Director of communications for MP carrying arms resigns

The communications director of Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado, a Republican rookie hitman who brags about carrying a gun on the job, has resigned after less than two weeks on the job.

Why is this important: Ben Goldey’s resignation cited last week’s insurgency on Capitol Hill, which followed efforts by Boebert and lawmakers to block certification of Joe Biden’s electoral college victory. The Hill veteran’s departure highlights the deep divide between Republicans over President Trump’s conduct.

What we hear: Goldey said in a statement to Axios, “Following the events of January 6, I have decided to separate myself from the office. I wish her and the people of Colorado’s Third District the best.”

Between the lines: Boebert is a staunch Trump supporter firmly on the right flank of the House GOP caucus. She has been clear about her views during her campaign, but they suddenly became politically toxic after the attack last week.

• Boebert quickly became a lightning rod by opposing “fraudulent” votes for Biden in a ground speech before the attack, and making a show – including in an advertisement filmed on the hill – of his desire to carry a gun fist at the Capitol.
• Goldey, on the other hand, has a more established pedigree. He was Home Office press secretary until this year and previously worked for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

Be smart: Goldey’s resignation underscores larger Republican divisions, particularly in the House, where ten GOP members – including conference chairwoman Representative Liz Cheney – voted on Wednesday to impeach Trump.

• The same divisions are evident on the other side of the Capitol. Senator Ted Cruz’s Director of Communications Lauren Blair Bianchi, also resigned Monday, apparently on Cruz’s role in the effort to deny Biden’s certification.
• Trump has fueled the split since the election, demanding that the president-elect’s victory be overturned, helping to incite violence on Capitol Hill last week and remaining suspicious of his behavior even as he faced his second impeachment by the Room yesterday.