To the editor:

Despite the violent insurrection by Trump supporters who invaded the United States Capitol, Stefanik continues to pander to a president who fomented a riot based on lies and conspiracy theories falsely claiming a stolen election. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court found no evidence of malfeasance or voter fraud on Nov. 28. Then in December the suit was rejected by the United States Supreme Court, yet Stefanik continues to purport electoral irregularities, insisting her constituents support her objections. As one of her constituents, I do not support such baseless objections.

Stefanik refuses to acknowledge the direct connection between the seditious acts committed on Jan. 6 and Trump’s inflammatory remarks to a crowd of supporters hours before. “We will never give up. We will never concede. It will never happen. You don’t concede when there’s theft involved. Our country has had enough. We will not take it anymore,” Trump stated, then offered to march alongside supporters to the Capitol. Stefanik continues to support the president when members of her own party — including Vice President Pence, Sens. Mitch McConnell, Lindsey Graham and Mitt Romney, and Rep. Adam Kinzinger — reject Trump’s recent behavior. “What happened here today was an insurrection, incited by the president of the United States,” declared Romney on the Senate floor. When the Capitol building needed protection, it was Mike Pence who made the calls for help, while Trump watched it unfold on television — then later addressing his mob with, “We love you,” never once condemning the violence and maintaining that the election was stolen.

Shame on you, Ms. Stefanik, for thwarting our democracy by continuing to spin baseless lies. Rather than rely on the strengths of your own accomplishments, you have hitched your wagon to Trump and conspiracy theories. This shameful behavior is antithetical to democracy and destructive to the republic.

Teresa Cheetham-Palen

Councilwoman, Town of Keene