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☆ GOP lawmakers and candidates race to distance themselves from Alabama court decision
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-23 | by ( Lauren Fox | Melanie Zanona | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

A number of congressional Republicans running in 2024 are swiftly distancing themselves from a controversial Alabama Supreme Court ruling seen as infringing on IVF, the latest obstacle for GOP candidates in the post-Roe era. IVF allowed me, as it has so many others, to start my family,” California Republican Rep. Michelle Steel, who represents a district carried by Biden, said on X. On the campaign trail though, the National Republican Congressional Committee is trying to help candidates navigate what is emerging as a tricky political moment. The memo tells candidates to “express support for IVF” and “oppose restrictions” on the procedure. Even some conservatives are going out of their way to express support for IVF and distance themselves from the Alabama ruling.

Persons: Michelle Steel, Biden, “, Don Bacon, Republicans ’, Roe, Wade, Mike Berg, Larry Hogan, Dave McCormick, ”, Sen, Tommy Tuberville, Mike Lawler, Nick LaLota, Nancy Mace, Matt Gaetz, CNN’s Abby Phillip, Kat Cammack, ” Cammack Organizations: Democratic, GOP, ” California Republican, ” Republican, Republicans, National Republican, National Republican Senatorial Campaign, CNN, Republican Senate, Maryland Gov, US, NBC, ”, Republican, New York Republican, Biden, Republican Party, Women’s Caucus, Florida Republican Locations: Alabama, ” California, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, New York, South Carolina, Florida

☆ From doubter to devotee: How New York’s Elise Stefanik emerged as a top Trump ally
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-23 | by ( Gregory Krieg | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

Stefanik has often explained it herself: She saw Trump’s popularity in her upstate New York district and got on board. That first impeachment proceeding made her a “Republican star,” as Trump himself said at the time. When there was a nationwide baby formula shortage in 2022, Stefanik blamed the “White House, House Dems, & usual pedo grifters” on social media. One upset donor told CNN in 2023 that he gave to Santos “because of Elise Stefanik’s endorsement.” Stefanik frequently denied any previous knowledge of his Santos’ history. “The American people stand with President Trump,” Stefanik wrote, “against the unethical, unconstitutional, and unprecedented weaponization of the judicial system.”CNN’s Alayna Treene contributed to this story.

Persons: –, Donald Trump –, Elise Stefanik, Trump’s, ”, Stefanik, Trump’s staunchest, Joe Biden’s, Claudine Gay, she’d, Paul Ryan, Trump, she’s, MAGA, “, ” Stefanik, Kevin McCarthy, Ohio Sen, J.D, Kari Lake, Kristi Noem, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Nikki Haley, Vance, Ben Carson, Jim Jordan of, Florida’s Matt Gaetz, Steve Bannon, Vivek Ramaswamy, ’, he’s, Nancy Pelosi, ” “, George Santos, Santos “, Elise Stefanik’s, Santos, Letitia James, Alayna Treene Organizations: CNN, Donald Trump – New York, Republican, GOP, Yorker, Harvard University, Time Magazine, Trump, California Rep, Ohio, South Dakota Gov, Arkansas Gov, White House, Conservative Political, Conference, Former South Carolina Gov, Trump Republicans, New, House Dems, ” “, New York Republican, New York Times, Washington and New York, Congress, New York, Trump’s Locations: “, America, alma mater, New York, Vance , Arizona, South, Washington, Lake, Jim Jordan of Ohio, detractor, Lago, vouching, Washington and New, Florida

☆ Judge allows Sam Bankman-Fried to keep his new lawyers after prosecutors warn of conflict of interest
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-21 | by ( Jacob Shamsian | Katie Balevic | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Read previewUS District Judge Lewis Kaplan ruled that Sam Bankman-Fried could retain his new lawyers despite a noted conflict of interest. Questioned thoroughly by Kaplan, Bankman-Fried affirmed that he wanted to keep his new attorneys, waiving his right to "conflict-free representation," as Kaplan put it. They're expected to help Bankman-Fried with his sentencing hearing, scheduled for late March. In their February letter, prosecutors said Kaplan should hold a Curcio hearing, where the judge could ask Bankman-Fried and his lawyers questions to determine whether a legitimate conflict of interest exists and whether they would waive it for the sentencing hearing. This has the potential to create a conflict in the representation of Bankman-Fried and Mashinsky," prosecutors wrote in the letter.

