House Republicans stand by their decision to oust George Santos even as it cost them a GOP seat: 'You have to have standards'
John L. Dorman
Feb 18, 2024, 2:28 PM CST
After Democrat Tom Suozzi defeated Republican Mazi Melesa Pilip in last week's special election for New York's 3rd congressional district, the razor-thin GOP margin in the House became even narrower.
The special election was triggered by the expulsion of onetime GOP Rep. George Santos, who in December was booted from Congress in a 311-114 vote, with 105 Republicans joining nearly every House Democrat to remove the controversial figure from the lower chamber.
And even though Suozzi flipped the seat blue, the Republicans who backed Santos' ouster said they continue to stand behind their votes.
Rep. Mike Lawler, a Republican who represents a swing district anchored in the suburbs north of New York City, told Politico that Santos himself is to blame for the GOP losing a critical seat.
"I didn't shrink the Republican majority — George Santos shrunk it by his actions," Lawler told the outlet. "I'm sorry, you have to have standards in the halls of Congress. And so I don't regret voting to expel George Santos."
"He was unfit to serve … Sometimes these decisions are bigger than politics," the congressman added.
Santos faces 23 criminal charges tied to alleged wire fraud, identity theft, and money laundering.
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https://www.businessinsider.com/george-santos-pilip-new-york-election-loss-standards-suozzi-2024-2