Arizona Speaker of the House Rusty Bowers stood up to threats and intimidation from fellow Republicans and refused to take steps to overturn the 2020 presidential election, which had resulted in a resounding defeat for Donald Trump. In a previous post, I commended the speaker, who testified truthfully before the January 6 Committee about these illegal efforts, for his religious faith, principled convictions, and strength of character. But I wrestled with what to make of Bowers' pledge to vote again for Trump if he appeared on the 2024 ballot.
Apparently Bowers has also wrestled with that dilemma. He said, in an interview with Jonathan Karl, "I'll never vote for him" again. When Karl asked him how he explained the hold Trump has on the Republican Party, nationally and in Arizona, Bowers replied:
They rule by thuggery and intimidation. So, you know, they found a niche, they found a way, and it’s fear. And people can use fear – demagogues like to use fear as a weapon. And they weaponize everything. And we all know it.
But it’s sad. That’s not leadership to me – to use thuggery.
Once again, this time without perplexity, I will tip my hat to a man of principle.