. Capitol today is unacceptable,” Indiana U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz said on Twitter. “The actions of those who have stormed the Capitol only hurt their cause. Please let the democratic process play out peacefully.”
Indiana U.S. Sen. Mike Braun, Republican
“What we’re seeing at the Capitol is wrong, hurts the cause of election integrity, and needs to stop immediately,” U.S. Sen. Mike Braun of Indiana wrote on Twitter. “Rioting and violence are never acceptable.”
Indiana U.S. Sen. Todd Young, Republican
“In America we have a right to peacefully protest, but what has occurred today goes against everything we stand for as a nation,” U.S. Sen. Todd Young said on Twitter. “This is not a peaceful protest – it is violence and it is reprehensible. This must stop.”
Wisconsin U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman, Republican of Glenbeulah
Republican U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman told the Wisconsin State Journal he wants to see more leadership from Trump to call off the protests, and wants the certification of Biden’s win to “wrap up” as soon as possible, potentially without all members of Congress being present. Shortly afterward, Trump posted a short video on Twitter in which he again baselessly claimed he won the election but urged protesters to “go home.”
Grothman declined to say whether he supported the objections to Biden’s win but added that the certification is largely ceremonial and should be treated as such by Trump’s supporters.
“I think it’s important there be a little more leadership here, and I wish the president would get on TV and do what he can to encourage people to disperse,” Grothman said. “I think people for whatever motivation have implied that this day, which is normally a day for perfunctory ceremony, is going to be a day of great significance, and that I think is irresponsible.”
Wisconsin U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore, Democrat of Milwaukee
“I am safe and sheltered but this is an incredibly disturbing and shameful moment for our country that was encouraged by the POTUS,” U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore wrote on Twitter.
Wisconsin U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, Democrat of Madison
Some Wisconsin Democrats such as U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Madison, put the blame on Republicans for encouraging the protests and slammed Trump for “inciting domestic terrorism.”
“Remember “stand back & stand by”? We saw this violent fascism coming, and the GOP encouraged it,” Pocan said, referring to Trump’s comments during the campaign when he sidestepped calling out the Proud Boys, a neo-fascist group.
Wisconsin U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher, Republican of Green Bay
“This is banana republic crap that we’re watching happen right now,” Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher said, while also condemning fellow Republicans such as U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Oshkosh, who planned to object to the outcome of the election.
“The objectors over the last two days have told me, ‘There is no problem with just having a debate. We know we’re not going to succeed, so we’re just going to object; we’re going to have a debate, we’ll voice people’s concerns and then we won’t actually overturn our entire system of representative government so nothing bad will happen. There will be no cost to this effort,'” Gallagher said. “This is the cost of this effort.”
Gallagher told CBS News he believes Congress doesn’t have the power to overturn the election, as Trump has repeatedly called for since he lost in November.
Wisconsin U.S. Rep. Ron Kind, Democrat of La Crosse
Democratic U.S. Rep. Ron Kind spoke to reporters Wednesday afternoon, denouncing the chaos erupting at the Capitol in the wake of Congress’s confirmation of the election.
The 12-term representative from La Crosse called it a “sad day,” but said he was not surprised by the events unfolding.
“I ask my colleagues — who for months now have spread lies about the integrity of the ballot box, unfounded accusations lacking any evidence or facts about voter fraud in this election — what did they expect the reaction to be?” he said.
“They have unleashed dark forces in our society now who think that this is entirely appropriate to attempt a coup d’état of our government because of what they’ve been led to believe,” Kind said.
Wisconsin U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, Republican of Minocqua
U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, who was joining with Johnson in objecting to the results, said during a phone interview that he was in the House chamber as debate was ongoing.
“And then all hell broke loose,” Tiffany said. He was escorted to a safe location.
Although those who stormed the Capitol on Wednesday were Trump supporters, Tiffany, one of Trump’s staunchest supporters, said both Democrats and Republicans need to urge calm among their supporters. He pointed to the sometimes violent protests that followed the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody last May and the shooting of another Black man, Jacob Blake, in August by police in Kenosha.
“What needs to happen is people on both sides of the aisle, they need to start calling this out and make people stop it,” Tiffany said.
Wisconsin U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, Republican
U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Oshkosh, said he planned to object to at least some states’ electoral votes for Joe Biden, perpetuating baseless claims of election fraud that have in part caused the very protest that descended on the Capitol building.
On Tuesday afternoon, Johnson called for demonstrators to disperse.
“Please, if you are in or around the Capitol, respect law enforcement and peacefully disperse,” Johnson tweeted.
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