Persons: —, Lewis Kaplan, Sam Bankman, Fried, Kaplan, Marc Mukasey, Torrey Young, waiving, Mukasey, Young, They're, Alex Mashinsky, Caroline Ellison, Mashinsky, Prosecutors, Michael Mukasey, George W, Bush, Eddie Gallagher, Eric Trump, Matt Gaetz, Alexandra Shapiro, Shapiro, Nicolas Roos Organizations: Service, Bankman, Business, Justice Department Prosecutors, Alameda Research, Prosecutors, Mashinsky, Navy, New, Trump Locations: Manhattan, Alameda, New York

☆ A GOP congressman says he has 'zero concerns' about the wave of departures from the House: 'We probably need a few more retirements'
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-20 | by ( John L. Dorman | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

"I think the retirements are a wonderful thing," Good recently told CNN. I blame a lot of the 'crazy eights' led by Gaetz," McCarthy told CNN. However, Good dismissed concerns about congressional turnover, even as Republicans control the House, albeit narrowly. Why don't you survey the country and see if there is any brain to drain in Congress," he told CNN. As of Tuesday, 21 GOP lawmakers have chosen not to run for reelection this year or are running for another public office.

Persons: —, Bob Good, Kevin McCarthy of, McCarthy, Matt Gaetz, Gaetz, Good, Mike Gallagher of, Mark Green of, Alejandro Mayorkas —, — Green, Gallagher, Tom McClintock of, Ken Buck, Ken Buck of Colorado, Mayorkas, Debbie Lesko of, wouldn't, gridlock, we're Organizations: Service, GOP Rep, Caucus, Business, CNN, Chinese Communist Party, Homeland Security, Homeland, GOP Locations: Virginia, Kevin McCarthy of California, Florida, Congress, Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin, Mark Green of Tennessee, Tom McClintock of California, Ken Buck of, Debbie Lesko of Arizona

The GOP has been softening its stance on Russia ever since Trump won the 2016 election following Russian hacking of his Democratic opponents. Now the GOP's ambivalence on Russia has stalled additional aid to Ukraine at a pivotal time in the war. Things are changing just not fast enough.”Those who oppose additional Ukraine aid bristle at charges that they are doing Putin's handiwork. Even before Trump, Republican voters were signaling discontent with overseas conflicts, said Douglas Kriner, a political scientist at Cornell University. Skeptics of Ukraine aid argue the war has already decimated the Russian military and that Putin won't be able to target other European countries.

Persons: Republican Sen, Ron Johnson of, Vladimir Putin, “, Johnson, “ Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump, Putin, Mike Johnson, ”, “ Putin, ” Republican Sen, Thom Tillis, Mitch McConnell of, Alexei Navalny, Joe Biden, Tillis, ” Johnson, Missouri Sen, Eric Schmitt, ” Alabama Sen, Tommy Tuberville, Tucker Carlson’s, Matt Gaetz, Trump, Douglas Kriner, ” Kriner, ” Trump, didn’t, Olga Kamenchuk, ” Kamenchuk, That’s, “ He's, he's, ” Henry Hale, Russell Vought, Sergey Radchenko, Joey Cappelletti, Mary Clare Jalonick, Lisa Mascaro Organizations: Republican, GOP, Trump, Democratic, Republicans, NATO, ” Republican, Republican Party, ”, Cornell University, Northwestern University, Ukraine, Pew Research, George Washington University, Management, Center, Johns Hopkins ’ School, International Studies, Associated Press Locations: Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, Ukraine, Russian, Russia, Europe, U.S, North Carolina, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, America, Missouri, ” Alabama, Waterford Township , Michigan, ” Russia, “, Moscow, Soviet Union, Putin's U.S, Israel, Taiwan, Western Europe, Soviet, Lithuania, Estonia, Washington

CNN —House Republicans were shocked by some of the recent high-profile retirements announced by their colleagues, which have included powerful committee chairs and rising stars inside the GOP. And on the Energy and Commerce Committee alone – a highly sought-after assignment – there are eight Republicans who are retiring. “So, yeah, I’m very worried about it.”Others, however, said the turnover is completely normal, especially since the House GOP has self-imposed term limits for chairs, which they argued allows them to inject new blood into the ranks. We probably need a few more retirements.”McCarthy – who resigned at the end of last year – suggested that was perhaps the goal of hard-liners like Good and GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida who voted to oust him. It’s just a number of things piling up,” said House Science Committee Chair Frank Lucas, reflecting on the retirements.

