Republican Mike Coffman is quickly learning he can’t have it both ways when it comes to his support of President Donald Trump’s extreme policies. During his first town hall meeting of the year, Coffman was bombarded by angry constituents wanting answers on everything from President Trump’s tax returns to his support of the Republicans’ bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act.
“Last night’s disastrous town hall should be a wakeup call for Mike Coffman that his double talk won’t work in the Trump era,” said DCCC spokeswoman Rachel Irwin. “Mike Coffman campaigned on standing up to Trump, yet he’s sided with him when it really counts – on issues like affordable health care and national security. His empty promises are stacking up and Coffman’s quickly losing support from voters in his own party, making him even more vulnerable ahead of 2018.”
In case you missed it:
CNN: At raucous town hall, GOP Congressman Faces Anger over Trump
“Coffman could have a tough reelection fight next year against newly announced Democratic candidate Jason Crow. Party strategists hope that Crow’s background as an Army ranger who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as his newcomer status to politics, will make him a strong challenger to Coffman, who was first elected to the House in 2008
9News: Congressman Coffman takes a beating at town hall
“When the majority of your constituents input to you strongly disagrees with the Republican party position on notable issues, what will it take for you to vote with your constituents?,” asked one women.
CBS4 Denver: Coffman Faces Fiery Town Hall Crowd
Anger towards Donald Trump overflowed at Republican Mike Coffman’s town hall to the point where even the congressman began snapping back.
Politico: Coffman pummeled at town hall for backing GOP Obamacare replacement
Nearly every other constituent brought up health care at a town hall here on the outskirts of Denver on Wednesday night, in one of the most competitive House districts in the country.
But not a single one did it to thank Rep. Mike Coffman for backing the House GOP plan to repeal and replace Obamacare. Instead, dozens of local residents — Democrats and Republicans — pummeled the Colorado Republican for supporting legislation they said would harm their community.
The Coloradoan: An angry crowd greets GOP Rep. Coffman at town hall
For Coffman, he bounced between being combative at times with a decidedly liberal-leaning audience to defensive of his principles. When one woman asked whether he would vote in favor of his constituents or GOP leaders, Coffman shot back.
“I’m not going to ask how you voted, but I think I’ve won quite a few elections around here and I think the majority of the people in this room … ” Coffman started, before getting drowned out by boos.
TPM: GOP Rep. Grilled At Town Hall Over Support For House O’Care Replacement
He told the crowd at one point that he will only speak out against Trump when it is “something significant.”
“The people, Republicans, when Obama was President, everything was ‘What are you doing to stand up to the President? what are you doing?’ Every time the President does something, ‘Why aren’t you speaking out against the President?’
AP: Congressman Mike Coffman defiant at jeers during town hall
“Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman told an angry crowd that he’ll oppose Donald Trump at the right time, but won’t do it every day.”
MSNBC Morning Joe: Republicans at Town Halls Face Pointed Questions
Constituent: “I don’t exactly know what you guys do in your office here but…”
Mike Coffman: “Constituent work.”
Constituent: “Constituent work but you don’t allow constituents to come in so that’s one thing that.” [Crowd Jeers]