Washington lawmaker changes mind on objecting to Electoral College
Jan 6, 2021, 3:48 PM
Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (AP)
(AP)
Eastern Washington Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers has changed her mind and now says she will vote to uphold the Electoral College results.
On Tuesday, McMorris Rodgers issued a statement about her intent to join other Republicans in the House in objecting to the certification of the Electoral College results.
She said, in part, “This week’s vote is not about overturning an election. It is about examining allegations of potential fraud, certifying that states are protecting election integrity, and ensuring people’s voices are heard. It is imperative that Republicans and Democrats work together to build trust and confidence in our elections so we can uphold the Constitution and preserve our Republic. That’s why this week, I will support the objections to Electoral College vote counts in states where there have been allegations of voter fraud and questions raised about the legality of changes to state election law.”
A day later, after chaos broke out in the nation’s Capitol, McMorris Rodgers changed her mind.
The statement posted on her website:
“We must have a peaceful transfer of power. The only reason for my objection was to give voice to the concern that governors and courts unilaterally changed election procedures without the will of the people and outside of the legislative process. I have been consistent in my belief that Americans should utilize the Constitutional tools and legal processes available to seek answers to their questions about the 2020 election. What we have seen today is unlawful and unacceptable. I have decided I will vote to uphold the Electoral College results and I encourage Donald Trump to condemn and put an end to this madness.”
McMorris Rodgers said Wednesday’s actions at the U.S. Capitol put people’s lives in danger and “disregarded the values we hold dear as Americans.”
