November 4, 2022
Contact: Cory Combs, Senior Communications Manager
ccombs@issueoneaction.org, p: 202-204-8553
Candidates who refuse to accept the outcome of next week’s elections “should be called out and not be given support,” former Republican elected officials say
Washington, DC – November 4, 2022 – Twenty-five former Republican elected officials have joined together to condemn candidates for public office who will not commit to accepting the results of next week’s midterm elections. They argue that these “bad actors” are “not honoring the time-honored traditions and essential requirements of our democratic republic” and “should be called out and not be given support from either political party.”
In an open letter, the Republicans assert that the upcoming midterms and 2024 presidential contest are “the most significant elections in the modern history of our nation” amid a surge in candidates who have sown doubts about our elections, shown little regard for democratic norms, and continue to spread harmful disinformation that has threatened the safety of our elected leaders, election officials, poll workers, and even voters.
“If we do not trust election results and honor the citizens who carry out our free and fair elections, the fundamental principles of our republic are at greater risk now more than ever,” the letter states. “As Republicans, we must put our country first and encourage a robust turnout where all eligible voters are encouraged to vote, whether they choose to vote early or on Election Day. And we must recognize the winners under the traditions and norms of our democracy.”
Signers include former Director of National Intelligence Daniel Coats (R-IN), former Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA), former Congressman Carlos Curbelo (R-FL), former Kentucky Secretary of State Trey Grayson (R-KY), former Congressman Steve Gunderson (R-WI), former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood (R-IL), former Congresswoman Susan Molinari (R-NY), former Ambassador Connie Morella (R-MD), former Congressman Reid Ribble (R-WI), and former Congressman Zach Wamp (R-TN), among others.
A recent analysis found that 60% of Americans will see at least one election denier on their ballot, and nearly half of the 27 contests for secretary of state this year feature candidates who deny the legitimate results of the 2020 presidential election and, if elected, could attempt to overturn the will of the voters following a future election.
“If ‘American exceptionalism’ can be defined by any one single trait, it’s that after we hold our free and open elections every two years, we come together and accept the results and allow the winners to govern,” the letter continues. “This extraordinary characteristic has separated us for nearly 250 years from the authoritarian and repressive regimes that do not allow the freedoms we hold so dear.”
The letter concludes by saying: “Once the votes are counted and a winner is declared, all patriotic and freedom-loving people must accept the results and move forward together under our Constitution and the rule of law.”
###
About Issue One Action
Issue One Action is uniting Republicans, Democrats, and independents to protect our elections and fix our broken political system.