According to a new report from the La Crosse Tribune, House Republicans’ biggest Super Pac is actively pushing for Derrick Van Orden to run again in Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District, despite the failed candidate’s significant baggage that is sure to be a drag on his electoral chances once again.
After losing to Congressman Ron Kind in November, Van Orden openly and baselessly questioned the results of his own election and peddled the “Big Lie” responsible for inciting a violent mob at the U.S. Capitol on January 6th, which resulted in the deaths of five Americans – including the murder of a police officer. Just as concerning, Van Orden not only promoted rhetoric that caused the attack, but proudly touted his own attendance at the Capitol on January 6th.
Van Orden also has a history of making anti-Semitic comments and is an admitted sexual harasser who openly bragged about his inappropriate behavior in a 2015 book.
“Between his history of sexual harassment, anti-Semitism, and his role in the violent January 6th attack on our Capitol, Wisconsinites know exactly who failed candidate Derrick Van Orden is and they made it clear by rejecting him in November that he has no business in Congress,” said DCCC Spokesperson Brooke Goren. “Washington Republicans’ efforts to recruit Van Orden once again show just how out beholden they are to the most extreme factions of their party and how of touch they are with the values of hardworking families.”
