Asshole Politician of the Day

[JohnLanders]

https://fox40.com/news/political-con...ty-poll-finds/

(NEXSTAR) – A poll of Trump voters from past elections found that almost half of the former president’s supporters would drop the Republican Party for Trump if he created his own party.

Forty-six percent would switch their loyalty to a Trump third party, with 27% voting Republican and another 27% undecided, according to a Suffolk University/USA Today poll released Sunday.

Despite losing his re-election bid and his social media channels, the poll shows the political cache that Trump still wields and the potential influence he could have on elections in 2022 and 2024.

“These voters more than identify with Donald Trump,” said David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center. “They feel like they are part of him. Many of these voters feel no real connection to government or Washington, D.C. but they are still very connected to Trump.”

When asked about loyalty, 54% said they were loyal to Trump himself, with just 34% loyal to the Republican Party.

The poll also found that a majority of Trump voters still believe in false conspiracies like Antifa allegedly orchestrating the Jan. 6 mob attack on the U.S. Capitol (58%), and the Trump-supported claim that President Biden wasn’t elected legitimately (73%).

LIVE: Senate holds first hearing on security failings ahead of deadly Capitol riot
In what appears to be a bad sign for Biden’s chances of uniting a sharply-polarized electorate, only six percent of Trump supporters support the job Biden has done so far.

There has also been a sizable shift when it comes to preferred news sources among Trump voters. While 58% named Fox News as their most trusted provider in 2016, four years later that number has fallen to 34% among the same voters. In 2016, the nascent Newsmax (17%) and One America News Nework (9%) were barely four years old and weren’t offered as options.

[JohnLanders]

https://www.khon2.com/local-news/loc...dui-suspicion/

HONOLULU (KHON2) — A state lawmaker who played a key role in strengthening drunk driving laws has been arrested for driving under the influence. Police said, Rep. Sharon Har was allegedly going the wrong way on a one-way street when officers pulled her over.

[Hawaii’s Breaking News–Download the FREE KHON2 app for iOS or Android]

Police arrested Rep. Har just before 10:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 22. Sources say she was going the wrong way down South Beretania Street and tried to turn the wrong way onto Piikoi Street when she was stopped.

The 52-year-old lawmaker representing Kapolei and Makakilo was arrested for Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of an Intoxicant. Her bail was set at $500.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving Hawaii points out that going the wrong way takes drinking and driving to another level of danger.

“She’s very lucky that she didn’t hurt somebody else or herself. I’m sure today she’s realizing how dangerous it was and how foolish,” said Theresa Paulette, MADD Hawaii’s Victim Services Specialist.

Har introduced the interlock ignition bill in 2008, which became law. It required repeat offenders or first-time offenders who are highly intoxicated to have an interlock ignition device in their vehicle. She told KHON2 in 2008 that she wrote the bill because she was hit by a drunk driver one year before.
Bill would require alcohol detecting device in all new cars

“As the crash was occuring I kept thinking I was going to die tonight,” said Har in 2008.

“It’s absolutely disappointing and also dangerous. She is a person who truly knows better as she was hit by a drunk driver a few years ago,” said Paulette.

House Speaker Scott Saiki commented on the incident on Tuesday, Feb. 23:

“This is an unfortunate incident. We are wishing Representative Har and her family the best right now.”
House Speaker Scott Saiki

Representative Har says she had a beer after a late evening at work and the drink paired with her prescribed cough medication led to her impairment.

Har released the following statement Tuesday evening:

I have had an upper respiratory illness for several weeks now. As a result, I have been taking prescribed cough medication with codeine to control the symptoms associated with my illness. On February 22, 2021, after a late evening at work, I had a beer with my dinner. This, in conjunction with my medication, contributed to my impaired driving. I am extremely sorry for not anticipating the effect of this combination on my driving. I deeply apologize to my constituents, friends, family and colleagues, and to the public for this failure on my part. I would like to express my gratitude to the officers of the Honolulu Police Department for the professional manner in which they conducted their duty in effecting my arrest. Above all, I am grateful that no one was hurt.

[JohnLanders]

https://abc7ny.com/politics/alleged-...ward/10379503/

NEW YORK (WABC) -- A former aide accusing New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo of sexual harassment condemned him Monday as a manipulative predator, rejecting an attempted apology in which he excused his behavior as "playful."

Charlotte Bennett, a low-level aide in the governor's administration until November, said Cuomo asked questions about her sex life, including whether she ever had sex with older men, and made other comments she interpreted as gauging her interest in an affair.

"The governor has refused to acknowledge or take responsibility for his predatory behavior," she said in response to his comments. "As we know, abusers - particularly those with tremendous amounts of power - are often repeat offenders who engage in manipulative tactics to diminish allegations, blame victims, deny wrongdoing and escape consequences. It took the governor 24 hours and significant backlash to allow for a truly independent investigation. These are not the actions of someone who simply feels misunderstood; they are the actions of an individual who wields his power to avoid justice."

Her statement on Monday came as New York's independently elected attorney general said she was moving ahead with an investigation into sexual harassment allegations that Bennett and another woman, former aide Lindsey Boylan, have lodged against Cuomo.

Boylan, a former economic development adviser, elaborated on harassment allegations she first made in December. Boylan said Cuomo subjected her to an unwanted kiss and comments about her appearance.

Bennett's statement came hours before another woman told The New York Times that she also felt unsettled following an encounter at a 2019 NYC wedding.

The Times reports that Anna Ruch, now 33, said Cuomo put his hands on her lower back, and when she removed them, she said he seemed "aggressive" and put his hands on her cheeks and asked if he could kiss her.

Cuomo has formally referred the case of his alleged sexual harassment involving the aides to New York Attorney General Letitia James, a necessary step to commence an investigation with subpoena power.

The referral also allows James to deputize an outside law firm for "a rigorous and independent investigation."

"This is not a responsibility we take lightly, as allegations of sexual harassment should always be taken seriously," James said. "As the letter states, at the close of the review, the findings will be disclosed in a public report."

The New York Attorney General's office has read Anna Ruch's account in the New York Times and will decide whether to incorporate it into the just-launched investigation into the governor's conduct. Her account is distinct from the prior two in that Ruch did not work for Cuomo.

On Twitter, Bennett wrote "I stand with Anna Ruch. Anna - I hear you, I see you. I'm so sorry. His inappropriate and aggressive behavior cannot be justified or normalized. Thank you for your courage and strength. Here for you always."

Cuomo acknowledged for the first time Sunday that some of his behavior with women "may have been insensitive or too personal," and said he would cooperate with the investigation.

Cuomo, 63, said he had intended to be a mentor for Bennett, who is 25. He has denied Boylan's allegations.

In a statement released amid mounting criticism from within his own party, the Democrat maintained he had never inappropriately touched or propositioned anyone. But he said he had teased people about their personal lives in an attempt to be "playful."

"I now understand that my interactions may have been insensitive or too personal and that some of my comments, given my position, made others feel in ways I never intended," he said. "I acknowledge some of the things I have said have been misinterpreted as an unwanted flirtation. To the extent anyone felt that way, I am truly sorry about that."

