Lee after Romney’s impeachment vote: There is enough space in the GOP ‘for both of us’

Sen. Mike LeeMichael (Mike) Shumway LeeGOP Senators demand investigation into how Cuomo is dealing with deaths in nursing homes The NYT podcast host says it is ‘ironic’ Rubio is against childcare assistance State parties seek to punish anti-Trump Republicans MORE (R-Utah) came to another Utah Sen. Mitt RomneyWillard Rift (Mitt) Mitt Romney Trump-McConnell divides Republican Party donors Romney explains impeachment vote and asks senators to say Biden won On Track: Trump threatens to downgrade Tea Party MOREThe defense of (R), since the latter gets criticism for his vote this month to condemn the former President TrumpDonald TrumpThune: Trump allies participating in the ‘cancellation culture’ by punishing senators who voted to condemn the Biden government open to restart nuclear talks with Iran The Trump-McConnell rift divides Republican donors MORE impeachment judgment.

In a statement released during his campaign, Lee suggested that intra-party disagreements generally make the Republican Party stronger and that there is enough space for Trump supporters and opponents.

“In any case, the fact that Senator Romney and I sometimes disagree (either with each other or with most Senate Republicans, or both) is not in itself a cause for alarm. On the contrary, it shows that none of us blindly postpone anyone, ”he said. “He and I took this approach not only because it works specifically for us (as two senators representing the same state), but also because it helps to advance what unites us.”

“Although Senator Romney and I sometimes come to different conclusions, there is enough space in the Republican tent for both of us – as well as there is enough space for all Republicans in a general election, regardless of how they voted in the primaries,” he added.

After a Salt Lake Tribune story was published saying Lee was defending Romney’s vote, Lee said he was not supporting the decision to condemn Trump.

Lee tweeted the story “it is not only misleading, but affirmatively misleading. The Salt Lake Tribune will do nothing to undermine and create divisions within the Republican Party. “

Lee’s support for Romney comes after the Utah Republican Party defended the two Utah senators, despite their differing votes.

“Our senators were criticized for their vote,” the party said in a statement on Monday. “The differences between our own Utah Republicans show a diversity of thinking, in contrast to the danger of a party fixing on ‘unanimity of thought’. There is power in our differences as a political party, and we expect each senator to explain his votes to the people of Utah. ”

The comments by Lee and the Utah Republican Party mark a departure from the treatment that other Republican lawmakers who voted for Trump’s impeachment and sentencing are facing at home.

Censorship from state parties is flying against members of the House who voted to oust Trump, including the Rep. Liz CheneyElizabeth (Liz) Lynn CheneyThune: Trump allies participating in the ‘cancellation culture’ punishing senators who voted to condemn Scalise meets Trump in Florida during the Cheney fundraising balance: ‘We saw anti-Semitism, white supremacy, denial of Holocaust ‘at both parties MORE (R-Wyo.) And senators who voted to condemn, including Sens. Bill CassidyBill CassidyTrump remains a political force, despite the impeachment, Collins says the Republican Party should stop being ‘just one person’ and get off track. MOST (R-La.) E Richard BurrRichard Mauze BurrTrump-McConnell divides Republican Party donors Trump remains a political force despite impeachment, Collins says the Republican Party should stop being ‘just one person’ MORE (RN.C.).

Divisions are opening up as Republicans seek to retake the House and Senate midway through the 2022 term, raising concerns within the party that their internal struggles for Trump will hinder their electoral chances.

“The Republican Party must work tirelessly to retake the House and Senate in 2022. Having different perspectives within our party leads to a more robust debate, which in turn produces more thoughtful policy results – all of which will be a benefit for Republicans in future elections, ”wrote Lee.

.Source