Do Illinois Republicans Agree with Mitch McConnell or Kevin McCarthy?
The fallout continues from the RNC’s disgraceful decision to call the violent January 6 insurrection “legitimate political discourse.” Yesterday. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell split with the national party and correctly described the day as “violent insurrection for the purpose of trying to prevent the peaceful transfer of power.” His counterpart in the House, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, refused to state the obvious, instead running from reporters when asked his opinion of the RNC’s description. Meanwhile, Illinois Republican Adam Kinzinger called on the media to question members of his own party, saying reporters should “pin down every Republican and say, ‘Do you side with what the RNC did or do you condemn what they did?’”
Where does that leave Illinois Republicans? We do know that RNC Committeeman and recent Irvin/Bourne backer Richard Porter supported the shameful language last week, along with RNC Committeewoman Demetra DeMonte. But to date, the Illinois Republican Party has been silent about the “legitimate political discourse” flap, while Republican Congressional candidates across the state continue to hide from the question.
The question is simple: do Illinois Republicans agree with Mitch McConnell or Kevin McCarthy? Do they acknowledge Jan. 6 was a violent insurrection intended to undermine our democracy or are they willing to gaslight Illinoisans with “legitimate political discourse” spin? The voters deserve to know.