"There has to be some decency here, if these allegations are proved to be true," NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio said. "It's true as I believe then the governor becomes invalidated and you know this is a choice he has to make. If you don't have the trust of the people anymore, if you can't look people in the eye, what do you do?"

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, both Democrats, agreed that the attorney general should handle the investigation.

Republican leaders had, for days, called on James to launch a probe. On Sunday, Republican state Senate Minority Leader Robert Ortt called on Cuomo to resign.

Rep. Kathleen Rice, D-NY, appears to be the first New York Democrat in Congress now calling on Cuomo to resign.

New York's two U.S. senators, Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, both said an independent investigation was essential.

"These allegations are serious and deeply concerning," Gillibrand said. "As requested by Attorney General James, the matter should be referred to her office so that she can conduct a transparent, independent and thorough investigation with subpoena power."

Cuomo's statement that women had misinterpreted comments that were intended to be jokes was met with outrage from some people, who said he appeared to be blaming the women.

"Is it 'playful' to touch one's employees' legs & kiss them on the lips against their will? Bc better men than A Cuomo have been fired for that," tweeted former Fox News and NBC journalist Megyn Kelly, whose sexual harassment allegations against late Fox News Chairman Roger Ailes helped lead to his ouster.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki said President Joe Biden also supported an independent review that "should move forward as quickly as possible."

The furor comes amid a new round of criticism over Cuomo's leadership style and actions his administration took to protect his reputation as a leader in the coronavirus pandemic.

Cuomo won praise as a strong hand during last spring's crisis of rising case counts and overflowing morgues. His book, "American Crisis: Leadership Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic," was published in October.

But in recent weeks his administration was forced to revise its count of COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes following criticism that it had undercounted the fatalities to blunt accusations that some of his administration's policies had made the situation worse.

James fueled some of that criticism by issuing a report saying the Cuomo administration had undercounted deaths.

Now, his support is eroding faster.

"Lindsey Boylan and Charlotte Bennett's detailed accounts of sexual harassment by Gov. Cuomo are extremely serious and painful to read," U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said on Twitter Sunday. "There must be an independent investigation - not one led by an individual selected by the Governor, but by the office of the Attorney General."

On Monday, ABC News learned that Cuomo had hired New York City attorney Elkan Abramowitz to represent the executive chamber in the federal investigation into nursing home death data.

"My firm and I are representing the Executive Chamber on the Nursing Home matter. We have not been retained on the sexual harassment matter," Abramowitz said.

[JohnLanders]

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/ne...giuliani-again

Rudy is called out for his rants.

The former New York City mayor was already making headlines Monday morning after he was mocked during Sunday's Golden Globes by Sacha Baron Cohen.
Rudy Giuliani has been suspended from YouTube again for continuing to push falsehoods about the 2020 presidential election.

The personal lawyer for Donald Trump will not be allowed to upload videos to his channel for two weeks amid his continuing crusade against the outcome of the election, which Trump lost to President Joe Biden. YouTube also cited his apparent promotion of nicotine for the suspension.

"We removed content from the Rudy W. Giuliani channel for violating our sale of regulated goods policy, which prohibits content facilitating the use of nicotine, and our presidential election integrity policy," a YouTube spokeswoman said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. "Additionally, in accordance with our long-standing strikes system, we issued a strike against the Rudy W. Giuliani channel, which temporarily restricts uploading or live-streaming."

Giuliani was also suspended in January for propagating election falsehoods; the channel will be shut down completely if he violates the rules again within 90 days. Giuliani has approximately 577,000 subscribers.

The former New York City mayor was already making headlines Monday morning after he was mocked during Sunday's Golden Globes awards ceremony by Sacha Baron Cohen. Borat Subsequent Moviefilm won best comedy or musical. Cohen joked that Giuliani, who notoriously appears in the film, was a comedy superstar.

As for Trump, the former president spoke Sunday at the Conservative Political Action Conference where he, too, pushed falsehoods about losing the election.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/...e_iOSApp_Other

Calls for a boycott of Goya beans, chickpeas and other foodstuffs have grown louder after the company’s CEO, Robert Unanue, made a series of false claims about the presidential election in a speech to the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Florida on Sunday.

On Monday, the Hispanic Federation, a non-profit organization headquartered in New York, released a statement signed by leaders of a dozen Latino advocacy groups.

Unanue was “entitled to support the candidate of his choosing”, it said. “What he most clearly should not be entitled to is the platform his role at Goya Foods provides to attack our democracy.”

The leaders who signed the statement said it was time “the corporate governance structures at Goya Foods act” against Unanue.

Unanue has previously courted controversy with praise for Donald Trump, which last year prompted Ivanka Trump to pose, infamously, with a can of Goya beans.

Onstage in Orlando, Unanue called Donald Trump “the real, legitimate and still actual president of the United States”.

He also falsely claimed the presidential election that Trump lost conclusively to Joe Biden and the state contest in Georgia, which Biden won narrowly, were “not legitimate”, and claimed mail-in ballots were fraudulent.

“We still have faith,” Unanue said, “that the majority of the people of the United States voted for the president … I think a great majority of the people in the United States voted for President Trump, and even a few Democrats.”

Biden won more than 81m votes, or 51.3% of the total cast, to more than 74m for Trump. The Democrat won the electoral college 306-232, a margin Trump called a landslide when it was in his favour over Hillary Clinton.

Trump has continued to lie about the election, in January inciting supporters to attack the US Capitol in a bid to stop the ratification of results. That led to his second impeachment, which ended with his second acquittal. The former president repeated his lies about the election in his own speech at CPAC, on Sunday night.

Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in OrlandoRobert Unanue, CEO of Goya Foods, speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Orlando, Florida, U.S. February 28, 2021.
Unanue speaking at CPAC Photograph: Joe Skipper/Reuters


Unanue has previously been censured by his company for speaking in support of Trump. In January, Andy Unanue, a Goya board member, told the New York Post: “Bob does not speak for Goya Foods when he speaks on TV. The family has diverse views on politics, but politics is not part of our business. Our political point of views are irrelevant.”

Robert Unanue said then: “I don’t believe I should speak politically or in a faith-based manner on behalf of the company. But I leave open the possibility of speaking on behalf of myself.”

After his remarks at CPAC, the journalist Soledad O’Brien tweeted: “Folks at Goya should be embarrassed.”

“No more chickpeas from Goya for me,” tweeted one famous consumer, Joy Behar, a co-host of The View on ABC.

The CEO of Goya Foods is named in a boycott threat.

[JohnLanders]

https://ktla.com/news/nationworld/an...inappropriate/

Another woman who worked for Gov. Andrew Cuomo is describing conduct she felt was inappropriate for the workplace.

Ana Liss, 35, told The Wall Street Journal in a story published Saturday that when she worked as a policy aide to the governor between 2013 and 2015, Cuomo called her ?sweetheart,? once kissed her hand and asked personal questions, including whether she had a boyfriend. She said he sometimes greeted her with a hug and a kiss on both cheeks.

Liss told the Journal she initially thought of Cuomo?s behavior as harmless, but it grew to bother her. She felt it was patronizing.

?It?s not appropriate, really, in any setting,? she said. ?I wish that he took me seriously.?

