Priola gave two reasons for in switch: Many Republicans are peddling false claims that the 2020 presidential election stolen and party Russian attempts to block legislation that fight changing of the climate.
Priola served in Capitol of Colorado since 2009, first as a representative, and then, starting in 2017, as a senator. He won a second term in State Senate in 2020 is up for re-election in 2024. He did not immediately respond to the request for comment from The Washington Post late Monday evening.
Change in Prioly party registration does not affect the balance of power in Senate of Colorado; democrats already controlled the camera, but now enjoy an even larger 21-14 majority as Republicans gear up try to wrest control in November, according to the Colorado Sun.
In general, Republicans in in the middle of interior battle between two factions vying for control of party: candidates loyal to former President Donald Trump who ready to repeat it false pre-election claims and rivals who want to move in party past All this is reported by The Post.
Priola decided to leave the Republican Party altogether. In a letter he posted On Monday morning, Priola announced that he had become a Republican. in 1990, in love with Ronald Reagan’s Willingness to Endure up to the Soviet Union and cooperate with democrats on immigration.
“I don’t changed a lot of in 30 years; but my party is,” he wrote.
Priola said he looked in horror on January 6, 2021, when rioters surrounded the US Capitol. He thought the uprising lead his fellow Republicans distance himself from Trump, he wrote.
Instead the Republicans turned on A handful of their own, including Vice President Mike Pence, who confirmed Joe Biden’s 2020 election win and Reps. Liz Cheney (Wyoming) and Adam Kinzinger (Illinois). who voted to impeach Trump after the riots.
“I can’t continue to be a part of of political party this is normal with violent attempt to cancel free and fair elections and continues to spread claims that the 2020 elections were stolen”, – wrote Priola.
Then he moved on to second way in that the Republican Party disappointed him: its inaction on changing of the climate. Republicans have repeatedly denied that humans are causing climate change and continue to block legislative efforts to fight this, even when Colorados endure “almost year-round“Forest fires and seemingly endless drought,” Priola wrote.
“I consider it immoral to saddle next generation of colorans with the consequences are even worse,” he said. added.
Politicians of Colorado on both sides of the passage reacted to the fact that Priola changed the party.
Gov. Jared Polis (D) called the senator a “strong leader on climate issues,” and Senate President Steve Fenberg (D) hailed Priola as the man who “chose his voters and Colorado future over partisan politics”.
Senate Minority Leader John Cook (right) told the Colorado Sun that given Priola’s recent vote record, he was not shocked by his apostasy. He also rejected his influence on Republicans are trying to seize power of State Senate in November.
“This event will not change trajectory of this election cycle, no result of it’s years fight for State Senate,” Cook told the newspaper, adding that Priola voters “may examine their options for new performance.”
Christy Burton Brown, Chairman of Republican Party Of Colorado, also mentioned record of vote with democrats on some questions blaming him of “lie” to voters about being a Republican.
“His clear that Priola selfishly decided to become story at the expense of He was a Colorado elected to fight for,” she wrote in statement. “He’ll regret it decision when he in a minority will come in January 2023.”
Priola does not think so, saying that he remains seeks to serve and fight for their constituents, and not to participate in tribal politics.
“Coloradans can’t afford for their leaders give confidence in conspiracies and climate denial,” he wrote, adding: “Our planet and our democracy depend on on It.”
