Rep. Jim Himes Says Greg Gianforte Should Not Be Seated if Elected

The walls continued to fall in Thursday on Greg Gianforte. The Montana GOP congressional candidate is now facing assault charges for body slamming and punching Guardian reporter Ben Jacobs.

With election day literally today, we’ll all be able to get a fascinating real time look at whether Montana voters care about any of this. Now however, at least one member of Congress is saying that if he is elected, Gianforte should not be seated.

“What does that say about the character of that individual?” asked Connecticut Representative Jim Himes. “That is not somebody who should have the privilege of serving in this building.”

Speaking to Morning Joe’s Mark Halperin, Himes tried to give perspective to the incident.

“I think this is a moment of clarity for the Republican party,” he said. “Are they the party of Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt or are they the party who welcomes, and maybe even celebrates, people who call the media an enemy of the state, people who physically assault somebody who asks them a tough question?”

Rumblings from Himes give credence an observation floated by CNN contributor, Chris Cillizza who pointed out on New Day this morning, that the greater threat to Republicans now may not be if Gianforte loses today — but if he prevails.

[image via screengrab] 

New: The Mediaite One-Sheet "Newsletter of Newsletters"
Your daily summary and analysis of what the many, many media newsletters are saying and reporting. Subscribe now!