A spokesman for Cuomo didn?t immediately return a request for comment from The Associated Press, but told the Journal that some of the behavior Liss was describing was the kind of innocent glad-handing that politicians often do at public events.

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?Reporters and photographers have covered the governor for 14 years watching him kiss men and women and posing for pictures,? said Rich Azzopardi, a senior advisor to Cuomo. ?At the public open-house mansion reception, there are hundreds of people, and he poses for hundreds of pictures. That?s what people in politics do.?

Liss said she never made a formal complaint about the governor?s behavior.

Cuomo?s workplace conduct has been under intense scrutiny in recent days as several women have publicly told of feeling sexually harassed, or at least made to feel demeaned and uncomfortable by the Democrat.

Former adviser Lindsey Boylan, 36, said he made inappropriate comments on her appearance, once kissed her on the lips at the end of a meeting and suggested a game of strip poker as they sat with other aides on a jet flight. Another former aide, Charlotte Bennett, 25, said Cuomo asked if she ever had sex with older men and made other comments she interpreted as gauging her interest in an affair.

Another woman, who did not work for the state, described Cuomo putting his hands on her face and asking if he could kiss her after they met at a wedding.

In a news conference Wednesday, Cuomo denied ever touching anyone inappropriately, but apologized for behaving in a way that he now realized had upset women he worked with. He said he?d made jokes and asked personal questions in an attempt to be playful and frequently greeted people with hugs and kisses, as his father, Mario Cuomo, had done when he was governor.

?I understand sensitivities have changed. Behavior has changed,? Cuomo said. ?I get it and I?m going to learn from it.?

The state?s attorney general plans to hire an outside law firm to investigate the sexual harassment allegations. Some lawmakers have called for Cuomo to resign over his workplace behavior, and separate allegations that his administration misled the public about coronavirus fatalities in nursing homes.

[raisedbywolves]

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/gu...out&li=BBnb7Kz

Guam offers Marjorie Taylor Greene cookies and a history book after she falsely claims it's a foreign country unworthy of aid

GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia has been offered cookies and a lesson in geography by leaders in Guam after she falsely suggested the US territory is a foreign country that doesn't deserve aid.

In comments at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Florida in late February, which surfaced online Tuesday, Greene said, "I'm a regular person. And I wanted to take my regular person, normal, everyday American values, which is: We love our country. We believe our hard-earned tax dollars should just go for America, not for what? China, Russia, the Middle East, Guam, whatever, wherever."

Responding to Greene's remarks in comments to Guam Daily Post, Guam Del. Michael San Nicolas said, "Congresswoman Greene is a new member, and we will be paying a visit to her and delivering delicious Chamorro Chip Cookies as part of our ongoing outreach to new members to introduce them to our wonderful island of Guam."

Meanwhile, Guam Gov. Lourdes Aflague Leon Guerrero's office offered to provide Greene with educational resources, per the Post.

"We would be more than happy to send Representative Greene's office a copy of 'Destiny's Landfall: A History of Guam,'" said Krystal Paco-San Agustin, the director of communications for the governor.

Greene's office did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

Guam, an island in the west Pacific Ocean, has been a US territory since 1898 - following the Spanish-American War. Its residents are US citizens who pay federal taxes, but not federal income tax. Many in Guam serve in the US military and it's considered to be of vital strategic importance.

The territory has been threatened by North Korea and the top US commander in the Indo-Pacific earlier this week called for upgrading defensive capabilities on Guam, citing potential threats from China.

That said, Guam residents cannot vote for president and do not have a vote in Congress. Like other US territories, Guam sends a nonvoting delegate to Congress. There are close to 6,200 active duty US troops in Guam, which is home to roughly 170,000 people.

[JohnLanders]

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/gu...out&li=BBnb7Kz

Guam offers Marjorie Taylor Greene cookies and a history book after she falsely claims it's a foreign country unworthy of aid

Another ranting from the Queen of Qanon who does not understand what US Commonwealth territories are. Guam, America Samoa, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands are the US Territories.

[JohnLanders]

https://abc7ny.com/politics/cuomo-i-...riod/10409788/

. NEW YORK (WABC) -- Governor Andrew Cuomo spoke out again on Friday denying that he sexually harassed any of the women who made allegations against him.

"I did not do what is alleged, period," Cuomo said.

He suggested that "politics" is at play in the allegations.

"I can tell you as a former attorney general who has gone through this situation many times there are often many motivations when making an allegations," he said.

"There are now two reviews underway," Cuomo said. "No one wants them to happen more quickly and more thoroughly than I do."

He said after Friday he did not plan to debate the topic in the press.

"People know the difference between playing politics, bowing to cancel culture, and the truth," Cuomo said. "I am not going to resign."

"Part of this is, is because I am not part of the club, and I am proud of it," the governor added.

He came out with his statement after several prominent members of New York's congressional delegation are joined in the calls for him to resign.

Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Grace Meng, Mondaire Jones, Jerry Nadler and Jamal Bowman all added their voices to the recent chorus demanding the governor step down amid sexual harassment allegations and the nursing home data scandal.

"After two accounts of sexual assault, four accounts of harassment, the Attorney General's investigation finding the Governor's admin hid nursing home data from the legislature & public, we agree with the 55+ members of the New York State legislature that the Governor must resign," Ocasio-Cortez posted on Twitter.
After two accounts of sexual assault, four accounts of harassment, the Attorney General’s investigation finding the Governor’s admin hid nursing home data from the legislature & public, we agree with the 55+ members of the New York State legislature that the Governor must resign. pic.twitter.com/jV5dwtuVPr

— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) March 12, 2021

"The repeated accusations against the governor, and the manner in which he has responded to them, have made it impossible for him to continue to govern at this point," Nadler said.

The Long Island state Senate majority, made up of Senators John Brooks, James Gaughran, Todd Kaminsky, Anna Kaplan and Kevin Thomas, said they want Cuomo to step aside at least until Attorney General Letitia James' investigation is completed.

"The recent allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct against the Governor are beyond troubling and describe a disturbing pattern of behavior that also now includes a potentially criminal act," they wrote. The gravity of these claims makes it clear to us that the Governor cannot lead the state while faithfully responding to multiple investigations. This is especially true in light of the impending state budget deadline, the need to continue guiding the state through the pandemic, and the fragility of the state's economic recovery. The New York State Constitution demands that if the Governor is 'unable to discharge the powers and duties of the office of Governor, the Lieutenant-Governor shall act as the Governor until the inability shall cease.' We call on the Governor to step aside at least until such time that the Attorney General's investigation is complete. We are confident that the Lieutenant Governor will ably serve the people of New York."

And after saying for several days he believed Cuomo "can no longer serve," New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio used the word "resign" for the first time Friday.

"The governor must resign," he said. "He can no longer do the job."

The calls for Cuomo's resignation grow louder every day, and 121 members of the state Assembly and Senate have said publicly they believe Cuomo can no longer govern and should quit office now, according to a tally by The Associated Press. The count includes 65 Democrats and 56 Republicans.

Cuomo's support in the state Senate was especially thin. Roughly two thirds of its members have called for the Democrat's resignation, including Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins.

