Colorado lawmaker calls on Legislature to consider expulsion of Republican present at Jan. 6 Trump

Colorado lawmaker calls on Legislature to consider expulsion of Republican present at Jan. 6 Trump rally


During legislators’ first day back at the Colorado Capitol, the Democratic House speaker shut down his colleague’s call to consider the expulsion of a Penrose Republican, Rep. Ron Hanks, who attended the Jan. 6 “Stop the Steal” rally in Washington, D.C., that culminated in a deadly insurrection.

Despite unified condemnation from Democrats — and many Republicans — of the violence at the nation’s capital, the episode Tuesday at the Colorado Legislature exposed differing opinions over how to hold those who were present accountable.

Following speeches by Speaker Alec Garnett and Minority Leader Hugh McKean on Feb. 16 as lawmakers began the work of the 73rd session of the General Assembly, state Rep. Donald Valdez, a Democrat from Alamosa, asked Garnett for a moment of personal privilege, which Garnett granted. Under legislative rules, “personal privilege” refers to an opportunity for a lawmaker to speak to their colleagues on a timely and urgent topic that’s pertinent to them personally.

Valdez, speaking to the entire House chamber, reflected briefly on his father’s death due to COVID-19. He then called for review and discipline — up to and including expulsion — of Hanks as a result of his participation in the D.C. protest.

Read more: https://coloradonewsline.com/2021/02/17/colorado-lawmaker-calls-on-legislature-to-consider-expulsion-of-colleague-present-at-jan-6-trump-rally/