In a shocking report from The New York Times, it has been confirmed that Representative Scott Perry (R-PA10) is the Pennsylvania official who helped the former President’s attempt to use the Department of Justice to overturn election results. The Times reported last night that a previously unnamed Pennsylvania official had introduced the President to DOJ officials who also thought this election was stolen.
Perry represents the swingy 10th district in Pennsylvania. Taking in all of Dauphin County as well as parts of Cumberland and York County, this was one of the most competitive seats in Pennsylvania this past cycle. Perry, who is a member of the Freedom Caucus, has repeatedly been called too right-wing for this seat. His critics now have the greatest ammo he could have given them.
The Implications
This is terrible news for House Republicans, who have come under heavy fire in recent weeks. And this isn’t just for the events at the capitol on January 6th; it’s also for refusals to go through a metal detector and more than half the caucus supporting efforts to overturn election results in Arizona and Pennsylvania. Perry is likely to be investigated for this, as Senator Dick Durbin from Illinois is reportedly already doing. There should be concern from House Republicans that Perry could face expulsion or censure. While it would be unlikely two-thirds of the house would vote for his removal, it could come close if claims are proven.
If Scott Perry were to be expelled, this would result in an incredibly competitive special election. The 10th district was one of the closest in the state and is trending leftwards. A special here in the aftermath of expulsion could be a blow to early GOP efforts in changing the national narrative.
Elections Daily was able to get a comment from Tom Brier, who lost the Democratic primary for this seat this past summer. Brier stated: “This is why I ran in the first place. I knew what he was capable of. The man is unfit to serve.” When asked if he would run again if Perry was forced to resign or expelled, Brier declined to comment.
This will be the story to watch over the next couple of days. Now that Democrats officially control both houses of Congress and the Presidency. What is clear is this: the events that cause and transpired on January 6th certainly do not seem to be leaving the news cycle any time soon.