The top Democrat in the state Assembly, Speaker Carl Heastie, released a statement Thursday authorizing a committee to begin an impeachment investigation.

"After meeting with the Assembly Majority Conference today, I am authorizing the Assembly Judiciary Committee to begin an impeachment investigation, led by Chair Charles D. Lavine, to examine allegations of misconduct against Governor Cuomo," he said. "The reports of accusations concerning the governor are serious. The committee will have the authority to interview witnesses, subpoena documents and evaluate evidence, as is allowed by the New York State Constitution. I have the utmost faith that Assemblymember Lavine and the members of the committee will conduct an expeditious, full and thorough investigation. This inquiry will not interfere with the independent investigation being conducted by Attorney General James."

It comes as a new report suggests members of the Cuomo administration called former employees to get more information about one of his accusers.

The Wall Street Journal reported late Thursday that the governor's office called at least six former employees days after former aide Lindsey Boylan first accused Cuomo of sexual harassment.

The purpose was to find out if they had heard from Boylan or to glean information about her in conversations that some said they saw as attempts to intimidate them.

The Journal reports the calls were made by current administration officials and former aides who are still close to the governor's office, according to several recipients.

Rich Azzopardi, a senior adviser to Cuomo, in a statement to the paper, confirms calls were made, but denied any intimidation.
During questions with reporters on Friday, Cuomo added, "I never harassed anyone, I never assaulted anyone, I never abused anyone."

Is it possible I have taken a picture with a person who after the fact says they were uncomfortable with the pose in the picture, yes, and that is what you are hearing about," Cuomo said. "I never meant to make anyone feel uncomfortable, I never meant to make anyone feel awkward."

In the most recent allegation, a former aide to Cuomo claimed he groped her in the governor's residence.

[JohnLanders]

Kansas Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop was released after he was booked into the Shawnee County Jail early Tuesday, accused of driving under the influence, attempting to flee or evade a law enforcement officer, speeding and improperly crossing a divided highway.

The Wichita Republican was booked at 3:55 a.m. but released from custody after a court hearing Tuesday morning.


Shawnee County Judge Penny Moylan said she did not find probable cause to support Suellentrop’s arrest because of “failure to include pertinent information” in the arrest report.

Moylan did not provide details regarding the missing information.

Suellentrop was arrested by the Capitol Police on Interstate 70 near Eighth Street in Topeka, Kansas Highway Patrol spokeswoman Candice Breshears said in an email.

Breshears said Suellentrop was arrested after a white SUV was spotted driving in the wrong direction on I-70 and led an officer on a “short pursuit” before stopping.

Capitol Police suspect that Suellentrop was the driver, Breshears said.

The agency is forwarding the arrest report to the Shawnee County District Attorney for review.

The Kansas Highway Patrol Records department said no portion of the incident report would be available for “several weeks.” The first page of an incident report is public record in Kansas even during an active investigation.

Suellentrop and Senate President Ty Masterson confirmed the Majority Leader had been arrested but could not provide any comment or details Tuesday morning.

Suellentrop has served in the Legislature since 2009 and became the majority leader following the November election.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/ka...id=mailsignout

OK Trumpie you are batshit crazy with this one too.

[JohnLanders]

https://www.kwch.com/2021/03/16/kans...other-charges/

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - Kansas Senate Republican Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop was released from jail following his first court appearance for an alleged DUI and other charges.

The judge cited a lack of probable cause due to some “pertinent information” missing in the law enforcement report.

This evening, Kansas Senate leaders released a joint statement regarding the 69-year-old lawmaker from Wichita. The following is the statement from Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson and Vice President Rick Wilborn.

“This morning, we all learned that Senator Suellentrop had been arrested and subsequently released without charges. The underlying incident is certainly serious and very unfortunate. We will continue to pray for Gene and his family as we gather more information. The Senate continues to do our work on behalf of the people of Kansas.”

According to Kansas Highway Patrol Lt. Candice Breshears, a Capitol Police officer arrested Suellentrop in the early morning hours of Tuesday in downtown Topeka.

“There was a report of a white SUV traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes of I-70. One of our KHP Capitol police officers heard that call and responded to see if he could locate that vehicle. Our capitol police officer did locate the vehicle at I-70 and Gage, and turned around to stop the vehicle. The vehicle failed to stop for our capitol police officer. And a short pursuit followed. The vehicle did eventually come to a stop and the driver was arrested,” said Breshears.

Initially, she added that the wrong-way driving vehicle struck another vehicle before the arrest.

“Looks like the vehicle did strike another vehicle. But, I don’t have any information about that at this time,” said Breshears. “I don’t have the exact location, somewhere between Gage Boulevard and where the incident ended at 8th Street.”
But, this hours later, Breshears said the incident of striking another vehicle did not occur.

“I called our dispatch again just to verify since I had said it may have struck another vehicle. They said, ‘no.’ I also checked with Topeka PD and it looks like that did not occur,” said Breshears.

She added that the officer attempted a tactical vehicle interception (TVI) but was unsuccessful.

“We did try to TVI that vehicle to get it to come to a stop. The reason why we did that was to try to mitigate that vehicle going the wrong direction, so that it wouldn’t hit anyone else or cause a crash. That TVI attempt was unsuccessful,” said Breshears.


The TVI was attempted at 12:56 a.m.

The initial dispatch call of a wrong way driver took place at 12:48 a.m. The Capitol Police officer located the wrong way driving vehicle at 12:54 a.m. and eventually arrested the driver at 12:58 a.m.


Once KHP finalizes its report, it will be submitted to the Shawnee County District Attorney’s Office for review.

Kansas Senate Republican Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop was booked into the Shawnee County Jail for allegedly driving under the influence and fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement Tuesday morning.


He was also booked into jail for other traffic charges on a $1,000 bond.


Suellentrop represents Senate District 27, west of Wichita. Suellentrop began representing his district in 2017, after serving in the House, and was elected majority leader in 2020.

A spokesperson for the Kansas Senate Majority office said they are aware and gathering more information on Suellentrop’s arrest.

This is a developing story, check back for details.

[puzzld]

Former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, has been partially closed after staff members tested positive for the coronavirus.

That's according to several people, including one familiar with club operations, who said Mar-a-Lago had ?partially closed? a section of the club and quarantined some of its workers ?out of an abundance of caution.? The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the situation by name.

An email sent to members said that service had been temporarily suspended in the club?s dining room and at its beach club because some staff members had recently tested positive. It said the club had undertaken ?all appropriate response measures,? including sanitizing affected areas," and that banquet and event services remain open.

?The health and safety of our members and staff is our highest priority,? it read.

The Florida Department of Health did not immediately respond to a phone call and email.


Trump moved to Mar-a-Lago after leaving Washington in January, and has spent the weeks since then laying low, golfing, dining with friends, meeting with Republican party leaders and plotting his political future as he considers running again in 2024.

Trump was hospitalized with COVID-19 last fall and has since been vaccinated against the virus.

Mar-a-Lago was the site of his first known exposure more than a year ago. A senior Brazilian official tested positive last year after spending time at Mar-a-Lago, where he posed for a photo next to Trump and attended a family birthday party.