Persons: “ They’ve, we’re, ”, Ken Buck, Don Bacon of Nebraska, ” Bacon, Carlos Gimenez, Kevin McCarthy, “, it’s, –, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Mike Gallagher of, Alejandro Mayorkas, Greg Pence, Pfluger, Tom Cole, I’ve, I’m, Bob Good, ” Good, ” McCarthy –, Matt Gaetz, Gaetz, ” McCarthy, Frank Lucas, Mark Green of, Debbie Lesko of, McCarthy, ” Lesko, can’t, Brian Fitzpatrick, Steve Womack, Donald, Trump, Kelly Armstrong of, ’, Erin Houchin, Patrick McHenry of, Chuck Fleischmann of Tennessee Organizations: CNN — House Republicans, CNN, GOP, Energy, impeaching Homeland, Commerce, Indiana, Republicans, Congress, Capitol, ”, House Homeland Security Committee, Representatives, Financial Locations: Ken Buck of Colorado, Carlos Gimenez of Florida, Washington, China, Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin, Texas, Congress, Florida, Mark Green of Tennessee, Debbie Lesko of Arizona, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, New York, Kelly Armstrong of North Dakota, Erin Houchin of Indiana, Patrick McHenry of North Carolina

☆ Why Jake Tapper made a new series about pre-Trump political scandals
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-18 | by ( Zachary Wolf | Analysis Zachary B. Wolf | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —There’s a funny, interesting and very sad new series on CNN featuring Jake Tapper. If you are encountering them for the first time, it will be an education in what Tapper calls his “Jar Jar Binks” theory. TAPPER: The scandals involving Trump are so vast and complex and ongoing. You revisit sex scandals, corruptions scandals and a spy scandal. TAPPER: I have a theory called the “Jar Jar Binks” theory, which is that every great person rises to a level where they can remove from their circle anyone telling them when they’re making a mistake.

Persons: CNN —, Jake Tapper, Rod, Carolina Sen, John Edwards, Tapper, Donald Trump, I’ve, they’d, –, Hunter Biden, Matt Gaetz, George Santos, TAPPER, Trump, Valerie Plame, Blagojevich, Scooter Libby, Libby, Trump –, Roger Stone, Mike Flynn, it’s Organizations: CNN, “, Trump, Illinois Gov, New, South, Senate, Democrats Locations: “ United States, Carolina, New Jersey, South Carolina, Northeast

☆ Why Alexey Navalny's death is unlikely to change Congress' Ukraine aid quagmire
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-16 | by ( Brent D. Griffiths | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Read previewLeaders in both parties vowed that Russian President Vladimir Putin must pay for the death of famed opposition leader Alexey Navalny. It's unclear though how their tributes will translate into tangible action, especially on Congress' long-delayed push to send more aid for Ukraine's defense. House Speaker Mike Johnson said in a statement that international leaders "must be clear that Putin will be met with united opposition." While it's true that the foreign aid bill could garner 218 votes, getting the bill on the floor is another matter entirely. Ukraine aid still hasn't passed.

Persons: —, Vladimir Putin, Alexey Navalny, Mike Johnson, Putin, Johnson, Donald Trump, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Kevin McCarthy, hasn't, McCarthy, Matt Gaetz, Trump, Matt Glassman, Glassman, It's, there's, Volodymyr Zelensky, Schumer, Churchill Organizations: Service, Business, Georgia Republican, Ukraine, GOP, California Republican, Florida Republican, Georgetown University's Government Affairs Institute, Republicans, Trump, Republican Locations: Ukraine, United States, Baltic, Georgia, California, Florida, Mexico, Mexican

☆ Rep. Matt Gaetz’s ex-girlfriend subpoenaed by House Ethics Committee and is expected to plead the Fifth later this month
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-16 | by ( Paula Reid | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —The House Ethics Committee investigating Rep. Matt Gaetz has subpoenaed his ex-girlfriend who was a key witness in the federal investigation into the Florida lawmaker, according to her lawyer Tim Jansen. A spokesperson for the House Ethics Committee declined to comment on the matter. The ex-girlfriend was granted immunity in the federal criminal probe and testified before a grand jury in January 2022. That federal probe concluded in 2023 with no charges brought against the congressman. Gaetz has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, including ever having sex with a minor or paying for sex.

