‘This Stuff Is Preposterous’: GOP Reps Slam Trump For Recruiting Backers Of Election Lawsuit

Topline

A handful of House Republicans on Wednesday hit back at President Trump and Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) for asking Congress members to sign an amicus brief in support of a Texas lawsuit aimed at overturning the presidential election, with Johnson saying he would provide Trump with a list of names of those willing to help.

Key Facts

Big Number

23. That’s the number of Republicans in Congress who have acknowledged Biden’s victory – 14 House members and 9 senators. The bulk of the GOP caucus has remained silent on the election, while dozens have publicly voiced support for Trump’s legal efforts. A handful of Republicans, such as Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Ala.), have even voiced support for attempting to block certification of the electoral college in Congress.

Key Background

After the Washington Post reported on Republicans in Congress who have acknowledged Biden’s win, Trump tweeted he was “surprised there are so many,” telling the Post to, “Please send me a list of the 25 RINOS.” Trump has demonstrated willingness to retaliate against Republicans perceived as disloyal, even advocating primary challenges for a handful.

Chief Critic

“Most of my Republican colleagues in the House, and countless millions of our constituents across the country, now have serious concerns with the integrity of our election system,” Johnson told Tapper. “The purpose of our amicus brief will be to articulate this concern and express our sincere belief that the great importance of this issue merits a full and careful consideration by the Court.”

Crucial Quote

“The Republicans I know, my good friends, need to stand up,” Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), one of the most conservative Democrats in the Senate, said during a CNN appearance, comparing it to standing up to a childhood bully. “Where is your loyalty to the rule of law and the orderly transfer?”

Tangent

The amicus brief could garner considerable support. Though only 23 Republicans in Congress signed an amicus brief supporting a now-rejected Supreme Court case brought by Pennsylvania Republicans, Riggleman predicted the Texas case would get more support because of the size of the Texas delegation and because the case has a better chance of actually being argued before the supreme court.

What To Watch For

It is unclear how many have signed the brief, a brief draft of which Johnson said he would circulate by Wednesday afternoon before sending a final draft “by tomorrow morning at latest.” The case is likely to fail. Trump’s legal team has won just a single case while losing 53, according to Democratic attorney Marc Elias, who keeps a tally of legal efforts from Trump and his allies. The Supreme Court refused to even hear the Pennsylvania case, rejecting it in just one sentence: “The application for injunctive relief presented to Justice Alito and by him referred to the Court is denied.”