Eight years ago, I announced on the Senate floor that I would not seek re-election, warning of a troubling intensity overtaking our politics. At that time, the Republican Party demanded unwavering loyalty to President Trump, then in his first term, viewing any dissent as suspect.
Recently, Senator Thom Tillis declared he would not run again, echoing concerns I raised years ago. He remarked that leaders committed to bipartisanship, compromise, and independent thought are increasingly rare within the party.
His retirement confirms that the political fever I spoke of has not subsided. Within today's Republican ranks, casting votes based on personal conviction is often considered disqualifying.
When I entered the House in 2000, there was space within the GOP for independent judgment. On numerous occasions, I opposed President George W. Bush’s policies, including legislation like No Child Left Behind and the Medicare prescription drug benefit. Yet, President Bush never took disagreements personally, recognizing that lawmakers might hold differing views without compromising loyalty. In fact, during my Senate tenure, he even supported my campaign efforts in Arizona.
The contrast with the party under President Trump is stark. Any departure from his directives is viewed as betrayal. The focus has shifted away from ideas and governance philosophies toward personal allegiance to a leader whose positions often fluctuate.
Senator Tillis’s decision to retire is especially revealing. Although he could have likely won a general election in North Carolina, he faced an almost certain primary challenge that would require total loyalty to President Trump—a demand that often means abandoning responsible governance to follow a constantly changing agenda.
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