Just a few weeks ago, Democrats in Maine joined forces to pressure Democratic primary winner Graham Platner off the state party’s ticket after accusations of abuse.But Bulwark Editor Sam Stein said that’s not the Republican way, which instead involves defending and doubling down on controversial candidates. That is, if they don’t bolt when asked their take.
“There is like a real thing going on here, which is that there’s a number of Republican candidates for office who have been caught saying depraved things, committing alleged acts of violence, doing the type of stuff after a few weeks ago, the entire political universe … said Graham Platner was unacceptable for public office because he was alleged to have done similar things.
At that point, Stein introduced Republican candidate Brandon Herrera, who is running in the 23rd District of Texas.
“So, yeah, Trump has endorsed this guy. It’s kind of, it’s a, toss-up district in Texas, so it’s not like this is a safe seat. It’s kind of crazy that he’s not being thrown or being pushed out by Republicans,” said Stein to False Flag Newsletter writer and co-host Will Sommer.
Among some of Herrera’s most notable statements included a claim that he counts as “an honorary veteran” because “I often think about putting a gun in my mouth.”
Another of Herrera’s hits include a rant to gun reform advocate Shannon Watts, a mother of five, in which the YouTuber described Watts’ kids as body fluid trophies, along with other sexually explicit references.
Referring to mothers’ kids as body fluid trophies was too much for the Bulwark staff, who responded by confronting GOP lawmakers with Hererra’s quotes and asking their reaction.
“Congressman, quick Texas question,” called the reporter catching U.S. Rep Chip Roy (R-Texas) on the Hill.
“Real quick,” said Roy.
“Representative Brandon Herrera, who’s a Republican nominee for House seat in Texas, has called babies [explicit] trophies. I was wondering if you agree with that?”
“I—I gotta go. I don’t want to talk about it,” said Roy, dodging away quickly.
“Just in your home state, Brandon Herrera has referred to babies as [explicit] trophies. I was wondering if you shared that assessment,” said the Bulwark reporter to another Texas Republican lawmaker who was fleeing too fast to easily recognize.
“Congressman, in your home state, there’s a Republican, Brandon Herrera, running for the House who’s referred to babies as [explicit] trophies. I was just wondering if you—,” the reporter asked U.S. Rep. Roy Nehls.
“I got nothing for you,” Nehls appeared to have responded, while puffing a cigar.
This appears to be a trend, said Stein. Sitting Congressmen Cory Mills (R-Fla.) and Max Miller (R-Ohio.) continue to face domestic abuse allegations. And what does Mike Johnson say when he’s asked directly about it? He dodges.
“Well, the key word there is allegation,” said Johnson when asked about Republican hypocrisy after Platner’s removal. “We have a process here. The House Ethics Committee works on those things. If allegations are made, they work through a process. So, I’m not in the business of commenting on investigations as they’re in process. And we’ll see how that shakes out. That’s how this always works.”
“It’s a dodge,” confirmed Sommer.