what’s next?

​On January 6, Congress met to fulfill our Constitutional duty to open and count the 2020 Electoral College certificates Although we expected objections from some of my Republican colleagues, we were not prepared for the chaos that ensued. No doubt we will be asking questions and assigning blame for many years.

The question that I’m asked most often and for me the most important question is, “what’s next or where do we go from here?” I take this question with great seriousness. I want all of you to know that I’m asking myself the hard question of, “what was my role in all of this that led us to such a bad place, and what are my personal and electoral responsibilities to lead us out of our dark era?"

On Monday we celebrated the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King. He spoke many famous words but for me, I can’t stop hearing these insightful words over and over in my mind.

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that."

If we are truthful we must admit that today’s norm is to respond to darkness and hate with more darkness and hate. This will not stop the cycle, “only love can do that.”

That doesn’t mean we can’t have tough and rigorous debate. It doesn’t mean we can’t disagree. It doesn’t mean we won’t become angry or upset. But it does mean that we must guard our response. Every one of us that has responded with darkness or hate on social media, every one of us that has spread rumors, referred to those who disagree with us with darkness or hate must bear some of the responsibility for the lack of light that surrounds us as a nation.

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This morning, my wife Sue and I attended the inauguration of President Joe Biden. I have many philosophical differences with the President and I will work as hard as I can to advance my political ideas over his. But I have tremendous respect for the office of the President and I would like my attendance to stand as a symbol that every morning I'm waking up and looking in the mirror as I ask myself if I'm an agent for hate and darkness or for love and light.

As a reminder, you can also keep up with what I'm doing in Congress by following my Twitter account, my Facebook page, my Instagram profile, or my website for more information.

Sincerely,