Despite Being Asked Not to Interfere By GOP Leadership, Trump Endorses Candidate Who Spread Vaccine Misinformation
While some of Donald Trump’s closest remaining allies are privately lobbying him to get involved in a Republican-on-Republican race in Illinois, it’s sparked internal strife within the party and prompted other GOP leaders to launch a counter-campaign aimed at keeping Trump on the sidelines.
But that hasn’t stopped him from endorsing candidates who are specifically running to challenge those incumbents who either voted to certify the 2020 Presidential election or for Trump’s second impeachment or both. Any member of the party not deemed an “America First” Republican–meaning, they haven’t pledged loyalty to him, an all-important factor at getting his endorsement–is potentially at risk for losing their seat. And in some states, Trump is endorsing two candidates in the same race.
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy has worked behind-the-scenes to head it off, allegedly urging Trump to stay out of the primary race, But Trump can’t stay away from the spotlight, and has inserted himself into several primary races already. In Illinois, Trump has backed freshman Rep. Mary Miller, who was left without a seat after the state’s redistricting process. Miller recently announced she would run in the state’s newly drawn 15th District, where GOP Rep. Rodney Davis is seeking reelection. Miller could also potentially challenge another sitting House Republican seeking re-election, Rep. Mike Bost, in a different district.
Happy New Year!
I am blessed to start out 2022 by receiving President Donald Trump’s endorsement for my re-election in IL-15.
I promise to always be a fighter for the America First Agenda.🇺🇸
This will be the year we take our country back.
Join me ➡️ https://t.co/8CTzBd4fuE pic.twitter.com/tgI1etuPwg
— Mary Miller (@Miller_Congress) January 1, 2022
Davis, who is closely aligned with GOP leadership and is poised to become a chairman if Republicans flip the House, voted to certify the 2020 election results and backed a bipartisan commission to investigate the January 6th insurrection, which sealed his fate as a “RINO” disloyal to Trump’s “America First” plan.
https://t.co/3aXc9Ftlny
'Hitler was right on one thing': Mary Miller criticized for invoking Adolph Hitler— Rhonda Harbison (@rhonda_harbison) January 3, 2022
Miller is a member of the far-right faction of the House known as the Freedom Caucus, and has the support of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) and Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH). She recently caused a stir within the Republican Party for spreading misinformation about a vaccine records bill and an annual defense policy bill that many House Republicans voted for.
Interesting suggestion from @RepMaryMiller’s campaign video. “I’m fighting for ‘real’ election security so that voters decide elections, not the ballot counters.”
I have some follow up questions. pic.twitter.com/8KakQZ2FJY
— Mark Maxwell (@MarkMaxwellTV) January 1, 2022