Editorial: Voters shouldn't ignore Rep. Sutherland's reprimand
By The Herald Editorial Board
Since the 2020 elections and the onset of the pandemic, state Rep. Robert Sutherland, R-Granite Falls, has been among a handful of state lawmakers who have played up their stated — but demonstrably misguided and intentionally obtuse — beliefs that voter and election fraud denied former President Trump of his reelection and that mandates related to the covid-19 pandemic were unnecessary and denied basic freedoms to Americans.
Up to a point, such beliefs are their mistake to make, but Sutherland has crossed a line where his actions in support of his political positions have violated the state House rules of behavior and potentially of Legislative ethics, calling into question his fitness to continue as an elected representative for the 39th Legislative District.
Friday, Brian Dean, chief clerk of the House, issued a six-page letter of reprimand to Sutherland, following an investigation of an altercation with the House chief of security on the Capitol grounds earlier this month and Sutherland’s actions and statements following the confrontation.
On March 5, with less than a week remaining in the session, Sutherland was denied access to the Capitol building where his office is located after failing to get a rapid test for coronavirus, a requirement of House protocols for this year’s session. When approached by the House sergeant of arms and reminded that he could not be admitted without the results of a covid test, Sutherland yelled “F*** you, Sergeant!” and continued to berate the security official — including calling him an idiot — until walking away.
https://www.heraldnet.com/opinion/editor-voters-shouldnt-ignore-rep-sutherlands-reprimand/
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