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Kinzinger demands that recent RNC actions be a “political litmus test” for every GOP candidate

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* Lynn Sweet…

What happened: On Friday, the RNC on a voice vote approved a resolution to censure Kinzinger, of Illinois, and Cheney, of Wyoming, and “no longer support them as members of the Republican party.”

Illinois National Committeeman Richard Porter and Illinois National Committeewoman Demetra DeMonte, members of the RNC, supported the measure.

Backfire: The censure resolution has backfire potential for Republicans because it said that Kinzinger and Cheney, the only two Republicans on the Jan. 6 panel, are participating in “a Democratic-led persecution of ordinary citizens engaged in legitimate political discourse, and they are both utilizing their past professed political affiliation to mask Democrat abuse of prosecutorial power for partisan purposes.”

The problem: This “ordinary citizens” statement. Obviously, the Democrats can exploit this — the ad writes itself about violent rioters being “ordinary citizens.” On the other side of the coin, Republicans in primaries trying to out-Trump their competition — and make heroes out of the Jan. 6 mob — got a gift. […]

“It will be used against hundreds of elected Republicans who were not consulted in its drafting and do not endorse its sentiment. To the extent that the party did not intend this as the meaning — and RNC chair Ronna McDaniel, already doing damage control, says it was not meant that way — its wording is political malpractice of the highest order coming from people whose entire job is politics.” [wrote the National Review editorial board]

* Greg Hinz…

Here in Illinois, as I recently wrote, the GOP is in the early stages of rebuilding itself. It has a nice slate of candidates for statewide office, a financier in Citadel’s Ken Griffin, and issues like crime and taxes with the power to attract votes.

But because Trump tried to do what no American president ever has done—retain power by any means necessary, be it misreading the Constitution, encouraging a riot or indicating he may well pardon the rioters if he regains the White House—Trump has set up a new threshold issue for every Republican running everywhere. And that is: Where do you stand? With Trump or against him?

Ergo a few days ago, barely had I mentioned the name “Trump” in an interview with GOP gubernatorial hopeful Richard Irvin when Irvin declared without prompting that Joe Biden is the president of the United States. But Irvin wouldn’t answer when I asked him three different times who he actually voted for in 2020. He’s between a GOP primary rock and a general election hard place.

Irvin has good reason to be skittish. In recent weeks, even as we’ve become numbed to the latest Trump revelations, just as we’ve become sick and tired of anything COVID, the threat that Trump posed and poses has become clearer than ever.

* Crain’s…

But it was Kinzinger himself who basically argued Monday in a pair of cable-news appearances that the response to the RNC’s censure should be considered a political litmus test for the GOP. On MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” he called it “a defining moment for the party and I think it’s a defining moment for every member of the House or the Senate or any Republican leader.”

Kinzinger called for the media and for voters to “pin down every Republican and say, ‘Do you side with what the RNC did or do you condemn what they did?’” He added, “Trust me, politicians are really good at kind of skirting around that answer. Don’t let them on this one. I think it’s so defining.”

He said of the RNC: “Those that are driving the train have lost any sense of democracy mattering,” and went on to paint a stark picture of where the nation stands. “The RNC deserves every aspect of backlash that is going to come down on it,” Kinzinger said. “This is a defining moment in American politics and in the RNC’s future. Are you for authoritarianism? Are you against democracy? Or are you going to wake up to that slide and get back to actual democracy again?”

…Adding… DPI…

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.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 8:14 am

Comments

This is an opportunity for Rodney to clearly denounce the insurrection of Jan 6 and separate himself from Mary Miller.

Comment by 15th Congressional Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 8:21 am
Now wait. How long has the GOP in Illinois been rebuilding itself?

Comment by Levois J Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 8:22 am
Love, love, LOVE this.

===Kinzinger called for the media and for voters to “pin down every Republican and say, ‘Do you side with what the RNC did or do you condemn what they did?’” He added, “Trust me, politicians are really good at kind of skirting around that answer. Don’t let them on this one. I think it’s so defining.”===

1,000%

Irvin, Rabine, Sullivan, Bailey, Schimpf…

I wanna know. No skirting, no phony. Do you side with Kinzinger, or do you side with the RNC.

I know Chairman Tracy sides with the insurrectionists.

That’s quite clear.

===So, whatever your political leanings, wherever you live - if you want to fight corruption, restore fiscal sanity, grow our economy, and stand for law and order - you’re on our team. It’s time to suit up, work together, and bring home some wins for the people of Illinois.”===

Chairman Tracy is NOT with Kinzinger, but with racist thinkers, conspiracy theorists… and insurrection apologists and thinkers.

Where do the GOP candidates stand?

Well?

