Kinzinger backs Democrats in midterm election endorsement spree

Outgoing Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) is throwing his weight behind a number of Democrats within the midterm election cycle.

The unabashed critic of former President Donald Trump, who has usually bemoaned the present state of the GOP, rolled out a number of bipartisan endorsements Tuesday by means of his Nation First political motion committee, backing six Democrats, 4 Republicans, and two independents.

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"Now greater than ever, it’s crucial we elect leaders up and down the poll who're loyal to the Structure and keen to be a bulwark for democracy — no matter their political social gathering affiliation,” Kinzinger proclaimed in an announcement. “We should set partisan politics and beliefs apart as a way to protect our nation’s democracy."

4 of the Democrats he backed included contenders in secretary of state races — which has been floor zero for 2020 election discourse. Kinzinger backed Steve Simon in Minnesota, Jocelyn Benson in Michigan, Adrian Fontes in Arizona, and Cisco Aguilar in Nevada.

The only Republican he backed for secretary of state was Brad Raffensperger in Georgia. The opposite two Democrats he backed had been Josh Shapiro for Pennsylvania governor and Katie Hobbs for Arizona governor. Each of their Republican counterparts have trafficked in claims that the 2020 election was rife with malfeasance — a serious sticking level for Kinzinger.

"I’m proud to endorse this slate of candidates which might be able to put our nation and the American folks first," Kinzinger added.

On the Republican facet, he's additionally backing Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Larry Lazor for Connecticut's 1st Congressional District, and Thomas Knecht for state consultant in Minnesota, along with Raffensperger. The independents he's backing embody Evan McMullin for Utah Senate and Clint Smith for Arizona’s fifth Congressional District.

“It’s straightforward for me as a pushed-out or a homeless Republican to simply stick to Republicans — to get entangled within the primaries and form of go away for the overall,” Kinzinger informed Politico. “The truth is we will disagree on coverage, however that protection of democracy is the factor that I believe can convey the union down."

Kinzinger fashioned the Nation First PAC following the Jan. 6 riot. He has additionally been ostracized by elements of the Republican Social gathering for his vocal criticisms of the social gathering and Trump, whom he voted to question. Kinzinger has additionally taken a pronounced position as considered one of two Republicans on the Jan. 6 committee. He opted to not vie for reelection after redistricting put him on a possible collision course with Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL).

The congressman has beforehand left the door open to working for the Senate, governor, and even the presidency.

"I do not know what I determine with anymore," he informed HuffPost about his political social gathering earlier this 12 months. "I am simply not a Democrat."