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William F. Weld, a former Massachusetts governor, officially announced his candidacy for the presidency on Monday, becoming the first Republican to launch a first challenge against President Trump.
In a statement, Weld, 73, said "the voices of the American people are ignored and our country is suffering."
"It's time to return to Lincoln's principles – equality, dignity and opportunity for all," said Weld. "There is no greater cause on earth than to preserve what really makes America great. I am ready to lead this fight. "
Weld, who formed an exploratory committee in February, accused Trump of praising authoritarian leaders, humiliated his allies and undermined the rule of law. He compared Trump's immigration policies to Kristallnacht, the 1938 Nazi rampage that destroyed Jewish homes, businesses, and synagogues.
Weld was known for his socially moderate and socially moderate agenda as a Republican governor in Massachusetts from 1991 to 1997. A long-time supporter of abortion and gay rights, Weld had endorsed Barack Obama in 2008 and he was declared in 2016 "libertarian for life" leaving the Republican Party to become the libertarian candidate for the vice presidency.
In the final days of the campaign, he congratulated the Democratic candidate, saying on television, "I'm here to answer Ms. Clinton."
In a campaign video that accompanied Monday's announcement, Weld described Massachusetts in 1990, a year before Weld became governor, as "a near-bankrupt state" led by a "corrupt democratic machine" . The spot also features a "Taxachusetts" reference, framing Weld as a crime fighter, and highlights his appointment as US Attorney by President Ronald Reagan.
The video also includes images of Trump ridiculing John McCain, mocking a journalist with a physical disability, stating that "Mexico will pay for the wall" and making misogynistic statements.
Earlier this year, Weld defended his decision to join the Republican Party after his incursion as a Libertarian candidate, claiming that it was the only way to directly challenge Trump.
Weld's move made Trump the first incumbent president since George H. W. Bush in 1992 to face a major major challenge.
In January, the Republican National Committee issued a non-binding resolution to declare the party's undivided support to Trump.
A graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School, Weld challenged John Kerry's candidacy for the US Senate in the 1990s. He ran for governor of New York and attempted to become an ambassador to Mexico. He has also touched on novel writing and joined the board of directors of Acreage Holdings, a cannabis investment company.
According to the campaign, he and his wife, Leslie, live in Canton. Between them, they have eight children and eight grandchildren.
The Associated Press documents were used in this report. Michael Levenson of Globe staff contributed to his report. Danny McDonald can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @Danny__McDonald.
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