WASHINGTON (Washington Insider Magazine) -Mitch McConnell, the Senate Minority Leader, expressed his displeasure on Tuesday with the Republican National Committee’s recent condemnation of two GOP legislators, as well as its portrayal of the Jan. 6 Capitol incident.
After the RNC approved a resolution Friday accusing Reps. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., and Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., of having participated in Democrat-led political persecution of normal citizens involved in legitimate political discourse, a reference to the Jan. 6 committee, his remarks sparked a backlash from Democrats and many Republicans. The only Republicans on the House committee are Kinzinger and Cheney.
McConnell also stated on Tuesday that the RNC should not be in the process of choosing and picking which Republicans should be endorsed, and that the RNC’s mission is to assist all members of the party.
McConnell’s remarks differ from those of House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., who has shied away from concerns about the RNC’s portrayal of Jan. 6. When questioned about the censure resolution, McCarthy chastised Cheney and Kinzinger.
According to NBC NEWS, the structural split between the 2 Republican lawmakers reveals their opposing tactics for the 2022 midterm election.
McCarthy’s strategy is to stay close to former President Donald Trump, rally core GOP supporters, and depend on conservative optimism to help Republicans reclaim the House majority while relying on Trump’s backing to become Speaker of the House. By making the November poll a reflection on President Joe Biden, McConnell hopes to separate his caucus from some of the extreme wing’s radical undercurrents and attract swing votes.
Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., said of the RNC resolution,”On the substance, I don’t think it was a good idea.”
Other Republicans complained it was a diversion from the GOP’s objective of improving its midterm electoral prospects.
However, Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., indicated that most Republicans in his state “probably agree” with the RNC’s decision, but he did not specify whether he concurred.
“Listen, whatever you think about the RNC vote, it reflects the view of most Republican voters,” he continued. “In my state, it’s not helpful to have a bunch of D.C. Republicans commenting on the RNC.”