The Trump White House was hit with several subsequent outbreaks after it flouted virus precautions by resisting mask-wearing and continuing to hold large events.

The club in Palm Beach has been a flurry of activity in recent weeks, hosting events and fundraisers, including one to benefit rescue dogs. Trump unexpectedly dropped by the event last week.
https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/na...rce=in-article

[puzzld]

Our gov. Kovid Kristie has many important things she could be worrying about (tomorrow is the day our leg. comes back to (try) to override her vetos but instead of worrying about any of this, she's picking a fight with LilNasX.

[raisedbywolves]

OMG, this is so good it has to be fattening. After decades of using corporations at their whipsaw, the GOP doesn't like getting a taste of their own medicine.

https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wire...itics-76883801

After new law, McConnell warns CEOs: 'Stay out of politics'

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell says it's a “big lie” to call the new voting law in Georgia racist and he warned big business to “stay out of politics" after major corporations and even Major League Baseball distanced themselves from the state amid vast public pressure.

McConnell particularly slammed President Joe Biden's criticism that the Georgia bill was restrictive and a return to Jim Crow-era restrictions in the Southern states aimed limiting ballot access for Black Americans.

“It’s simply not true,” McConnell told reporters Monday.

The choice by the GOP leader to dive into voting politics lends heft to efforts nationwide to install strict new voting laws after Donald Trump's false claims of fraud that cost him the election to Biden. The new laws are aimed at scaling back early voting and other options that became wildly popular during the pandemic.

Even more, McConnell's warning to big business not to get involved shows the scramble Republicans face as progressive groups are shining a spotlight on corporate America to live up to its brands and values as Congress takes on voting rights, gun violence and other issues Republicans have resisted.

The Republican leader has been among the most outspoken champions of the role of big money in elections, promoting the free-flow of undisclosed dollars to campaigns as a form of Constitution-protected free speech.

But companies temporarily halted giving to many Republicans after the deadly Jan. 6 Capitol siege, when the former president urged like supporters to fight for him and hundreds stormed the Capitol.

Speaking in Kentucky, McConnell said Monday it's simply “not accurate” to say the Georgia law is making it more difficult to vote.

McConnell also criticized Biden for criticizing the law, saying the president's claims had been fact-checked as false.

"The President has claimed repeatedly that state-level debates over voting procedures are worse than Jim Crow or ‘Jim Crow on steroids.’ Nobody actually believes this," McConnell said in a lengthy statement earlier Monday.

“Nobody really thinks this current dispute comes anywhere near the horrific racist brutality of segregation.”

The new law shortens the time frame between primary and general elections, which also narrows the options for early voting. Yet the new law also expands early voting on Saturdays.

Republicans had initially proposed to limit weekend voting, a time when many Black churches conduct “souls to the polls” efforts. But Republicans reversed themselves, and the measure now requires two Saturdays of early voting, in addition to options for counties to open voting on Sundays.

The law also makes it a misdemeanor to hand out food, drink or other benefits to voters waiting in long lines at polling stations. Biden criticized that move, but advocates say it is meant to discourage outside groups from influencing voters.

McConnell more pointedly warned the big business that have been responding to public pressure on their corporate actions not to give in to the advocacy campaigns.

“It’s jaw-dropping to see powerful American institutions not just permit themselves to be bullied, but join in the bullying themselves," he said.

Last week, Delta, Coca-Cola and other companies spoke critically of the new law in Georgia and baseball announced it was moving the All-Star Game from the state.

McConnell warned companies not to get involved in voting issues or other upcoming debates on environmental policy or gun violence heading to Congress.

[puzzld]

OMG, this is so good it has to be fattening. After decades of using corporations at their whipsaw, the GOP doesn't like getting a taste of their own medicine.

https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wire...itics-76883801

After new law, McConnell warns CEOs: 'Stay out of politics'

BuBubut I thought Corporations were people entitled to free speech! Yes. I'm sure I saw it somewhere. https://reason.com/video/2019/09/05/...les-episode-6/

[raisedbywolves]

BuBubut I thought Corporations were people entitled to free speech! Yes. I'm sure I saw it somewhere. https://reason.com/video/2019/09/05/...les-episode-6/

Apparently they're only people when they are giving money to GOP campaigns and violating people's rights by expressing their profound corporation religious beliefs.

[puzzld]

Apparently they're only people when they are giving money to GOP campaigns and violating people's rights by expressing their profound corporation religious beliefs.

You'd almost think the Rs are trying to have their bread buttered on both sides...but that can't be it. Not the party of Lincoln and Trump and Nixon and...

[raisedbywolves]

You'd almost think the Rs are trying to have their bread buttered on both sides...but that can't be it. Not the party of Lincoln and Trump and Nixon and...

Right on cue..

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/polit...out&li=BBnb7Kz

Republicans want to make 'woke' corporations pay — literally

It's long, so I am just linking, but I did want to point out this quote because it is quite literally the most hypocritical thing I have seen today.

“Texans are fed up with corporations that don’t share our values trying to dictate public policy,” Patrick wrote in a lengthy statement.

[puzzld]

https://twitter.com/ProjectLincoln/s...79342561406976
Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) says CEOs of companies such as AT&T, American Airlines and Dell need to ?stay out of politics, especially when they have no clue what they're talking about.?



I love how Rs are consistent in there dislike of political activity by corporations.

