Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search
 

47of74

(18,470 posts)
Tue Apr 23, 2019, 12:45 PM Apr 2019

Rep. Andy McKean has seen the light

That's one less Republican in Iowa

A lawmaker in the Iowa House of Representatives said he's leaving the Republican Party in part because of his disapproval of President Donald Trump.

Rep. Andy McKean, an Anamosa lawmaker, announced Tuesday that he plans to register as a Democrat and vote with the minority caucus.

"With the 2020 presidential election looming on the horizon, I feel, as a Republican, that I need to be able to support the standard bearer of our party," McKean said during a news conference at the Capitol. "Unfortunately, that's something I'm unable to do."

McKean said Trump is just one part of a bigger trend of partisanship in the country, which made him feel out of place in the Republican caucus. McKean said when he joined the Legislature 40 years ago, there were many moderates in the Republican Party. But now, according to him, the ranks have thinned.
2 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Rep. Andy McKean has seen the light (Original Post) 47of74 Apr 2019 OP
Now, this is the kind of news I'd like to see more of..... FM123 Apr 2019 #1
Republican lawmaker in Iowa bolts party over disapproval of Trump Judi Lynn Apr 2019 #2

Judi Lynn

(162,381 posts)
2. Republican lawmaker in Iowa bolts party over disapproval of Trump
Tue Apr 23, 2019, 03:53 PM
Apr 2019

David Knowles Editor,Yahoo News•April 23, 2019

Iowa state Rep. Andy McKean announced Tuesday he is leaving the Republican Party and becoming a Democrat due to his misgivings over President Trump.

“With the 2020 presidential election looming on the horizon, I feel, as a Republican, that I need to be able to support the standard bearer of our party. Unfortunately, that’s something I’m unable to do,” McKean said at a press conference in Des Moines.

McKean, who was first elected to the Iowa Legislature 40 years ago, described Trump as a bully who “creates a breeding ground for hateful rhetoric and actions.” He also criticized Iowa’s GOP as having grown too conservative.

“I think the party has veered very sharply to the right,” McKean said. “That concerns me.”

More:
https://news.yahoo.com/republican-lawmaker-in-iowa-bolts-party-over-disapproval-with-trump-181958913.html?.tsrc=notification-brknews
Latest Discussions»Region Forums»Iowa»Rep. Andy McKean has seen...