Kankakee Times

U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ottawa) was censured Feb. 4 by the Republican National Committee for his participation in the House investigation of the riots on Jan. 6, 2021. 

His role in the probe was criticized by his fellow Republicans, who interpreted it as collusion with Democrats against the former president. 

"Cheney and Kinzinger chose to join Pelosi in a Democrat-led persecution of ordinary citizens who engaged in legitimate political discourse that had nothing to do with violence at the Capitol," Chairperson of the Republican National Committee Ronna McDaniel said in a post to her Twitter account. "The NYT needs to correct this story now, or again expose themselves as political hacks." 

Former President Donald Trump also publicly supported the censure. 

"Congratulations to the Republican National Committee (RNC) and its Chairwoman, Ronna McDaniel, on their great ruling in censuring Liz Cheney and Cryin' Adam Kinzinger, two horrible RINOs who put themselves ahead of our Country,"  Trump said in a statement on Feb. 5. 

Kinzinger responded by putting out a statement defending himself.

“Self-governance requires accountability and responsibility,” Kinzinger said in a statement. “My faith requires the same of me, truth is necessary for order, and that’s what I will do. Let me be clear, I’m a Republican dedicated to conservative values, but I swore an oath to uphold and defend the constitution --- and while this is not the position I expected to be in or sought out, when duty calls, I will always answer.”

The censure resolution asserted that Kinzinger would no longer receive the support of the party and had violated its values. 

"The Republican National Committee hereby formally censures Representatives Liz Cheney of Wyoming and Adam Kinzinger of Illinois and shall immediately cease any and all support of them as members of the Republican Party for their behavior which has been destructive to the institution of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Republican Party and our republic, and is inconsistent with the position of the Conference" the censure resolution said. 

Kinzinger had previously announced he would not seek re-election.