Republican Sen. Josh Hawley announced he will object to the Electoral College results on Jan. 6. The Missouri Republican’s announcement ensures a debate and vote in both chambers on whether Joe Biden’s alleged victory will be overturned.
Hawley highlighted Democrat objections to the 2004 and 2016 elections.
“Following both the 2004 and 2016 elections, Democrats in Congress objected during the certification of electoral votes in order to raise concerns about election integrity,” Hawley said. “They were praised by Democratic leadership and the media when they did. And they were entitled to do so. But now those of us concerned about the integrity of this election are entitled to do the same.
“I cannot vote to certify the electoral college results on January 6 without raising the fact that some states, particularly Pennsylvania, failed to follow their own state election laws. And I cannot vote to certify without pointing out the unprecedented effort of mega corporations, including Facebook and Twitter, to interfere in this election, in support of Joe Biden. At the very least, Congress should investigate allegations of voter fraud and adopt measures to secure the integrity of our elections. But Congress has so far failed to act.
“For these reasons, I will follow the same practice Democrat members of Congress have in years past and object during the certification process on January 6 to raise these critical issues.”
In 2005, Sen. Barbara Boxer joined Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones in objecting to the Electoral College votes from Ohio.
Boxter told CNN it was “one of my proudest moments” on the floor of the Senate.
Nancy Pelosi said of the 2005 objections, which were raised by 31 congressional Democrats, that they were “speaking up for their aggrieved constituents.”
It was “democracy at work” and “debate that is fundamental to our democracy” — according to Pelosi.
Just four years ago at least seven House Democrats sought to object to Electoral College votes in favor of President Donald J. Trump.
Rep. Jim McGovern of Massachusetts objected to the certificate from Alabama.
Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland objected to 10 of Florida’s 29 electoral votes.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington objected to Georgia’s vote certificate.
Rep. Barbara Lee of California objected to the counting of Michigan’s votes.
Rep. Raul Grijalva of Arizona attempted to object.
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee of Tennessee attempted to object.
Rep. Maxine Waters of California, of course, also rose to object.
The difference?
No U.S. Senator signed the objection.
With Hawley’s announcement, it certainly seems that will not be the case in 2021.
Despite what Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell reportedly wanted his colleagues to do.
Republicans across the country — Americans across the country — deserve a chance to see where each member of the House and Senate stand on the issue of election integrity.
Hopefully we will find out in a week’s time.