Persons: Matt Gaetz, Tim Jansen, Jansen, Gaetz Organizations: CNN, Capitol Hill, ABC News Locations: Florida

☆ Opinion: How America became immune to scandal
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-15 | by ( Julian Zelizer | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Editor’s note: CNN’s six-part series “United States of Scandal With Jake Tapper” will premiere at 9 p.m. ET/PT February 18. As president, Trump experienced more moments that would traditionally be defined as a scandal than almost any other high official in recent memory, arguably surpassing his notorious predecessor, Richard Nixon. In an era when most Americans are more concerned about the political party of their children’s future spouse than their religion, this calculation is dominant. One study even found that legislators often raise more money after a scandal, especially if the issue received media coverage. For all these reasons, scandal in 2024 isn’t your grandfather’s scandal.

Persons: Jake Tapper ”, Julian Zelizer, Webster, doesn’t, Donald Trump, Trump, Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, Trump’s, Matt Gaetz, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Pink Floyd, George Santos, Santos, Taylor Swift, Bill Clinton, Sen, Robert Menendez Organizations: CNN, Princeton University, The New York Times, America, Trump, Capitol, Republicans, GOP, Republican Party, Democratic Party, New York Republicans, Rep, Republican, Democrat, Robert Menendez of New Locations: United States, Merriam, Florida, Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Vietnam, shrug, midstream, yesteryear, Robert Menendez of, Robert Menendez of New Jersey

☆ White House confirms US has intelligence on Russian anti-satellite capability
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-15 | by ( Michael Williams | Kevin Liptak | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Washington CNN —The White House on Thursday confirmed that the national security threat flagged by the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee the previous day is related to “an anti-satellite capability that Russia is developing,” but sought to soothe concerns about the danger it presents to the United States. “This is not an active capability that’s been deployed,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Thursday. “There was notifications from the intelligence community that made it just clearer now than before,” Crenshaw said. “This was just the time.”The post from Turner called on President Joe Biden to declassify “all information” related to the threat. Kirby said the US intelligence community had “serious concerns” about a broad declassification of intelligence related to the threat.

Persons: that’s, John Kirby, ” Kirby, Mike Turner of, Turner, Matt Gaetz, “, Andy Ogles, Ogles, Kirby, Donald Trump, Dan Crenshaw, Crenshaw, ” Crenshaw, Joe Biden, declassify, Biden, Hans Kristensen, CNN’s Morgan Rimmer, Oren Liebermann, Katie Bo Lillis Organizations: Washington CNN, House Intelligence, ” National Security, House Intelligence Committee, Republican, Turner, Ukraine, Russia, Reuters, GOP, Intelligence, Texas Rep, Federation of American, CNN, 2022 Defense Intelligence Agency Locations: Russia, United States, Mike Turner of Ohio, Florida, ”, Tennessee, Ukraine, Russian

☆ Ousting Kevin McCarthy has been a disaster for House Republicans
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-15 | by ( Madison Hall | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Read previewAfter four months of failed votes, retirements, and shrinking the party's already-narrow majority, House Republicans are feeling the harsh effects of ousting then-Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy from his leadership role in October 2023. Before obtaining the speakership, his highest leadership experience came from his nearly three years as the vice chair of the House Republican Conference, where he had scant experience raising money and campaigning for other Republicans. Because of this narrower majority, Johnson has an increasingly difficult job getting House Republicans to vote in lockstep — practically the only way the conference can pass legislation without relying on Democratic votes. McCarthy also had ample experience fundraising and propping up trailing candidates, attributes that could've helped New York special election candidate Mazi Pilip on Tuesday. AdvertisementOr as one House Republican put it bluntly earlier in February: "Getting rid of Speaker McCarthy has officially turned into an unmitigated disaster."

Persons: —, Kevin McCarthy, McCarthy's, Matt Gaetz, Mike Johnson, Johnson, George Santos, Santos, lockstep —, Donald Trump, McCarthy would've, It's, McCarthy, could've, Mazi Pilip, Johnson — would've Organizations: Service, Republicans, Republican, GOP, Business, House Republican Conference, Democratic Party, Democratic, Trump, House GOP Locations: New York

☆ McCarthy foes face blowback as primary threats grow and GOP donors shut wallets
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-11 | by ( Melanie Zanona | Manu Raju | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +12 min

CNN —Donors no longer want to contribute to their campaigns. So we obliged her,” one House Republican told CNN. Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee told CNN some “very wealthy folks” shut their wallets to him in the aftermath of his vote. “If you’ve watched, just her philosophy and the flip-flopping, I don’t believe she wins reelection,” McCarthy told CNN. “We are an incumbent-driven organization and support all House Republican incumbents call,” said a spokesman for the National Republican Campaign Committee.