https://www.opensecrets.org/campaign...or+Greg+Abbott
Donations to Greg Abbott

BNSF Railway $50,000 1 2019-09-16 2019-09-16
1 Anthem Inc $50,000 1 2020-08-26 2020-08-26
1 Valero Energy $50,000 5 2019-06-25 2020-11-24
1 USAA $50,000 2 2019-06-20 2020-08-28
5 Comcast Corp $40,000 3 2019-08-01 2020-10-14
5 Centene Corp $40,000 1 2020-08-06 2020-08-06
7 Service Corp International $35,000 2 2019-10-30 2020-11-12
7 General Motors $35,000 2 2019-12-03 2020-11-23
7 Union Pacific Corp $35,000 4 2019-10-09 2020-07-17
7 Vistra Energy $35,000 2 2019-10-17 2020-01-15
11 United Parcel Service $25,000 2 2019-09-26 2020-10-26
11 Copart Inc $25,000 1 2020-11-24 2020-11-24
11 Texas Farm Bureau $25,000 1 2020-06-12 2020-06-12
14 Deloitte LLP $20,000 2 2019-09-03 2020-09-16
14 US Oncology $20,000 3 2019-07-22 2019-12-02
14 HNTB Holdings $20,000 2 2019-06-21 2020-12-01
14 Exelon Corp $20,000 2 2019-09-30 2020-10-14
14 CVS Health $20,000 2 2019-11-12 2020-09-08
19 Phillips 66 $15,002 2 2020-06-16 2020-11-30
20 Air Products & Chemicals Inc $15,000 2 2019-09-09 2020-10-15
20 Marathon Petroleum $15,000 1 2020-03-11 2020-03-11
20 Wells Fargo $15,000 1 2020-09-24 2020-09-24
20 Conn's Appliances $15,000 1 2020-08-17 2020-08-17
20 GOPAC $15,000 1 2020-11-12 2020-11-12
25 Chiang, Patel & Yerby $13,000 1 2020-09-09 2020-09-09
26 Zachry Construction $12,500 2 2019-06-26 2019-10-02
27 Motorola Solutions $11,000 4 2019-09-20 2020-11-30
28 Walmart Inc $10,000 2 2019-11-20 2020-09-15
28 CenterPoint Energy $10,000 1 2019-06-19 2019-06-19
28 BBVA USA $10,000 1 2020-10-06 2020-10-06
28 Greenberg Traurig LLP $10,000 1 2019-10-02 2019-10-02
28 Tenet Healthcare $10,000 1 2020-10-21 2020-10-21
28 JPMorgan Chase & Co $10,000 1 2020-09-11 2020-09-11
28 NRG Energy $10,000 1 2020-09-02 2020-09-02
28 Bank of America $10,000 1 2019-12-03 2019-12-03
28 Raytheon Technologies $10,000 2 2019-09-25 2020-03-10
28 Dow Inc $10,000 1 2020-10-15 2020-10-15
28 Allstate Insurance $10,000 2 2019-09-17 2020-07-31
28 Enterprise Rent-A-Car $10,000 1 2020-09-09 2020-09-09
28 Chesapeake Energy $10,000 1 2020-09-08 2020-09-08
28 LyondellBasell Industries $10,000 2 2019-10-16 2020-09-24
28 NextEra Energy $10,000 1 2020-11-18 2020-11-18
43 Covestro LLC $9,000 2 2019-12-18 2020-10-06
44 Altria Group $8,800 2 2019-10-11 2020-11-18
45 McGuireWoods LLP $7,500 4 2019-06-17 2020-10-08
46 Enbridge Inc $6,000 2 2020-09-10 2020-11-23
47 HDR Inc $5,000 1 2020-12-01 2020-12-01
47 Brookshire Grocery $5,000 1 2020-10-12 2020-10-12
47 WSP USA $5,000 1 2020-11-30 2020-11-30
47 Atmos Energy $5,000 1 2019-08-16 2019-08-16
47 American International Group $5,000 1 2020-12-08 2020-12-08
47 Occidental Petroleum $5,000 1 2020-05-14 2020-05-14
47 Abbott Laboratories $5,000 2 2019-12-16 2020-10-23
47 Home Depot $5,000 1 2020-11-19 2020-11-19
47 Zachry Holdings $5,000 1 2019-09-17 2019-09-17
47 Pfizer Inc $5,000 1 2020-05-27 2020-05-27
47 Diageo North America $5,000 3 2020-06-11 2020-10-19
47 Ford Motor Co $5,000 1 2020-01-30 2020-01-30
47 Apache Corp $5,000 1 2020-05-13 2020-05-13
47 Chevron Corp $5,000 1 2020-12-01 2020-12-01
47 Genentech Inc $5,000 2 2019-07-23 2020-08-19
47 AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals $5,000 1 2020-03-09 2020-03-09
47 Marathon Oil $5,000 1 2020-12-02 2020-12-02
47 Southwest Business Corp $5,000 2 2019-06-20 2020-11-19
47 Kay Granger Campaign Fund $5,000 1 2019-06-25 2019-06-25
47 United Airlines $5,000 1 2020-01-15 2020-01-15
47 Cheniere Energy $5,000 1 2020-12-07 2020-12-07
47 Caterpillar Inc $5,000 1 2020-08-03 2020-08-03
69 Eli Lilly & Co $3,000 1 2019-09-16 2019-09-16
70 FedEx Corp $2,500 1 2020-03-09 2020-03-09
70 Capital One Financial $2,500 1 2020-06-21 2020-06-21
70 Sanofi US $2,500 1 2019-10-17 2019-10-17
70 Texas Instruments $2,500 1 2019-10-22 2019-10-22
70 Applied Materials Inc $2,500 1 2020-12-10 2020-12-10
70 National Football League Players Assn $2,500 1 2020-07-23 2020-07-23
70 Texas Cattle Feeders Assn $2,500 1 2020-09-09 2020-09-09
70 OneMain Financial Group $2,500 1 2020-11-25 2020-11-25
70 McLane Co $2,500 1 2019-07-02 2019-07-02
79 Cigna Corp $2,000 1 2020-06-16 2020-06-16
79 ONEOK Inc $2,000 2 2019-09-11 2020-09-25
81 Texans for Lamar Smith $1,000 1 2019-06-19 2019-06-19
81 NextDecade Corp $1,000 1 2020-02-22 2020-02-22
81 Lockheed Martin $1,000 1 2019-11-20 2019-11-20
81 Walgreens $1,000 1 2020-10-09 2020-10-09
81 Baxter Healthcare $1,000 1 2020-09-10 2020-09-10
86 American Society of Anesthesiologists $0 6 2020-03-09 2020-12-31
87 Humana Inc -$2,500 1 2019-02-13 2019-02-13
88 Enterprise Products Partners -$5,000 1 2019-06-24 2019-06-24
88 Essential Utilities Inc -$5,000 3 2019-08-28 2020-09-01

[raisedbywolves]

https://twitter.com/ProjectLincoln/s...79342561406976
Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) says CEOs of companies such as AT&T, American Airlines and Dell need to ?stay out of politics, especially when they have no clue what they're talking about.?



I love how Rs are consistent in there dislike of political activity by corporations.

