Colorado Rep. Communications Director Lauren Boebert, a top-level Republican student who boasts of carrying a gun to work, has left work after less than two weeks.
Why is it important?: Ben Goldey’s resignation cited last week’s uprising at the U.S. Capitol, which followed the efforts of Boebert and lawmakers to block certification of Joe Biden’s election college victory. The departure of the Hill veteran highlights the deep division among Republicans over President Trump’s conduct.
What we are hearing: Goldey said in a statement to Axios, “After the events of January 6, I have decided to separate from the office. I wish her and the people of the Third District of Colorado the best.”
Between lines: Boebert is a strident Trump supporter who stands firmly on the right flank of the House Republican caucus. He had clear views during his campaign, but they have suddenly become politically toxic after last week’s attack.
- Boebert quickly becomes a lightning rod by making a vote against the “fraudulent” votes for Biden in a speech on the floor before the attack and making a show (included in an ad filmed on the hill) of his desire to carry a gun to the Chapters.
- Goldey, on the other hand, has a more established genealogy. He was Home Secretary’s press secretary until that year and previously worked for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
Be smart: Goldey’s resignation underscores larger Republican divisions, especially in the House, where ten Republican Party members (including conference representative Liz Cheney) voted Wednesday to accuse Trump.
- The same divisions are evident on the other side of the Capitol. Lauren Blair Bianchi, communications director for Senator Ted Cruz, he also resigned on Monday, Cruz reportedly played a role in the effort to deny Biden certification.
- Trump has fueled division since the election, demanding an annulment of the president-elect’s victory, helping incite violence at the Capitol last week and remaining challenging his behavior even when he faced yesterday. his second dismissal by the House.