Larry Hogan, a Republican Senate candidate from Maryland, is facing significant backlash from within his party after expressing that voters should respect the verdict in Donald Trump's trial. Prominent GOP figures, including John Cornyn, have voiced support for Hogan, emphasizing the importance of his potential Senate seat in a deep-blue state. However, Hogan's stance has drawn criticism from Trump allies and others who argue that he must condemn what they see as Democrat abuse of the courts. The controversy, described as a 'campaign flub,' has led to calls for Hogan to demonstrate absolute loyalty to Trump, highlighting the ongoing tensions within the Republican Party over Trump's influence and the rule of law. The situation has been compared to Todd Akin's 'legitimate rape' comments during his 2012 campaign.
In Trump’s Republican Party, you just can’t say that the rule of law is good and worthy of respect anymore. “That’s what the Republican U.S. Senate candidate Larry Hogan is finding out,” @GrahamDavidA writes: https://t.co/2iVj8NF0FS
Maryland’s Larry Hogan is a precious GOP commodity as a viable Senate candidate in a deep-blue state. Republicans need to give Hogan some leeway to win, but he’s being required to show absolute loyalty to Trump. https://t.co/9b0LHX4xP0
“Not since Todd Akin’s ‘legitimate rape’ comments amid his disastrous ’12 Missouri campaign have I seen party leaders so willingly throw away a U.S. Senate seat” @abbyliv817 on the aftermath of Larry Hogan’s “respect the verdict” tweet. https://t.co/U4Es7b7VYN
Trump could really use a Republican Senate to do the terrible things he wants to do the next four years. Casting Larry Hogan into the outer darkness is extremely short-sighted. https://t.co/1CD8OwZsh7
This is pretty obvious but: Assuming Larry Hogan wants to win his Senate seat, not just harm Donald Trump, he needs to clearly condemn Democrat abuse of American courts. https://t.co/L513YLpByj
John Cornyn says he stands by Larry Hogan despite the criticism that the MD Senate candidate has endured from Trump allies for saying voters should respect the Trump verdict. “I hope Larry Hogan wins,” Cornyn, who is running for leader, told us. “It’ll mean the difference…
How Larry Hogan Can Recover From His Show Trial Campaign Flub https://t.co/L7XWiUi7QA
For GOP voters who actually want to see their policy preferences advanced by their representatives, the brushback pitches the national party is firing off at Larry Hogan does them no favors. | @NoahCRothman https://t.co/hcQixtJR53
Larry Hogan can still hate Trump all he wants. It's Maryland and it's his schtick. But if he can't speak out against show trials and the abuse of courts for political ends, he's worse and more dangerous than worthless and should not get money or votes. https://t.co/HqNUTwJgnb