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Members of the House Republican Conference ignored Leader Kevin McCarthy last week when he warned them against criticizing their colleagues by name based on reports that it could trigger more political violence.
Why is this important: McCarthy has made it clear that opponents who have been given names, instead of framing complaints in more general terms, can put a literal target on a politician, especially with tensions so high after the events of January 6.
This is what happened to Rep. Liz Cheney, the GOP conference chair, after saying she would support President Trump’s impeachment.
- She and several other members have had to tighten their security and take extra precautions due to death threats and other alarming warnings after their colleagues singled them out in their complaints.
What McCarthy said: The parliamentary minority leader issued his warning during a conference call last Monday. He said his concern was driven by the FBI briefings he receives.
- “It doesn’t matter which side of the position you were on: I respect him, I respect why you did what you did. But what we say on TV, when we say a member’s name. .. Now is not the time to do it. ”
- “You can push for something else. The country is very divided and we know that. Let’s not put any members, I don’t care who they are Republicans, Democrats or anyone not even in Congress. Watch our words closely. understand. weekly reports. I saw something that I had never seen before. “
A few minutes later, McCarthy repeated the message: “Emotions run high. What you say matters. Don’t put others at risk. Let’s look at the words we use and certainly don’t use the names of other members in any media. “
A few days later, some GOP members ignored him and openly criticized their colleagues
- Representative Adam Kinzinger tweeted that the name of his Republican colleague, Representative Majorie Taylor Greene, “will be forgotten next January”.
- Rep. Lauren Boebart (R-Colo.) Mocked Speaker Nancy Pelosi about the House’s new mask fines.
One of the most egregious attacks, which led to a media storm, was when several members of the House Freedom Caucus sued Cheney for voting to impeach Trump.
- On voting day, members circulated a petition to remove her from her leadership role.
- Cheney now faces a slew of threats against her, including many staunch Trump supporters angered by her vote, a source with direct knowledge of the threat said.
- “We don’t comment on security matters,” Cheney communications director Jeremy Adler told Axios.
What we hear: McCarthy’s team told Axios he’s not looking for repercussions. Spokesman Matt Sparks said the chef is keen to keep the temperature down and encourages members to be aware of the current environment.
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