(Reuters) - Dozens of former Republican officials, who view the party as unwilling to stand up to former President Donald Trump and his attempts to undermine U.S. democracy, are in talks to form a center-right breakaway party, four people involved in the discussions told Reuters.
FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump waves as he arrives at Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., January 20, 2021. REUTERS/Carlos Barria
The early stage discussions include former elected Republicans, former officials in the Republican administrations of Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush and Trump, ex-Republican ambassadors and Republican strategists, the people involved say.
More than 120 of them held a Zoom call last Friday to discuss the breakaway group, which would run on a platform of principled conservatism, including adherence to the Constitution and the rule of law - ideas those involved say have been trashed by Trump.
The plan would be to run candidates in some races but also to endorse center-right candidates in others, be they Republicans, independents or Democrats, the people say.
Evan McMullin, who was chief policy director for the House Republican Conference and ran as an independent in the 2016 presidential election, told Reuters that he co-hosted the Zoom call with former officials concerned about Trumps grip on Republicans and the nativist turn the party has taken.
Three other people confirmed to Reuters the call and the discussions for a potential splinter party, but asked not to be identified.
Among the call participants were John Mitnick, general counsel for the Department of Homeland Security under Trump; former Republican congressman Charlie Dent; Elizabeth Neumann, deputy chief of staff in the Homeland Security Department under Trump; and Miles Taylor, another former Trump homeland security official.
The talks highlight the wide intraparty rift over Trumps false claims of election fraud and the deadly Jan. 6 storming of the U.S. Capitol. Most Republicans remain fiercely loyal to the former president, but others seek a new direction for the party.
The House of Representatives impeached Trump on Jan. 13 on a charge of inciting an insurrection by exhorting thousands of supporters to march on the Capitol on the day Congress was gathered to certify Democrat Joe Bidens election victory.
Call participants said they were particularly dismayed by the fact that more than half of the Republicans in Congress - eight senators and 139 House representatives - voted to block certification of Bidens election victory just hours after the Capitol siege.
Most Republican senators have also indicated they will not support the conviction of Trump in this weeks Senate impeachment trial.
Large portions of the Republican Party are radicalizing and threatening American democracy, McMullin told Reuters. The party needs to recommit to truth, reason and founding ideals or there clearly needs to be something new.
THESE LOSERS
Asked about the discussions for a third party, Jason Miller, a Trump spokesman, said: These losers left the Republican Party when they voted for Joe Biden.
A representative for the Republican National Committee referred to a recent statement from Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel.
If we continue to attack each other and focus on attacking on fellow Republicans, if we have disagreements within our party, then we are losing sight of 2022 (elections), McDaniel said on Fox News last month.
The only way were going to win is if we come together, she said.
The Biden White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
McMullin said just over 40% of those on last weeks Zoom call backed the idea of a breakaway, national third party. Another option under discussion is to form a faction that would operate either inside the current Republican Party or outside it.
Names under consideration for a new party include the Integrity Party and the Center Right Party. If it is decided instead to form a faction, one name under discussion is the Center Right Republicans.
Members are aware that the U.S. political landscape is littered with the remains of previous failed attempts at national third parties.
But there is a far greater hunger for a new political party out there than I have ever experienced in my lifetime, one participant said.
Reporting by Tim Reid; Additional reporting by Jarrett Renshaw; Editing by Soyoung Kim and Peter Cooney
Originally posted here:
Exclusive: Dozens of former Republican officials in talks to form anti-Trump third party - Reuters
- Republican-controlled Idaho House passes Texas-style immigration bill Idaho Capital Sun - Idaho Capital Sun - April 2nd, 2024 [April 2nd, 2024]
- Georgia judge rules that Republican Brian K. Pritchard voted illegally - The Atlanta Journal Constitution - April 2nd, 2024 [April 2nd, 2024]
- Trump pays $175m New York fraud bond as Truth Social stock takes huge hit- live - The Independent - April 2nd, 2024 [April 2nd, 2024]