Persons: Kevin McCarthy, Manu Raju ”, Nancy Mace, Bob Good, Matt Rosendale, McCarthy, Mace, “ I’m, Trump, Kevin McCarthy’s, ” Mace, “, ”, Ron DeSantis, Donald Trump, Good, Mace aren’t, Tim Burchett, “ They’ve, ” Burchett, I’m, Burchett —, —, “ He’s, I’d, Andy Biggs of, Biggs, Matt Gaetz, ” Biggs, Bob, Nancy, Mike Johnson, “ McCarthy couldn’t, ” Gaetz, he’s, Gaez, Drew Angerer, Brian O, Walsh, you’ve, Catherine Templeton, John McGuire, Jeff Miller, Marjorie Taylor Greene, McGuire, Tim Sheehy, Rosendale, McCarthy’s, Mark Lamb, Eli Crane, Lamb, Crane, hasn’t, ” Crane, “ Crane, there’s, Mace —, Mace doesn’t, ” McCarthy, Tom Williams, Johnson, Greg Steele, CNN’s David Wright, Sam Fossum, Morgan Rimmer Organizations: Republicans, CNN, Capitol, GOP, Senate, Good, Main Street Caucus, Republican Governance Group, Republican, 1st Congressional District, Freedom Caucus, Florida, ”, Politico, Navy SEAL, Montana Senate, Trump’s, Burchett, Tennessee Republican, Caucus, National Republican Campaign Locations: Washington, South Carolina, Virginia, Montana, Tennessee, Andy Biggs of Arizona, Florida, Washington ,, Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Rosendale, California, Arizona, Crane, Trump’s Nevada, Las Vegas, Israel

A lawyer for the chief witness against Representative Matt Gaetz, Republican of Florida, said on Friday that the witness was cooperating with a House Ethics Committee investigation into whether Mr. Gaetz had sex with an underage girl while he was serving in Congress. Fritz Scheller, a lawyer for Mr. Gaetz’s former friend and political ally Joel Greenberg, said he provided documents to the committee that he said backed up his client’s claims that he witnessed Mr. Gaetz having sex with a 17-year-old girl. Greenberg has and will cooperate with any congressional request,” Mr. Scheller said in an email on Friday. Mr. Greenberg, who pleaded guilty in May 2021 to charges including sex trafficking, is serving an 11-year prison sentence. He had previously cooperated with a Justice Department investigation into whether Mr. Gaetz had engaged in sex trafficking of a minor, a federal offense that carries a minimum of 10 years in prison.

Persons: Matt Gaetz, Gaetz, Fritz Scheller, Gaetz’s, Joel Greenberg, “ Mr, Greenberg, ” Mr, Scheller, Mr Organizations: Republican, Justice Department Locations: Florida

A spokesman for Mr. Rosendale declined to comment. In those seven campaigns over 12 years, Mr. Rosendale has won five contests and lost two. Mr. Rosendale finished three points behind Mr. Tester in that race after narrowly winning the primary with 34 percent of the vote. Mr. Rosendale has been a frequent guest on Mr. Bannon’s “War Room” podcast, which is popular with conservatives. A third super PAC supporting Mr. Sheehy, known as More Jobs, Less Government, has been underwritten by a few wealthy Wall Street executives.

Persons: Matt Rosendale, torching, Jon Tester, Tester, Donald J, Trump, Tim Sheehy, Tester’s, Steve Daines, Sheehy, Daines, John Barrasso of, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Trump’s, hasn’t, Rachel Leathe, Rosendale, Alex Bruesewitz, Chad F, Donald Trump Jr, Bruesewitz, “, Ted Cruz, “ I’ve, he’s, ”, Biden, Caroline Wren, Matt Gaetz, Gaetz, Kevin McCarthy, McCarthy, Greene, Stephen K, Bannon, Bannon’s, Mr, Mitch McConnell, Karl Rove —, Kenneth Griffin, Paul Singer, Stephen A, Schwarzman, Tony Fabrizio, Andy Surabian, Maggie Haberman Organizations: Senate, Montana Republicans, Republican, National Republican Senatorial Committee, Republicans, Trump, Bozeman Daily Chronicle, Associated Press, Montana Republican, U.S . House, Montana Senate, Mr, Trump White House, Navy SEAL, Republicans —, Fund, Wall Street, PAC, Democratic Locations: Montana, Rosendale, Helena, Washington, John Barrasso of Wyoming, Georgia, Iowa, Bozeman, MAGA, U.S, Ted Cruz of Texas, Arizona and Ohio

