(This article is reprinted from Broad + Liberty. It first appeared in PoliticsPA.)
If the Republicans seem more united around their presidential candidate than in recent memory, the Democrats are in the opposite camp.
The hue and cry among Democratic ranks for President Joe Biden to step aside has not subsided in recent days, even after the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump stole the news cycle for the past three days.
Now, as the Democratic National Committee (DNC) prepares a virtual roll call to solidify the nomination of Biden as the party’s candidate, some Democratic members of Congress are voicing their objections and considering putting them in writing.
A letter is being circulated by Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) that argues there is “no legal justification” for an early virtual roll call, now that the state of Ohio has enacted legislation that allows Democrats to nominate its candidate in person at its convention in Chicago in mid-August.
“At this point, there is no serious threat to the Democratic ticket nominated in regular order at next month’s DNC convention appearing on the ballot in Ohio or any other state. Simply put, there is no longer any legal reason for moving forward with the extraordinary step of an early nomination by way of a “virtual roll call,” as even many DNC members have admitted.
“Proceeding with the “virtual roll call” in the absence of a valid legal rationale will be rightly perceived as a purely political maneuver, which we believe would be counterproductive and undermine party unity and cohesion. Moreover, it would contradict what President Biden himself has repeatedly said to members of Congress in recent days, telling us that anyone who wants to challenge his nomination should do so “at the convention.”
The draft letter is critical of those who want to stifle debate and shut down any possible change in the Democratic ticket, citing morale and unity of the party at “the worst possible time.”
Axios is reporting that Rep. Susan Wild (D-07) will be signing the letter. Wild’s seat is considered one of the targets for Republicans as the GOP makes plans to defend its House majority. A request for comment from Wild received no response.
The move comes three days before the Democratic National Convention rules committee is scheduled to meet, when they are expected to vote on setting up the rules and dates for a virtual roll call vote.
