It’s Boehner vs. Trump in Ohio primary
Former House Speaker John Boehner of West Chester Township is expected to appear virtually at a fundraiser Monday for an Ohio Republican who voted to impeach former President Donald Trump, according to news reports.
Politico first reported that Boehner will be the featured guest at a Zoom fundraiser for Rep. Anthony Gonzalez, a Rocky River Republican who was one of only 10 Republicans who voted for Trump’s impeachment in the wake of the Jan. 6 riots at the U.S. Capitol.
Boehner’s appearance puts him at odds with Trump, who has blasted Gonzalez and endorsed a Republican hoping to unseat Gonzalez, Max Miller.
Gonzalez, a former Ohio State University and Indianapolis Colts wide receiver, represents a district that spans all of Wayne County and parts of Stark, Portage, Summit, Medina and Cuyahoga counties.
After the Jan. 6 attack at the Capitol, Boehner said Trump should consider resigning and called out Republicans who amplified false claims the election was stolen. “Here’s the president of the United States, in my view, inciting a riot ... and the Capitol being threatened,” Boehner said in January. “It’s time for Donald Trump to consider resigning his post. He has violated his oath of office to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”
Boehner retired from Congress in 2015 after 25 years representing the district that includes Butler County. He served a tumultuous five years as speaker, fending off efforts by other conservatives to oust him.
The Associated Press contributed.