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 8:24 am
Richard Irvin sees this as a ploy by Pritzker. Jesse Sullivan doesn’t follow national politics. And Darren Bailey/Gary Rabine, well I think it’s clear where they stand.

For the ILGOP it seems the answer to this question is quite simple, crime. As Bruce Rauner once said, focus, focus.

Ultimately it will be up to the voters. But Trump and Rauner didn’t do well with those voters in their most recent elections so it would seem that this is a tough hill to climb.

Comment by Pundent Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 8:43 am
Between Kinzinger, abortion… Trump…

Tough sledding.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 8:45 am
Dozens of injured police, people defacating in the halls of our capitol, stolen and defaced property. These were not tourists, these were not ordinary citizens, these were terrorists. People died, and this gas-lighting by the RNC/GOP is shameful.

They’re trying to appeal to moderates with their correction but it’s clear they refuse to condemn the people who stormed the capitol. Sure, this might be a crazy lynch mob we whipped up into a furor with lies and unfounded conspiracies, but we need their votes!

Keep going down this path and the Republic won’t last. But none of that matters if they can just get a few more seats in the midterms, right?

Comment by Commisar Gritty Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 8:45 am
” We don’t do litmus tests. Well, except for abortion, and religion, and…”

Comment by Bruce( no not him) Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 8:52 am
“a Democratic-led persecution of ordinary citizens . . .” Um, the original quote was more Fox News-y than that.

Comment by Skeptic Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 8:53 am
This post could be about Minority Leader Durkin, but he decided to be a complicit coward or he supports the strategy.

Good on Adam Kinzinger for remembering his oaths.

Comment by Candy Dogood Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 8:56 am
I won’t even attempt to understand most Republicans anymore. It’s not worth it.

Comment by Cheryl44 Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 9:10 am
“Are you for authoritarianism? Are you against democracy?”

The insurrection and former president are permanent stains on our country that can’t be downplayed. He is still pushing the big lie, still stoking his supporters (which is quite lucrative). Which current candidate did or did not vote for Donald Trump? How can any Republican run as “tough on crime” but dodge this question, like Irvin does? Did Sullivan or Irvin vote for Trump? Does anyone still support him?

Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 9:29 am
===This is an opportunity for Rodney to clearly denounce the insurrection of Jan 6 and separate himself from Mary Miller.===

Ha (banned punctuation). Two-Step Davis actually denounce the insurrection??? Fully without his usual “but, but, buts”??? He didn’t get his “independent” commission with his bipartisan bill attempt. He could have served on the Jan 6 Committee, but he choose to “stand by his men”, probably in the hopes of a Trump endorsement which never came.

And remember, too, that Davis threw a tantrum about increased security measures at the Capitol after Jan 6th.

We don’t need Miller and we don’t need Davis in the new 15th. Will the Dems offer up any option at all??? I mean, it will be fun to watch Miller and Davis, but it is foolish to let either of them try and walk away with the district without challenge.
https://www.npr.org/sections/insurrection-at-the-capitol/2021/01/12/956254491/republicans-lash-out-against-new-security-measures-at-the-capitol

https://capitolfax.com/2021/07/21/rodney-davis-email-claims-he-was-going-to-use-sham-insurrection-probe-to-expose-democrats-for-the-lies-they-have-been-feeding-the-american-people/

Comment by Anon221 Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 9:37 am
===Will the Dems offer up any option at all??? I mean, it will be fun to watch Miller and Davis, but it is foolish to let either of them try and walk away with the district without challenge.===

That district, it’s a fool’s errand.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 9:46 am
Yes, this should be a litmus test.

Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 9:52 am
= “This is a defining moment in American politics and in the RNC’s future. Are you for authoritarianism? Are you against democracy? Or are you going to wake up to that slide and get back to actual democracy again?” =

If this Republican Party was a country, they would be invaded for harboring terrorism.

Comment by Dirty Red Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 9:53 am
C.C.I. are going to be the election issues. Kinzingers’ litmus test won’t. But I’ve been wrong before.

Comment by Blue Dog Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 9:57 am
Adam is right. Period full stop…as Lori Lightfoot might say

Comment by Middle Way Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 10:02 am
==C.C.I. are going to be the election issues. Kinzingers’ litmus test won’t.==

Senate Republicans say otherwise.

And it makes sense- the U.S. Capitol was attacked. It seems natural that people would care about that.

Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 10:06 am
===That district, it’s a fool’s errand.===

And that kind of submission or write-off or complacency is one of the paths that led us to Jan 6th. Davis will be relieved not to have to answer any hard questions from a Dem if he wins and skates to his next term. Or, Miller will have a grand stage to keep spewing division and lies. Not having an opposing party candidate is the easy way out. Not sure if Betsy hadn’t gotten the Rural Development gig if she would have run again, but she sure held Davis to the fire in her two goes. So, I’ll continue to be a fool and hope I can give my vote in the 15th to someone worthy of serving in DC.

