Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.) is refusing to back down despite efforts by the Nebraska Republican Party’s State Central Committee to censure him over his comments about former President Donald Trump.
According to the motion, first reported by News Channel Nebraska, Sasse is being targeted for censure because of his support for impeaching Trump and refusal to be open to Trump’s failed efforts to challenge the election results.
“You are welcome to censure me again, but let’s be clear about why this is happening: It’s because I still believe, as you used to, that politics isn’t about the weird worship of one dude,” Sasse said in a video response to the committee.
He added. “The party could purge Trump skeptics, but I’d like to convince you that not only is that ‘civic cancer’ for the nation, it’s just terrible for our party.”
Watch his comments below:
Republican Sen. Ben Sasse to the Nebraska GOP State Central Committee: "You are welcome to censure me again, but let's be clear about why this is happening: It's because I still believe, as you used to, that politics isn't about the weird worship of 1 dude”https://t.co/duz8JIJE7h
— Rula Jebreal (@rulajebreal) February 5, 2021
Sasse was one of the five senators who broke with the Republican party to vote to declare Trump’s Senate impeachment trial constitutional, as IJR previously reported.
He is not the only one who has received backlash from his hometown for his criticism of Trump.
The La Salle County Republican Central Committee voted to censure Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) over his vote to impeach Trump, 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.
It continued, “Though our Central Committee is not noted for political activism and we have always supported Republicans at every level, Congressman Kinzinger’s actions and statements against former President Trump have opened a Pandora’s Box of criticism.”
The Arizona Republican Party voted to censure Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, former Sen. Jeff Flake, and Cindy McCain after they objected to Trump’s efforts to overturn the election.
The Wyoming Republican Party also slammed Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) for voting to impeach Trump.