- Judges raise alarm over Trumps attacks - The Washington Post - April 2nd, 2024 [April 2nd, 2024]
- Why Trump's alarmist message on immigration may be resonating beyond his base - PBS NewsHour - April 2nd, 2024 [April 2nd, 2024]
- House Republican condemns Democrats sexualization of everything after Easter controversy - Washington Examiner - April 2nd, 2024 [April 2nd, 2024]
- Emery County Republican Lincoln Day Dinner and Convention Hosts Large Crowd and a Full Slate of Candidates - ETV News - April 2nd, 2024 [April 2nd, 2024]
- Who are the candidates in the West Virginia Republican Governors Forum? - WBOY.com - April 2nd, 2024 [April 2nd, 2024]
- The Republican Justices Are Slow-Walking a Key South Carolina Redistricting Case - Balls & Strikes - April 2nd, 2024 [April 2nd, 2024]
- "Never forget": Trump unloads on Republican "cowards and weaklings" in Easter Sunday meltdown - Salon - April 2nd, 2024 [April 2nd, 2024]
- Analysis | The revamped Republican Party turns Trump's lies into a loyalty test - The Washington Post - April 2nd, 2024 [April 2nd, 2024]
- Trump and his MAGA movement stormed the Republican establishment. Now they have become it. - The Fulcrum - April 2nd, 2024 [April 2nd, 2024]
- Senator Helming and Senate Republican Conference Unveil Legislative Package to Expand Availability and Access to ... - The New York State Senate - April 2nd, 2024 [April 2nd, 2024]
- States that lean Republican report more COVID vaccine-related adverse events, study finds - University of Minnesota Twin Cities - April 2nd, 2024 [April 2nd, 2024]
- House Republican condemns Democrats' 'sexualization of everything' after Easter controversy - Colorado Springs Gazette - April 2nd, 2024 [April 2nd, 2024]
- Infuriated House members plot early exits due to Republican dysfunction - Axios - April 2nd, 2024 [April 2nd, 2024]
- State reviewing cop-involved shootings - Waterbury Republican American - April 2nd, 2024 [April 2nd, 2024]
- RNC plan for 2020 denialist to head election integrity unit raises alarms - The Guardian US - April 2nd, 2024 [April 2nd, 2024]
- McConnell casts doubt on border and Ukraine aid deal as GOP fury threatens both - NBC News - January 25th, 2024 [January 25th, 2024]
- Biden Vetoes Republican Measure to Block Electric Vehicle Charging Stations - The New York Times - January 25th, 2024 [January 25th, 2024]
- Wilson Co. Republican Party of TN shares controversial meme referencing hangings - News Channel 5 Nashville - January 25th, 2024 [January 25th, 2024]
- When is the Nevada primary, caucus? What to know about dual contests. - USA TODAY - January 25th, 2024 [January 25th, 2024]
- Electability is all Democrats discussed in 2020. In 2024, Republicans don't care - NPR - January 25th, 2024 [January 25th, 2024]
- Trump racks up endorsements from Republicans in Congress as any resistance that once existed fades - The Associated Press - January 25th, 2024 [January 25th, 2024]
- 'Betrayal': Arizona GOP chair resigns after recording of 'offer' to Kari Lake - USA TODAY - January 25th, 2024 [January 25th, 2024]
- It's Fair to Ask: Is the Republican Race Over? - The New York Times - January 25th, 2024 [January 25th, 2024]
- 'No Time to Go Wobbly': Why Britain Is Lobbying U.S. Republicans on Ukraine - The New York Times - January 25th, 2024 [January 25th, 2024]
- The 2024 Republican Primary Was Over Before It Began - The New Yorker - January 25th, 2024 [January 25th, 2024]
- More GOP holdouts backing Trump as leaders seek unity - Roll Call - January 25th, 2024 [January 25th, 2024]
- House Republicans accuse Penn of 'failure to address antisemitism on its campus' - ABC News - January 25th, 2024 [January 25th, 2024]
- Four reasons why Nikki Haley may be staying in the race for the Republican nomination | Brookings - Brookings Institution - January 25th, 2024 [January 25th, 2024]
- The United Auto Workers union endorsed Biden today - NPR - January 25th, 2024 [January 25th, 2024]
- After Early Primary Victories, Republicans in Congress Fall in Line Behind Trump - The New York Times - January 25th, 2024 [January 25th, 2024]
- Kari Lake is running for U.S. Senate from Arizona. The AZGOP tried to stop her. - NPR - January 25th, 2024 [January 25th, 2024]
- New Hampshire exit polls: Republicans were just half of voters in their own primary - Reuters.com - January 25th, 2024 [January 25th, 2024]
- NH primary plays outsized role in determining future of the Republican Party - NPR - January 25th, 2024 [January 25th, 2024]
- Trump wins 2024 New Hampshire primary - The Associated Press - January 25th, 2024 [January 25th, 2024]
- House Republicans now have one of the smallest majorities in history - NBC News - January 25th, 2024 [January 25th, 2024]
- Time to back Trump: Republican donors accept the inevitable - The Guardian US - January 25th, 2024 [January 25th, 2024]