https://www.opensecrets.org/campaign...or+Greg+Abbott
Donations to Greg Abbott

BNSF Railway $50,000 1 2019-09-16 2019-09-16
1 Anthem Inc $50,000 1 2020-08-26 2020-08-26
1 Valero Energy $50,000 5 2019-06-25 2020-11-24
1 USAA $50,000 2 2019-06-20 2020-08-28
5 Comcast Corp $40,000 3 2019-08-01 2020-10-14
5 Centene Corp $40,000 1 2020-08-06 2020-08-06
7 Service Corp International $35,000 2 2019-10-30 2020-11-12
7 General Motors $35,000 2 2019-12-03 2020-11-23
7 Union Pacific Corp $35,000 4 2019-10-09 2020-07-17
7 Vistra Energy $35,000 2 2019-10-17 2020-01-15
11 United Parcel Service $25,000 2 2019-09-26 2020-10-26
11 Copart Inc $25,000 1 2020-11-24 2020-11-24
11 Texas Farm Bureau $25,000 1 2020-06-12 2020-06-12
14 Deloitte LLP $20,000 2 2019-09-03 2020-09-16
14 US Oncology $20,000 3 2019-07-22 2019-12-02
14 HNTB Holdings $20,000 2 2019-06-21 2020-12-01
14 Exelon Corp $20,000 2 2019-09-30 2020-10-14
14 CVS Health $20,000 2 2019-11-12 2020-09-08
19 Phillips 66 $15,002 2 2020-06-16 2020-11-30
20 Air Products & Chemicals Inc $15,000 2 2019-09-09 2020-10-15
20 Marathon Petroleum $15,000 1 2020-03-11 2020-03-11
20 Wells Fargo $15,000 1 2020-09-24 2020-09-24
20 Conn's Appliances $15,000 1 2020-08-17 2020-08-17
20 GOPAC $15,000 1 2020-11-12 2020-11-12
25 Chiang, Patel & Yerby $13,000 1 2020-09-09 2020-09-09
26 Zachry Construction $12,500 2 2019-06-26 2019-10-02
27 Motorola Solutions $11,000 4 2019-09-20 2020-11-30
28 Walmart Inc $10,000 2 2019-11-20 2020-09-15
28 CenterPoint Energy $10,000 1 2019-06-19 2019-06-19
28 BBVA USA $10,000 1 2020-10-06 2020-10-06
28 Greenberg Traurig LLP $10,000 1 2019-10-02 2019-10-02
28 Tenet Healthcare $10,000 1 2020-10-21 2020-10-21
28 JPMorgan Chase & Co $10,000 1 2020-09-11 2020-09-11
28 NRG Energy $10,000 1 2020-09-02 2020-09-02
28 Bank of America $10,000 1 2019-12-03 2019-12-03
28 Raytheon Technologies $10,000 2 2019-09-25 2020-03-10
28 Dow Inc $10,000 1 2020-10-15 2020-10-15
28 Allstate Insurance $10,000 2 2019-09-17 2020-07-31
28 Enterprise Rent-A-Car $10,000 1 2020-09-09 2020-09-09
28 Chesapeake Energy $10,000 1 2020-09-08 2020-09-08
28 LyondellBasell Industries $10,000 2 2019-10-16 2020-09-24
28 NextEra Energy $10,000 1 2020-11-18 2020-11-18
43 Covestro LLC $9,000 2 2019-12-18 2020-10-06
44 Altria Group $8,800 2 2019-10-11 2020-11-18
45 McGuireWoods LLP $7,500 4 2019-06-17 2020-10-08
46 Enbridge Inc $6,000 2 2020-09-10 2020-11-23
47 HDR Inc $5,000 1 2020-12-01 2020-12-01
47 Brookshire Grocery $5,000 1 2020-10-12 2020-10-12
47 WSP USA $5,000 1 2020-11-30 2020-11-30
47 Atmos Energy $5,000 1 2019-08-16 2019-08-16
47 American International Group $5,000 1 2020-12-08 2020-12-08
47 Occidental Petroleum $5,000 1 2020-05-14 2020-05-14
47 Abbott Laboratories $5,000 2 2019-12-16 2020-10-23
47 Home Depot $5,000 1 2020-11-19 2020-11-19
47 Zachry Holdings $5,000 1 2019-09-17 2019-09-17
47 Pfizer Inc $5,000 1 2020-05-27 2020-05-27
47 Diageo North America $5,000 3 2020-06-11 2020-10-19
47 Ford Motor Co $5,000 1 2020-01-30 2020-01-30
47 Apache Corp $5,000 1 2020-05-13 2020-05-13
47 Chevron Corp $5,000 1 2020-12-01 2020-12-01
47 Genentech Inc $5,000 2 2019-07-23 2020-08-19
47 AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals $5,000 1 2020-03-09 2020-03-09
47 Marathon Oil $5,000 1 2020-12-02 2020-12-02
47 Southwest Business Corp $5,000 2 2019-06-20 2020-11-19
47 Kay Granger Campaign Fund $5,000 1 2019-06-25 2019-06-25
47 United Airlines $5,000 1 2020-01-15 2020-01-15
47 Cheniere Energy $5,000 1 2020-12-07 2020-12-07
47 Caterpillar Inc $5,000 1 2020-08-03 2020-08-03
69 Eli Lilly & Co $3,000 1 2019-09-16 2019-09-16
70 FedEx Corp $2,500 1 2020-03-09 2020-03-09
70 Capital One Financial $2,500 1 2020-06-21 2020-06-21
70 Sanofi US $2,500 1 2019-10-17 2019-10-17
70 Texas Instruments $2,500 1 2019-10-22 2019-10-22
70 Applied Materials Inc $2,500 1 2020-12-10 2020-12-10
70 National Football League Players Assn $2,500 1 2020-07-23 2020-07-23
70 Texas Cattle Feeders Assn $2,500 1 2020-09-09 2020-09-09
70 OneMain Financial Group $2,500 1 2020-11-25 2020-11-25
70 McLane Co $2,500 1 2019-07-02 2019-07-02
79 Cigna Corp $2,000 1 2020-06-16 2020-06-16
79 ONEOK Inc $2,000 2 2019-09-11 2020-09-25
81 Texans for Lamar Smith $1,000 1 2019-06-19 2019-06-19
81 NextDecade Corp $1,000 1 2020-02-22 2020-02-22
81 Lockheed Martin $1,000 1 2019-11-20 2019-11-20
81 Walgreens $1,000 1 2020-10-09 2020-10-09
81 Baxter Healthcare $1,000 1 2020-09-10 2020-09-10
86 American Society of Anesthesiologists $0 6 2020-03-09 2020-12-31
87 Humana Inc -$2,500 1 2019-02-13 2019-02-13
88 Enterprise Products Partners -$5,000 1 2019-06-24 2019-06-24
88 Essential Utilities Inc -$5,000 3 2019-08-28 2020-09-01

Give us money but then STFU and go along with everything we say. We all know they just worship the almighty dollar above EVERYTHING else.

[puzzld]

Give us money but then STFU and go along with everything we say. We all know they just worship the almighty dollar above EVERYTHING else.

Yep. And it's OK to talk about sinful birth control, abortions and lbgt pervs, but don't talk about voting rights. It's OK for the pillow guy to advocate for martial law... etc.

[raisedbywolves]

https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinio...ng-ncna1263350

Why Republicans want corporations to end all criticism of their war on voting rights-The party that once hailed the decision that corporations are people are now showing businesses' political leanings the same disdain as actual people's.

[JohnLanders]

https://abc7chicago.com/politics/new...ions/10522733/

EMAIL
U.S. & WORLD
Marjorie Taylor Greene launching 'America First' caucus pushing for 'Anglo-Saxon political tradition'
By CNN
Saturday, April 17, 2021 9:13AM

EMBED <>MORE VIDEOS
A fiercely divided House has tossed Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene off both her committees.

WASHINGTON -- Conservative Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene is launching a new "America First" caucus, her office confirmed Friday, bringing together a group of far-right lawmakers known for their controversial rhetoric.

Punchbowl News obtained a flier promoting the new caucus, which calls for a "common respect for uniquely Anglo-Saxon political traditions" and pushes a series of conspiracy theories about election integrity. The flier also outlined a nativist argument warning that "mass immigration" poses a threat to "the long-term existential future of America as a unique country with a unique culture and a unique identity."
A spokesperson for Greene, Nick Dyer, complained about the initial draft of the flier being leaked but confirmed to CNN in a statement that plans were in the works to form the group, which will be, "announced to the public very soon."

Embattled GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, who is under federal investigation over allegations involving sex trafficking and prostitution, tweeted Friday, "I'm proud to join @mtgreenee in the #AmericaFirst Caucus. We will end wars, stop illegal immigration & promote trade that is fair to American workers. This is just a hit piece from the America Last crowd in Big Media, Big Tech & Big Government."