☆ House Republicans are mourning the departures of George Santos and Kevin McCarthy after their failed vote to impeach Mayorkas
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-07 | by ( Bryan Metzger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

House Republicans narrowly failed to impeach DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Tuesday. That wouldn't have happened if George Santos hadn't been expelled or Kevin McCarthy hadn't resigned. AdvertisementOn Tuesday, House Republicans suffered an embarrassing setback — they narrowly failed to impeach DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas after 3 Republicans voted against it. But Tuesday's failed vote was the first time House Republicans have suffered at the hands of their slowly shrinking majority, which has been driven by retirements and expulsions in recent months. AdvertisementTwo prominent names who weren't around to vote on Tuesday: former Rep. George Santos of New York and former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

Persons: Alejandro Mayorkas, George Santos hadn't, Kevin McCarthy hadn't, I've, Santos, Matt Gaetz, —, Steve Scalise, Tuesday's, Marjorie Taylor Greene, George Santos, Kevin McCarthy, McCarthy, Mayorkas —, Gaetz, I’ve, oCtNPjIPdB, Anna Paulina Luna, Florida, Mayorkas, Thomas Massie of, Massie Organizations: Republicans, Service, GOP, George Santos of New, Twitter, Independent, New York Republicans Locations: Georgia, George Santos of, George Santos of New York, Florida, Santos, Thomas Massie of Kentucky

☆ Matt Gaetz is trying to oust a GOP congressman who once screamed at him on the House floor
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-07 | by ( Bryan Metzger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

In January 2023, Rep. Mike Bost got up and screamed at Matt Gaetz as he trashed Kevin McCarthy. Now, Gaetz is backing Bost's primary challenger: failed GOP gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey. Gaetz called the Illinois congressman "lackluster" and compared him to Liz Cheney. AdvertisementRepublican Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida is seeking to end the career of a fellow GOP congressman who once screamed at him on the House floor. Gaetz is endorsing Darren Bailey — a former Illinois state representative who was the GOP's unsuccessful nominee for governor in 2022 — in his primary campaign against Rep. Mike Bost.

Persons: Mike Bost, Matt Gaetz, Kevin McCarthy, Darren Bailey, Gaetz, Liz Cheney, —, Darren Bailey —, Darren Organizations: Service, Republican, GOP, Rep, Business Locations: Illinois, Florida, Southern Illinois

☆ GOP congressman blames the 'craze-os' and media for Trump being removed from ballots in connection with the January 6 riots
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-06 | by ( Madison Hall | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

download the appSign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. Read previewA House Republican blamed the media for former President Donald Trump being removed from ballots as members of the GOP plan to file a resolution absolving him of the crimes he's been charged with in connection to January 6. Speaking fifth in a long series of frustrated Republicans, Rep. Andy Biggs directly accused the news media of leading Colorado and Maine to remove Trump from their presidential ballots. Advertisement"It was not an insurrection, but the craze-o's on the left supported by their accomplices in the media continue to try to harass and have President Trump removed from ballots using this false narrative," he said. She also told reporters, "You're hurting your own careers and you're hurting your industry" by labeling the former president an "insurrectionist."

Persons: —, Donald Trump, Matt Gaetz, Gaetz, Sen, JD Vance, Andy Biggs, Trump, Lauren Boebert, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Jack Smith Organizations: Service, Republican, GOP, Rep, Business, Trump, Veritas, New York Times, firebrand, House Locations: United States, Colorado, Maine

☆ Michael Fanone says Matt Gaetz's efforts to clear Trump of committing insurrection are part of his 'endless ass-kissing campaign'
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-02 | by ( Madison Hall | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

As Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz continues to circulate a drafted resolution saying former President Donald Trump didn't "engage in insurrection or rebellion against the United States, or give aid or comfort to the enemies thereof," retired DC Metropolitan Police Officer Michael Fanone isn't surprised. "It's another example of Matt Gaetz's endless ass-kissing campaign to ingratiate himself with Donald Trump," he told Business Insider Friday morning. In late January, the Daily Mail reported Gaetz's office had begun sending emails of the resolution to members of the House who've endorsed Trump's reelection campaign. Gaetz has yet to file the resolution, but Politico reported that same day it would likely be coming soon. Ultimately, he said, "I feel betrayed" by Trump supporters and legislators he said are operating out of their self-interests.

