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McConnell Mostly Silent On Trump Election Claims

AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File

Senator Mitch McConnell is largely remaining mum on President Trump's unsubstantiated complaints of voter fraud in the 2020 election, instead choosing to stick to a statement he recently tweeted.

Even as some prominent Trump allies, including former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, have broken with the president over his claims of widespread fraud, McConnell is referring reporters to a more generic statement on social media.

It reads, "Here’s how this must work in our great country: Every legal vote should be counted. Any illegally-submitted ballots must not. All sides must get to observe the process. And the courts are here to apply the laws & resolve disputes. That's how Americans' votes decide the result."

The tweet echoes the president's language regarding "legal" and "illegal" votes, but also remains in line with McConnell'searlier comments that candidates must "adapt to whatever the rules are in given states and it's "not up to the federal government to determine how that's done."

Pressed for further reaction by reporters Friday, the senator refused to elaborate.

"I know it's reasonable for you to ask, but I get to decide what I say," the lawmaker responded after repeated questions about the president's widely criticized allegations.

Arguments between McConnell and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi over another round of federal stimulus have already resumed, with McConnell reviving his argument for a slimmer aid package. Rather than "throwing another $3 trillion at this issue," he said, Congress should opt for a smaller, "highly targeted" bill. Pelosi is continuing to reject the more modest relief proposal. 

Josh James fell in love with college radio at Western Kentucky University's student station, New Rock 92 (now Revolution 91.7). After working as a DJ and program director, he knew he wanted to come home to Lexington and try his hand in public radio.