Amash Leaves Freedom Caucus To Avoid ‘Distraction’ With His Impeachment Talk

UNITED STATES - MAY 16:  Rep. Justin Amash, R-Mich., speaks at a news conference in the Capitol Visitor Center on the Smith-Amash Amendment to the FY2013 National Defense Authorization Act that would "prevent the indefinite detention of and use of military custody for individuals detained on U.S. soil - including U.S. citizens - and ensure access to due process and the federal court system, as the Constitution provides."  (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
UNITED STATES - MAY 16: Rep. Justin Amash, R-Mich., speaks at a news conference in the Capitol Visitor Center on the Smith-Amash Amendment to the FY2013 National Defense Authorization Act that would "prevent the ind... UNITED STATES - MAY 16: Rep. Justin Amash, R-Mich., speaks at a news conference in the Capitol Visitor Center on the Smith-Amash Amendment to the FY2013 National Defense Authorization Act that would "prevent the indefinite detention of and use of military custody for individuals detained on U.S. soil - including U.S. citizens - and ensure access to due process and the federal court system, as the Constitution provides." (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call) MORE LESS
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Just days after being condemned my his Freedom Caucus colleagues, Rep. Justin Amash (R-MI) stepped down from the conservative group Monday evening, CNN was first to report. 

As the lone GOP lawmaker to stand with Democrats in support of impeachment, Amash told CNN he stepped aside to avoid being a “distraction” for the caucus, of which he is a founding member.

“I have the highest regard for them and they’re my close friends,” he told CNN. “I didn’t want to be a further distraction for the group.”

In a series of tweets last month, Amash declared special counsel Robert Mueller’s report includes numerous examples of Trump obstructing justice and said he was in support of impeachment. Amash, who is known to break with his party, received significant blowback for his stance, including a disparaging tweet from President Trump and a primary challenger.

But back home, Amash has been cheered for speaking out.

Read CNN’s full report here.

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Notable Replies

  1. I’m with Amash.

  2. Shunning is alive and well…

  3. Free ( of the) dumb.

  4. Right Amash…YOU’RE the distraction. Of course, Gym Jordon and Matt Gaetz etal with their ‘outrage du jour’ are not ‘distractions’ at all. Maybe you ALL need a dictionary.

  5. Avatar for pshah pshah says:

    According to its mission statement, “the House Freedom Caucus gives a voice to countless Americans who feel that Washington does not represent them. We support open, accountable and limited government, the Constitution and the rule of law, and policies that promote the liberty, safety and prosperity of all Americans.”Mar 30, 2017

    Amash can clearly state that he didn’t leave the Freedom Caucus, the Freedom Caucus left him.

    Seriously, what part of their mission statement hasn’t Trump trampled on?

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