Persons: Matt Gaetz, Donald Trump, Michael Fanone isn't, Matt Gaetz's, ingratiate, Gaetz's, who've, Trump's, Gaetz, Trump, Fanone Organizations: Republican, DC Metropolitan Police, Daily Mail, New, Capitol, Politico, Trump Locations: United States, New Republic, America

☆ House Ethics Committee reached out to Rep. Matt Gaetz’s ex-girlfriend amid ongoing investigation
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-01 | by ( Paula Reid | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

The House Ethics Committee investigating Rep. Matt Gaetz has reached out to an ex-girlfriend who was a key witness in the federal investigation into the Florida lawmaker, according to a source familiar with the ethics probe. Gaetz said in a statement to CNN that the Ethics Committee investigation is “payback” for Gaetz’s efforts to oust Kevin McCarthy, the former speaker of the house, and that he sees “through this sham and the American people will too.” The Ethics Committee declined to comment. That federal probe concluded in 2023 with no charges brought against the congressman. She is not expected to voluntarily cooperate with the Ethics probe. But McCarthy has repeatedly denounced those accusations and has said Gaetz worked to oust the former speaker because of the ethics probe.

Persons: Matt Gaetz, Gaetz, Kevin McCarthy, McCarthy, ” McCarthy, “, ”, Annie Grayer Organizations: GOP, Florida Republican, CNN, Capitol Hill, Justice Department Locations: Florida, California

☆ Trump Strengthens Grip on Capitol Hill as He Presses Toward Nomination
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-25 | by ( Annie Karni | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

As former President Donald J. Trump moves closer to becoming his party’s presidential nominee and Republican lawmakers consolidate behind him, he is wielding a heavier hand than any time since leaving office over his party’s agenda in Congress. His shadow has always loomed large over the Republican-controlled House, which has opened congressional investigations to defend him, launched an impeachment inquiry into his chief rival and approved legislation to reinstate the hard-line immigration policies he imposed. But as Mr. Trump barrels toward the party’s 2024 nomination, his influence on the legislative agenda on Capitol Hill is expanding. support for sending aid to Ukraine for its war against Russian aggression, placing the fate of that money in doubt. That led Republicans to demand a border crackdown in exchange for any further funding for Kyiv, a compromise that Mr. Trump has now repudiated.

Persons: Donald J, Trump, Mike Johnson, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Matt Gaetz Organizations: Republicans, Republican, Kyiv Locations: Ukraine, Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Florida

☆ Exclusive: House ethics probe of Gaetz seeks information from DOJ and woman who allegedly had sex with congressman as a minor
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-24 | by ( Paula Reid | Annie Grayer | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

The House Ethics Committee investigating Rep. Matt Gaetz has reached out to the woman whom the congressman allegedly had sexual relations with when she was a 17-year-old minor, according to a source familiar with the committee’s work. The federal probe, which also included allegations he had sex with a minor, concluded in 2023 with no charges brought against the congressman. The increased activity under Republican leadership is notable given the committee probe was started by House Democrats in 2021. But McCarthy has repeatedly denounced those accusations and has said Gaetz worked to oust the former speaker because of the ethics probe. The probe expanded over the years before the Justice Department officially decided last year not to charge the congressman.

Persons: Matt Gaetz, Gaetz, ” Gaetz, Kevin McCarthy, McCarthy, ” McCarthy, “, Norman Eisen, Donald Trump’s, ” Eisen, Eisen, ”, Bill Barr, Joel Greenberg, Department’s, won’t Organizations: GOP, Florida Republican, Justice Department, CNN, Justice, Republican, House Democrats, Department of Justice, Democrats, DOJ, Trump, Gaetz Locations: Florida, California

☆ Analysis: Why DeSantis’ departure isn’t likely to change the dynamic between Trump and Haley
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-21 | by ( Ron Brownstein | Analysis Ronald Brownstein | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +17 min

The DeSantis and Haley camps each believed they would benefit if the other left the field and created an unambiguous one-on-one race with Trump. In fact, both the Trump and DeSantis campaigns believe that more of the Florida governor’s supporters will likely pick Trump. Any gain or loss for Haley among voters from DeSantis’ decision seems likely to affect the race only marginally, many GOP observers believe. Even at that point in the 2016 race, Trump had won only a cumulative 40% of the votes cast in the GOP primaries. His theory that he could peel away a meaningful number of previous Trump voters simply proved wrong.