- Trump wins New Hampshire primary, further solidifying path to 2024 presidential election - Axios - January 25th, 2024 [January 25th, 2024]
- Does Nikki Haley have a chance in South Carolina's primary? Here's what some voters are saying - ABC News - January 25th, 2024 [January 25th, 2024]
- Trump and Biden shift focus to general election rematch as Haley fights on - Reuters.com - January 25th, 2024 [January 25th, 2024]
- Biden: Its clear Trump will be Republican nominee - The Hill - January 25th, 2024 [January 25th, 2024]
- Election 2024: Haley Heads Home to Keep Up Fight as Trump and Biden Look to Rematch - The New York Times - January 25th, 2024 [January 25th, 2024]
- AP Votecast: How and why New Hampshire voted in 2024 primary - The Associated Press - January 25th, 2024 [January 25th, 2024]
- Why Trump's critics see his New Hampshire win as a positive sign for 2024 - POLITICO - POLITICO - January 25th, 2024 [January 25th, 2024]
- Republicans zero in on a new border the one with Canada - NBC News - January 25th, 2024 [January 25th, 2024]
- Arizona Republican Party boss tried to keep Kari Lake out of Senate race by dangling job - The Arizona Republic - January 25th, 2024 [January 25th, 2024]
- Iowa Republican caucus date set for Jan. 15, 2024 - POLITICO - POLITICO - July 9th, 2023 [July 9th, 2023]
- Republicans sound alarm over DeSantiss sagging campaign - The Hill - July 9th, 2023 [July 9th, 2023]
- Opinion | Can the Republican Party Reverse Course? - The New York Times - July 9th, 2023 [July 9th, 2023]
- Reagans Republican Party Wouldnt Think Twice About Aid to Ukraine - Yahoo News - July 9th, 2023 [July 9th, 2023]
- Trump Wont Campaign at a July 4 Parade, but Other Republican ... - The New York Times - July 9th, 2023 [July 9th, 2023]
- Nearly a quarter of Republicans say classified docs charges make them more likely to support Trump: poll - The Hill - July 9th, 2023 [July 9th, 2023]
- Which Republicans Have Pledged to Support Their Nominee - The New York Times - July 9th, 2023 [July 9th, 2023]
- Calling robust Republican representation in Groton - theday.com - July 9th, 2023 [July 9th, 2023]
- John Roberts Is the Last Republican - New York Magazine - July 9th, 2023 [July 9th, 2023]
- House Republicans' Impeachment Fever Is a Gift to Democrats - The New Republic - July 9th, 2023 [July 9th, 2023]
- 'Boebert wokest Republican yet' The Durango Herald - The Durango Herald - July 9th, 2023 [July 9th, 2023]
- Ole Town Republican Party in a hole - theday.com - July 9th, 2023 [July 9th, 2023]
- Republicans Want to Mandate a Single Style of Architecture in ... - POLITICO - July 9th, 2023 [July 9th, 2023]
- Republicans Are Divided on Impeaching Biden as Panel Begins ... - The New York Times - July 9th, 2023 [July 9th, 2023]
- Impactful Quartet of Center-Right grassroots groups aim to advance ... - City-sentinel - July 9th, 2023 [July 9th, 2023]
- Ron DeSantis: 10 things to know about the Republican White House hopeful - The Guardian US - May 24th, 2023 [May 24th, 2023]
- Opinion | The Four Freedoms, According to Republicans - The New York Times - May 24th, 2023 [May 24th, 2023]
- Greene says no one is concerned about debt default in Republican conference - The Hill - May 24th, 2023 [May 24th, 2023]
- Republican concerns may halt permanent extension of expanded ... - New Hampshire Bulletin - May 24th, 2023 [May 24th, 2023]
- The Ever-Growing 2024 Republican Primary Field : The NPR ... - NPR - May 24th, 2023 [May 24th, 2023]
- Why the Republican Job Requirements Push Won't Actually Get ... - TIME - May 24th, 2023 [May 24th, 2023]
- Key Republican urges McCarthy, GOP to hold the line in debt ceiling talks - The Hill - May 24th, 2023 [May 24th, 2023]
- South Carolina GOP Passes 6-Week Abortion Ban, Sends Bill to ... - Democracy Now! - May 24th, 2023 [May 24th, 2023]
- Opinion | Vivek Ramaswamys Long Shot Run at the Republican ... - The New York Times - May 24th, 2023 [May 24th, 2023]
- Ohio Republican attack on higher ed will devastate our widely ... - Ohio Capital Journal - May 24th, 2023 [May 24th, 2023]
- Childless Adults Will Bear the Brunt of Republican Cuts to the Safety ... - The New Republic - May 24th, 2023 [May 24th, 2023]
- Opinion | George Santos Must Be Held Accountable by Republican ... - The New York Times - May 24th, 2023 [May 24th, 2023]
- Republican James Follweiler to be on ballot in Bethlehem City ... - 69News WFMZ-TV - May 24th, 2023 [May 24th, 2023]
- Why Republicans school board takeovers are faltering with voters - Vox.com - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Arizona Republicans have gotten most of what they wanted this year - The Arizona Republic - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Trump-backed Daniel Cameron wins GOP primary for Kentucky governor, will face incumbent Democrat Andy Beshear - Fox News - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- DEI divide: Republicans and Democrats split on workplace diversity - USA TODAY - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]