Colorado’s deputy communications director Lauren Boebert, an incendiary Republican freshman who boasts carrying a gun to work, resigned after less than two weeks at work.
Why does it matter: Ben Goldey’s resignation cited last week’s US Capitol insurrection, which followed efforts by Boebert and lawmakers to block the certification of Joe Biden’s Electoral College victory. Hill’s veteran’s departure highlights the deep divide 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 decided to separate from the office. I wish her and the people of Colorado’s Third District the best.”
Between the lines: Boebert is a squeaky supporter of Trump firmly on the right flank of the Republican Party caucus. She was clear about her views during her campaign, but they suddenly became politically toxic after last week’s attack.
- Boebert quickly became a lightning rod by protesting against “fraudulent” votes for Biden in a speech before the attack and by showing – including in an advertisement filmed on the Hill – his desire to carry a firearm on Capitol Hill.
- Goldey, on the contrary, has a more established pedigree. He was press secretary for the Interior Department until this year and previously worked for Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell.
Be smart: Goldey’s resignation underscores larger Republican divisions, particularly in the House, where ten members of the Republican Party – including conference chairwoman Liz Cheney – voted for Trump’s impeachment on Wednesday.
- The same divisions are evident on the other side of the Capitol. Communications Director of Senator Ted Cruz, Lauren Blair Bianchi, also resigned on Monday, allegedly because of Cruz’s role in the effort to deny Biden certification.
- Trump has fueled the divide since the election, demanding that the president-elect’s victory be overturned, helping to incite Capitol violence last week and remaining challenging about his behavior even when he faced his second impeachment by the House yesterday.