Persons: New Hampshire CNN —, Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, Donald Trump, DeSantis, Haley, Trump, Joe Biden, Haley doesn’t, Biden, winnowing, Whit Ayres, ” Ayres, Texas Sen, Ted Cruz, George Conway, “ Trump, David Kochel, “, he’s, –, Trump’s, ”, Alex Stroman, Trump’s MAGA, MAGA, CNN DeSantis, “ DeSantis, Scott Reed, Bob Dole’s, John Connally, suburbanites, Vivek Ramaswamy, Donald Trump’s, ” Stroman, Jean Carroll, Mike Murphy, – Haley, Sen, Marco Rubio, she’s, Mike Dennehy, John McCain’s, Bill Kristol, Kristol, ” Kristol, Matt Gaetz, Ginger Heald, Ayres, Grover Cleveland, Republican Benjamin Harrison, Reed, Dole, Mike Pence, Pence, ” Reed, “ He’s Organizations: New Hampshire CNN, Florida Gov, GOP, South Carolina Gov, Republican, Trump, CNN, New Hampshire, Democratic, South, University of New Hampshire, Republicans, Texas, nonurban Whites, The, South Carolina Republican Party, Edison Research, Trump Trump, Biden, New Hampshire GOP, Florida Republican, Merrimack Republican, Committee, DeSantis Locations: Manchester, New Hampshire, Florida, South Carolina, New, Iowa, DeSantis, As, Hampshire, New York, Trump, The Florida, Trump’s, Texas, Charleston, Polk County, Trump’s Manchester , New Hampshire, Ukraine, Israel, ”

☆ US Capitol Police investigated more than 8,000 threats against lawmakers in 2023, up from the previous year
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-19 | by ( Adrienne Winston | Rashard Rose | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —US Capitol Police said it investigated more than 8,000 threats against members of Congress last year – an increase of about 500 cases from the previous year, according to data released Thursday by the department. In 2023, the USCP’s Threat Assessment Section investigated 8,008 cases, Capitol Police said, an increase from the previous year’s 2022 assessment of 7,501 threats against lawmakers. The 2023 cases include investigations into concerning statements and direct threats, according to a release from Capitol Police. The number of threats against lawmakers typically surge in an election year, according to the USCP. “These are the people who keep this country going in the public spaces and protect us and keep us secure.

Persons: USCP, Matt Gaetz, Jim Jordan, Ashan Benedict, ”, Tom Manger, General Merrick Garland, ” Garland Organizations: CNN, US Capitol Police, Capitol Police, Democratic, Republican, ”, Republicans, Police, Protective and Intelligence, Capitol Locations: New Hampshire, Florida, Ohio

☆ High profile conservatives serve as surrogates as Trump looks to lock down GOP nomination
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-19 | by ( Daniel Strauss | Kristen Holmes | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Additionally, two former Republican presidential candidates have traveled to the early primary states alongside Trump almost immediately after they ended their respective campaigns to defeat him. Doug Burgum dropped out in December, he endorsed Trump and traveled with him in Iowa and to New Hampshire. Kari Lake speaks to reporters before Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks at a caucus night party in Des Moines, Iowa, on Monday. Pablo Martinez Monsivais/APIn Keokuk, Iowa, earlier this month, Greene panned the rest of the GOP field as knockoffs of Trump. Still, Republican strategists and campaign operatives often lament that surrogates and endorsements aren’t as influential as they used to be.

Persons: Matt Gaetz, ”, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Ronny Jackson, Donald Trump’s, Trump, Kari Lake, Byron Donalds, Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, Vivek Ramaswamy, Doug Burgum, Elise Stefanik, Kristi Noem, Ramaswamy, ’, –, he’s, Gregg Keller, Mitt Romney’s, “, Donald Trump, —, Stefanik, “ Trump, ” Terry Sullivan, Florida Sen, Marco Rubio’s, it’s, Lake, Bob Vander Plaats, Trump’s, Pablo Martinez Monsivais, Greene, Bush, ” Greene, aren’t, pollster, Trump’s surrogates, It’s Organizations: CNN, Florida, Georgia, Texas, Iowa, Center, Arizona, Florida Rep, Trump, Florida Gov, South Carolina Gov, Republican, North Dakota Gov, New, South Dakota Gov, Republicans, it’s, ”, AP, GOP Locations: Iowa, lockstep, Florida, New Hampshire, Trump’s, West Des Moines, Des Moines , Iowa, Keokuk , Iowa

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