The Republican Party of South Carolina votes to censor Rep. Rice over the impeachment vote

The Republican Party of South Carolina votes to censor Rep. Rice over the impeachment vote

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The Republican Party of South Carolina voted for Rep. Tom RiceHugh (Tom) Thompson RiceUpton becomes the first member of Congress to vote for the impeachment of two presidents The Hill’s Morning Report – Trump was prevented again; what now? Rice explains his surprise vote for impeachment: ‘This total failure is inexcusable’ MORE (RS.C.) for his vote earlier this month for the impeachment of the former president Donald TrumpDonald TrumpPalm Beach reviewing Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence Immigration reform can’t wait on money: five questions about the controversial GameStop | Biden and Yellen call for quick action on new aid MORE in a rare rebuke from one of the party’s own legislators.

The censorship formally condemns Rice for his surprise vote by accusing Trump of his role in inciting the violent crowd that attacked the Capitol on January 6, which led to the deaths of several people.

The party noted that the resolution of reprimanding Rice was initiated at grassroots level in a county in his district and that the impeachment vote came when Trump was stepping down.

“Attempting to impeach a president, with a week left of his term, is never legitimate and is nothing more than a political kick on the way out the door,” said Drew McKissick, president of the Republican Party of South Carolina. Congressman Rice’s vote unfortunately got into the Democrats’ game, and the people in his district and, ultimately, on our State Executive Committee, wanted him to know that they totally disagree with his decision. ”

A spokesman for Rice did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Hill.

The censorship resolution does not come with any tangible punishment, but the vote marks a disapproval for an acting legislator from his own party. The measure also highlights the risks that Republicans still face when going against the former president, who remains popular with the Republican base.

The Republican Party of South Carolina last censored a Republican more than 10 years ago when it voted to approve a similar resolution for the then governor. Mark SanfordMark SanfordTrump selects South Carolina attorney for GOP impeachment trial ‘Trumpification’ to persist Live updates: Democrats seek to extend House advantage MORE after he admitted to traveling to Argentina to have an extramarital affair.

Rice is just the latest Republican to face this kind of rematch from his own party.

The Republican Party of Arizona censored the former senator. Jeff FlakeJeffrey (Jeff) Lane Flake Legislators chase governors to control COVID-19 powers Arizona Republican Party President Kelli Ward faces appeals for an election recount The Oregon Republican Party calls the Capitol rebellion an ‘flag operation’ false ‘to discredit the Republican Party, silence Trump supporters MORE (R-Ariz.) And Cindy McCain, the widow of the late senator. John McCainJohn Sidney McCain Leaving the Republican Party After 46 years and feeling ‘politically homeless’ Legislators harass governors to control the powers of COVID-19. Should Congress consider a general agreement against the big oil companies? MORE (R-Ariz.), For criticizing Trump and Gov. Doug DuceyDoug Ducey Lawmakers Hound Governors to Control COVID-19 Powers Arizona Republican Party President Kelli Ward Faces Appeals to Recount Elections The Republican Party of Oregon calls the Capitol riot a ‘false flag’ operation to discredit the Republican Party, silence Trump supporters MORE (R) for emergency restrictions he implemented to combat the coronavirus pandemic. Ducey also criticized Trump’s efforts to reverse the results of the 2020 elections.

Rep. Liz Cheney12:30 Report by Elizabeth (Liz) Lynn CheneyThe Hill – Presented by Facebook – Experts react to J&J vaccine data Where’s Barry Goldwater’s Republican Party when we need it? The Hill’s Morning Report – Presented by Facebook – Which way will Democrats follow the COVID-19 bill? MORE (Wyo.), The House’s third Republican, is facing a major setback in Wyoming because of its vote to impeach Trump, with House conservatives circling a petition to remove her from her leadership post and some lawmakers openly supporting a primary challenge to it in 2022.

Still, Rice’s vote for Trump’s impeachment came as a shock to Republicans, as he was not vocal in his criticisms of Trump during his four-year presidency and supported Trump’s 2016 and 2020 campaigns. He now faces a major challenge next year.

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