Former Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake joined more than 24 former Republican members of Congress who endorsed Joe Biden for president on Monday, only hours ahead of the Republican National Convention, NBC News reports.
- Flake was set to announced the decision Monday. Flake has joined other Congressman to form the “Republicans for Biden” effort.
- Flake said back in August 2019 that he didn’t plan on voting for Trump.
- Biden’s campaign released a list of endorsements in a press release. Flake made that list.
“These former members of Congress cited Trump’s corruption, destruction of democracy, blatant disregard for moral decency, and urgent need to get the country back on course as a reason why they support Biden. These former members of Congress are supporting Joe Biden because they know what’s at stake in this election and that Trump’s failures as president have superseded partisanship.” — the Biden campaign said in a statement
Others on the list included:
- Sens. John Warner of Virginia and Gordon Humphrey of New Hampshire.
- Former Reps. Charlie Dent of Pennsylvania and Ray LaHood of Illinois.
Latter-day Saint Democrats of America released the following statement about Flake’s endorsement:
“As the great Republican Senator Arthur Vandenberg said when he crossed party lines to support forming NATO, ‘Politics stops at the water’s edge.’ These words echo again today. Senator Jeff Flake knows that when we have a president who abuses his power, violates the Constitution, and betrays America’s founding ideals, it is our patriotic duty to join hands and stand together for the country we love. We invite all to join Senator Flake and these other brave Republicans in using their time, talents, and voices in support of Vice President Biden and the great task of protecting and restoring the soul of America.”
A history with Trump
Flake has long spoken out against Trump when he served in the U.S. Senate. During the early days of Trump’s presidency, Flake was one of the few GOP members to speak out against the president.
Last October, Flake said the 2020 election is a chance for Republicans to save their souls, as Deseret.com reported.
- “My fellow Republicans, it is time to risk your careers in favor of your principles,” Flake wrote in The Washington Post on Monday. “Whether you believe the president deserves impeachment, you know he does not deserve reelection.”