While the vast majority of congressional Republicans are staying mum on the news of former Vice President Joe Biden’s projected victory, at least a few are stepping into the breach and acknowledge that President Trump lost his re-election.
Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT), who voted in favor of convicting Trump in the impeachment proceeding earlier this year, tweeted a straight forward message of congratulations to President-elect Biden.
Ann and I extend our congratulations to President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. We know both of them as people of good will and admirable character. We pray that God may bless them in the days and years ahead.
— Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) November 7, 2020
Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI), who represents an increasingly purple district, tweeted a commitment to work with the incoming Biden administration.
We have to find a way to come together, bridge divisions, and focus on solutions that help the millions who are struggling. I am raising my hand and committing to working with President-elect Biden and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in Congress to do exactly that. pic.twitter.com/EXWLWKmBdp
— Fred Upton #WearYourMask (@RepFredUpton) November 7, 2020
But other congressional Republicans stopped short of directly addressing reality.
Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TX)— who has a reputation for being an institutionalist and is retiring at the end of this term — just vaguely referenced the importance of “respect[ing] and promptly accept[ing] the result.”
After counting every valid vote and allowing courts to resolve disputes, it is important to respect and promptly accept the result. The orderly transfer or reaffirming of immense power after a presidential election is the most enduring symbol of our democracy.
— Sen. Lamar Alexander (@SenAlexander) November 7, 2020