Congressional caucuses are voluntary groups usually made up of lawmakers seeking to advance certain policy agendas. While the groups operate outside of the formal congressional legislative structure, many have found success influencing debate and amplifying their shared policy prescriptions.

CNN has reached out to Republican Reps. Paul Gosar of Arizona, Louie Gohmert of Texas and Rep. Barry Moore of Alabama, whom Punchbowl News reported to be involved in the caucus.

A spokesperson for Moore told CNN in a statement, "Congressman Moore wholeheartedly supports President Trump's America First agenda and policies that prioritize hardworking Americans. He will not agree to join any caucus until he's had an opportunity to research their platform, which he has not had the chance to do so with the America First Caucus and therefore has not joined."

The lawmakers are known to be on the extreme far-right fringes of the GOP, and their rhetoric is often designed to grab headlines. The rhetoric surrounding protecting the American identity and "uniquely Anglo-Saxon political traditions" ties into a toxic argument with a racist legacy that immigrants are "replacing" Americans who were born in the United States.

Republican Rep. Scott Perry of Pennsylvania evoked a similar argument during a subcommittee hearing earlier this week set to examine why those from Central American countries comprise a disproportionate number of migrants crossing the US-Mexico border.

"For many Americans, what seems to be happening or what they believe right now is happening is what appears to them is we're replacing national-born American - native-born Americans to permanently transform the political landscape of this very nation," Perry said.

Similar comments were also recently made by Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson, underscoring how certain Republican lawmakers and right-wing media personalities are echoing and thus potentially legitimizing arguments that have been made by White nationalists and nativists for years.

The House voted in February to remove Greene, a freshman from Georgia, from her committee assignments after reports of her comments surfaced showing her encouragement of political violence, suggesting that the Parkland, Florida, school shooting was a "false flag" operation and conspiratorial claim that a space laser controlled by Jewish financiers started a California wildfire in 2018.

She has tried to make a name for herself being an outsider and a rabble rouser and routinely uses parliamentary procedures to slow down House floor business, much to the dismay of her colleagues.

But the tactics have helped her win support on the far right, and just this week her campaign announced she had raised $3.2 million in the first three months in office - an astonishing amount for a freshman member.

Following news of the new caucus Wednesday, GOP Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois tweeted, "Just when I was hoping to take a long weekend away from crazy I see this."

"Completely disgusted," he said.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, a California Republican, tweeted Friday afternoon, "The Republican Party is the party of Lincoln & the party of more opportunity for all Americans-not nativist dog whistles."

GOP conference chair Liz Cheney, the No. 3 House Republican, responded to the reporting about the new caucus from Greene in a tweet.

"Republicans believe in equal opportunity, freedom, and justice for all. We teach our children the values of tolerance, decency and moral courage," she wrote. "Racism, nativism, and anti-Semitism are evil. History teaches we all have an obligation to confront & reject such malicious hate."

WTH All the current RNC wants is a Jonestown with white supremacists!

[JohnLanders]

https://abc7chicago.com/politics/new...ions/10522733/

EMAIL
U.S. & WORLD
Marjorie Taylor Greene launching 'America First' caucus pushing for 'Anglo-Saxon political tradition'
By CNN
Saturday, April 17, 2021 9:13AM

EMBED <>MORE VIDEOS
A fiercely divided House has tossed Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene off both her committees.

WASHINGTON -- Conservative Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene is launching a new "America First" caucus, her office confirmed Friday, bringing together a group of far-right lawmakers known for their controversial rhetoric.

Punchbowl News obtained a flier promoting the new caucus, which calls for a "common respect for uniquely Anglo-Saxon political traditions" and pushes a series of conspiracy theories about election integrity. The flier also outlined a nativist argument warning that "mass immigration" poses a threat to "the long-term existential future of America as a unique country with a unique culture and a unique identity."
A spokesperson for Greene, Nick Dyer, complained about the initial draft of the flier being leaked but confirmed to CNN in a statement that plans were in the works to form the group, which will be, "announced to the public very soon."

Embattled GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, who is under federal investigation over allegations involving sex trafficking and prostitution, tweeted Friday, "I'm proud to join @mtgreenee in the #AmericaFirst Caucus. We will end wars, stop illegal immigration & promote trade that is fair to American workers. This is just a hit piece from the America Last crowd in Big Media, Big Tech & Big Government."

Congressional caucuses are voluntary groups usually made up of lawmakers seeking to advance certain policy agendas. While the groups operate outside of the formal congressional legislative structure, many have found success influencing debate and amplifying their shared policy prescriptions.

CNN has reached out to Republican Reps. Paul Gosar of Arizona, Louie Gohmert of Texas and Rep. Barry Moore of Alabama, whom Punchbowl News reported to be involved in the caucus.

A spokesperson for Moore told CNN in a statement, "Congressman Moore wholeheartedly supports President Trump's America First agenda and policies that prioritize hardworking Americans. He will not agree to join any caucus until he's had an opportunity to research their platform, which he has not had the chance to do so with the America First Caucus and therefore has not joined."

The lawmakers are known to be on the extreme far-right fringes of the GOP, and their rhetoric is often designed to grab headlines. The rhetoric surrounding protecting the American identity and "uniquely Anglo-Saxon political traditions" ties into a toxic argument with a racist legacy that immigrants are "replacing" Americans who were born in the United States.

Republican Rep. Scott Perry of Pennsylvania evoked a similar argument during a subcommittee hearing earlier this week set to examine why those from Central American countries comprise a disproportionate number of migrants crossing the US-Mexico border.

"For many Americans, what seems to be happening or what they believe right now is happening is what appears to them is we're replacing national-born American - native-born Americans to permanently transform the political landscape of this very nation," Perry said.

Similar comments were also recently made by Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson, underscoring how certain Republican lawmakers and right-wing media personalities are echoing and thus potentially legitimizing arguments that have been made by White nationalists and nativists for years.

The House voted in February to remove Greene, a freshman from Georgia, from her committee assignments after reports of her comments surfaced showing her encouragement of political violence, suggesting that the Parkland, Florida, school shooting was a "false flag" operation and conspiratorial claim that a space laser controlled by Jewish financiers started a California wildfire in 2018.

She has tried to make a name for herself being an outsider and a rabble rouser and routinely uses parliamentary procedures to slow down House floor business, much to the dismay of her colleagues.

But the tactics have helped her win support on the far right, and just this week her campaign announced she had raised $3.2 million in the first three months in office - an astonishing amount for a freshman member.

Following news of the new caucus Wednesday, GOP Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois tweeted, "Just when I was hoping to take a long weekend away from crazy I see this."

"Completely disgusted," he said.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, a California Republican, tweeted Friday afternoon, "The Republican Party is the party of Lincoln & the party of more opportunity for all Americans-not nativist dog whistles."

GOP conference chair Liz Cheney, the No. 3 House Republican, responded to the reporting about the new caucus from Greene in a tweet.

"Republicans believe in equal opportunity, freedom, and justice for all. We teach our children the values of tolerance, decency and moral courage," she wrote. "Racism, nativism, and anti-Semitism are evil. History teaches we all have an obligation to confront & reject such malicious hate."

WTH All the current RNC wants is a Jonestown with white supremacists!