Two GOP senators who initially planned to object to the Electoral College’s votes with Senator Ted Cruz explained why they did not do so, and blamed the riots that took place at the US Capitol today .
Indiana Senator Mike Braun said, “I did not feel comfortable with today’s events, although I do believe that the integrity of the election is still a valid issue. Many of us can still pursue it … When the ‘s events of today, I could not dignify it, even by withholding something I objected to. ‘
Asked why she did not vote to throw Arizona’s election results away, Cynthia Lummis, first-year Senator Wyoming, pointed to “the activities of the day.”
But both Braun and Lummis did not want to blame Trump for the violence and destruction in the Capitol.
The other senators who initially signed on to Cruz’s attempt but voted to reject the objection against Arizona: sens. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, Bill Hagerty of Tennessee, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, Steve Daines of Montana and James Lankford of Oklahoma.
GOP senator Mike Rounds, who did not sign Cruz’s attempt and opposed attempts to throw the results away, said of Trump’s rhetoric: “He certainly did not help.”
The South Dakota senator added: “If anything, in a very emotional situation, he has incited many inappropriate actions from people who are apparently his supporters.”