Comment by Anon221 Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 10:07 am
===Not sure if Betsy===

How many times does she wanna lose?

=== And that kind of submission or write-off or complacency is one of the paths that led us to Jan 6th.===

Not really. Gerrymandering or district leans have been around a very long time, not a new phenomenon.

You could run. Have at it.

The money, resources, and focus will be with Casten, Underwood, and very much with Foster.

There are no unlimited resources.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 10:12 am
===There are no unlimited resources.===

I guess that all depends on what is valued as “resources”.

And as far as me running… I answered that directly to you a while back in a previous CapFax mini “debate” between the two of us.

Comment by Anon221 Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 10:24 am
== Will the Dems offer up any option at all?==

I think one thing to keep in mind here is that there is no central Dem HQ saying, “Ok, we need a candidate in Southeast IL, call So-and-So off the bench.” All parties are at the mercy of willing candidates stepping up. There are things that the party can do to incentivize stepping up (promising staff or money, mostly), but at the end of the day you’re still asking someone to give up basically a year of their life for a very invasive process that, in this case, they will probably lose. It’s a big ask.

Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 10:29 am
Hart and DiCianni please answer the question. The Dem candidate for DuPage Chairmen answer is known without asking

Comment by DuPage Resident Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 10:30 am
===I guess that all depends on what is valued as “resources”.===

There are far too many more important races for HDems in America than IL-15

Like… a hundred more.

I know you did, answer, but asking Betsy to lose, again…

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 10:33 am
==So, I’ll continue to be a fool and hope I can give my vote in the 15th to someone worthy of serving in DC.==

Despite the senseless (IMO) email “scandal” that forced him out as Ag director, could John Sullivan consider giving the new 15th a try? If he’s even interested in returning to politics.

Comment by NonAFSCMEStateEmployeeFromChatham Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 10:34 am
Republicans speak out of both sides of their mouths. They decry violence, crime, etc, but when it comes to January 6, nothing there …

Comment by Sir Reel Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 10:36 am
===”…but at the end of the day you’re still asking someone to give up basically a year of their life for a very invasive process that, in this case, they will probably lose. It’s a big ask.”===

Very true, and the divides that the previous administration created and encouraged and nurtured make that increasingly dangerous to a candidate and their family. We’ve seen playing out here in Illinois with Rep. Conroy and the failure of the Republican party to do anything to stop the lies. It’s also playing out in local elections from school boards to townships to county boards. At what point is the erosion in basic democracy worth investing in resources to stop the slide toward an increasingly deep divide?

Comment by Anon221 Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 10:40 am
===At what point is the erosion in basic democracy worth investing in resources to stop the slide toward an increasingly deep divide?===

Then you should run for school board.

Asking others “where are you” isn’t a plan either.

===could John Sullivan consider===

It’s a fool’s errand.

If it wasn’t than some name would’ve already announced.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 10:43 am
===”… but asking Betsy to lose, again…”

Not my ask. IF she had decided to run again, this time around, Davis provided a lot more than just healthcare issues that she, or any other Dem candidate, could push his buttons on. Miller will definitely be pushing his buttons, and if she wins… then what? Free ride for her, too?

Reminder of what Davis wants… “I want to chair the House Administation Committee when Republicans take over the majority again after this November election,” Rep. Davis said. “Eventually, I’m on track in a few terms to make a play to chair the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. I would think that would be a boom to the Peoria and Bloomington area.”

https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/politics/on-the-record/on-the-record-why-rep-rodney-davis-chose-congress-over-governors-race/

Comment by Anon221 Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 10:52 am
- Anon221 -

It’s an unwinnable district for a Dem.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 10:56 am
==At what point is the erosion in basic democracy worth investing in resources to stop the slide toward an increasingly deep divide? ==

I’d argue it’s at the same point as planting a tree, but I also don’t think funding a candidate in every district really addresses that issue head on.

Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 11:05 am
===”It’s an unwinnable district for a Dem.”

Perhaps for now, but “forever and ever amen” shouldn’t be an automatic default either.

Comment by Anon221 Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 11:11 am
===Perhaps for now===

Then why waste the time or resources?

You don’t.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 11:17 am
===”You don’t.”===

The problem is when “you don’ts” expand and combine to the point where it becomes very expensive to reverse or balance with money, time, and personnel when the placeholder in the “you don’ts” goes too far. If Miller prevails, I would hope that would be a tipping point for “investment” against her in her next go round for office if she wins the General. Based on the current lack of spine in the GOP and RNC, I doubt they would primary her. They seem more concerned with survival of the fittest at any cost.

