Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) is praising Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) for standing up to former President Donald Trump following the violence at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.
“Over the past few months, Congressman Adam Kinzinger has stood up for the truth when it was most challenging and least convenient,” Hogan wrote in a profile for Time Magazine.
He continued, “In the wake of the insurrection at the Capitol in January, Adam was the first Republican member of Congress to step forward and call for the removal of President Trump from office via the 25th Amendment. In standing up for what he believed was right, Adam proved the measure of his courage.”
Hogan noted Kinzinger served two years of duty in Iraq which helped him understand what it means to sacrifice for the nation.
“He understands that the willingness to do so is the minimum requirement of leadership. No job or title is worth more than your integrity,” He wrote.
Hogan continued, “Through his example, Adam is paving the way for others to follow their conscience. I believe he has a bright future ahead, but more important, he will be remembered well by history.”
Kinzinger has received harsh criticism for his vote to impeach Trump. The La Salle County Republican Central Committee voted to censure him earlier this month, as IJR reported.
“The censure disavows Rep. Kinzinger for acting contrary to the values of the La Salle County Republican Central Committee,” a press release said.
Eleven of his family members suggested in a letter he was working with “the devil’s army” in his opposition to Trump, as IJR reported.
“Oh my, what a disappointment you are to us and to God!” they wrote. “It is now most embarrassing to us that we are related to you. You have embarrassed the Kinzinger family name!”
Kinzinger acknowledged last month he voted to impeach Trump, “knowing full well it could very well be terminal” to his career.