Lawmakers and influential Democrats banned together Wednesday evening to call for Republican candidate Greg Gianforte to withdraw from the Montana special election following a reporter’s accusation that he was “body slammed” by Gianforte.
Local police are investigating the incident, but already among the throng of Democrats piling on Gianforte are the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, a former Democratic National Committee chairperson, Montana Sen. Jon Tester and Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Calif. They all made bid for Gianforte to drop out the special election to fill Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s former congressional seat, which takes place Thursday.
The DCCC called for Gianforte to immediately withdraw from the race in a statement released Wednesday evening after the alleged assault.
“Greg Gianforte must immediately withdraw his candidacy after his alleged violent assault of an innocent journalist,” the statement read. It also called for House Speaker Paul Ryan and the National Republican Campaign Committee to “not waste another minute before publicly denouncing their candidate and apologizing for the millions of dollars they spent on his behalf.”
Former DNC Chairperson Donna Brazile also condemned the Republican candidate’s actions.
“This is truly disgusting. Gianforte doesn’t deserve a seat in the people’s house #RobQuist for Congress! Please get out and vote Montana,” Brazile tweeted
This is truly disgusting. Gianforte doesn’t deserve a seat in the people’s house. #RobQuist for Congress! Please get out and Vote Montana. https://t.co/Rd88Iq560D
— Donna Brazile (@donnabrazile) May 25, 2017
Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., chimed in on Twitter that the congressional life is “not for everyone” after a reporter tweeted about the life of a “big league” member of Congress, which includes reporters waiting to ask them questions at all times.
It’s not for everyone. #mtpol https://t.co/KKsoa5fH7a
— Jon Tester (@jontester) May 25, 2017
Following suit, Rep. Ted Lieu called for the Republican candidate to withdraw from the race: “Thank goodness Trumpcare is not yet a law. Injuries from Greg Gianforte assaults are still covered. He should also withdraw from the a race,” the California congressman tweeted.
Thank goodness Trumpcare is not yet law. Injuries from Greg Gianforte assaults are still covered. He should also withdraw from the race. https://t.co/M3v9GTBxVx
— Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) May 25, 2017