Comment by Anon221 Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 11:52 am
===The problem is when “you don’ts” expand and combine to the point where it becomes very expensive to reverse or balance with money, time, and personnel when the placeholder in the “you don’ts” goes too far.===

The district is unwinnable for any Dem.

You can talk talk yourself “Blue” but that district won’t be in play for the next decade. It won’t. It’s drawn not to be in play.

You can vote with your feet.

This is a ridiculous discussion, I mean, the Dems are trying to save a majority with actual real districts and there’s a discussion here on the tragedy that Dems are smart by knowing this district is Red and moving on?

I’m sure donors would rather burn stacks of $100s than donate to any Dem running in IL-15. Same result, but maybe more fun in a fireplace.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 11:58 am
Kinzinger is being pretty self-serving here. After all, the RNC condemned him. What do the kids say, he’s just

Comment by Pungent Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 12:06 pm
OW- “You can vote with your feet.”

Since you don’t know me personally, you cannot begin to understand what a slap in the face that comment was. I’m not going to “gerrymand” my life to fit your narrative of how the game of politics should be played.

Comment by Anon221 Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 12:08 pm
===Kinzinger is being pretty self-serving here. After all, the RNC condemned him.===

That’s the whole point…

Are you part of the cult, support insurrectionists, against fair and free elections… or not.

The “… or not” is the Kinzinger side.

Pretty easy to pick sides, so let’s see where they all stand… those running races in Illinois.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 12:08 pm
===Since you don’t know me personally, you cannot begin to understand what===

Those are your choices right now.

It’s wholly unrealistic to view ANY run for IL-15 as a Democratic candidate. Asking or hoping for Betsy, or not running personally, the only thing left is to vote with your feet.

The options are nil.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 12:10 pm
===”The options are nil.”===

No, the option is not to vote for any candidate because there is no other optional candidate to vote for. As you said, maybe in a decade that will change, and maybe I’ll be around to see it change. Also, please, stop with the straw arguments of Betsy or me running, or me moving. I answered all of those regardless of how you want me to answer to you.

Comment by Anon221 Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 12:22 pm
=== stop with the straw arguments of Betsy or me running===

You brought up Betsy running.

Keep up.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 12:27 pm
===”You brought up Betsy running.

Keep up.===

No… I said…

“Not sure if Betsy hadn’t gotten the Rural Development gig IF she would have run again…” (Note I emphasized the second “if” this time)

Slow down:)

Comment by Anon221 Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 12:37 pm
=== “Not sure if Betsy hadn’t gotten the Rural Development gig IF she would have run again…” (Note I emphasized the second “if” this time)

Slow down:)===

So… it wasn’t a straw man, was it.

Why even ask that, LOL

Good luck to ya. In a decade, who knows what it’ll be like.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 12:40 pm
===”So… it wasn’t a straw man, was it.”===

You decided I was saying she would/might run. Not my intent at all. Betsy herself had made comments that she probably wouldn’t run again. The Illinois Rural Development head appointment sealed that. IF she hadn’t taken that appointment, AND she still felt like she could have made a strong run with backing again (which she did do twice and came closer the second time), THEN I would bet a lot of voters in the 15th would have welcomed her candidacy. If..And…Then… nothing more.

Comment by Anon221 Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 12:59 pm
===You decided===

Why even bring her up?

Move on. It’s an unwinnable district, no one is running of consequence, no one will fund the run. It’s a foolish discussion.

It’s not a straw man to point out the ridiculous idea of even bringing up her name… which you did… not me.

Ok, (sigh), to the post,

In actual races in Illinois, those running against Casten, Underwood, and Foster should face “what about Illinois’ Kinzinger, you think he’s right?”

That is a real good question in Illinois and in those races, let alone for governor, et al.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 1:06 pm
Wouldn’t be surprised a bit if Biden dumped Kamala and picks up Adam in 2024.

Comment by Blue Dog Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 1:07 pm
==Wouldn’t be surprised a bit if Biden dumped Kamala and picks up Adam in 2024. ==

Fun parlor game, but Biden isn’t dumping the country’s first female African American VP for a guy who disagrees with him on everything except “Should Trump be subject to laws.” Kinzy is still pro-life and anti-union. He’s never gonna be on a Dem ticket.

Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 2:20 pm
And if Kinz really wanted to he could switch parties and run as a Democrat. I don’t see him doing that.

Comment by The Velvet Frog Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 2:31 pm
===Kinz really wanted to he could===

No.

It’s about insurrection, not politics to parties.

Two different criteria l

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 2:34 pm
To be clear, my response was specifically directed at the laughable idea of Kinz for VP. Next time I’ll try and remember to quote.

Comment by The Velvet Frog Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 3:13 pm