A Georgia anti-gay state senator whose “religious freedom” bills for years have been hotly contested is mulling a run for the U.S. House of Representatives.
Republican State Senator Josh McKoon of Georgia is debating becoming U.S. Congressman Josh McKoon.
The Tea Party Republican who is on the Ted Cruz for President Georgia leadership team, for several years has been trying to pass an anti-gay religious freedom bill but so far has been unsuccessful.
Laat year, his bill passed the state Senate, but was held up in the House where ultimately the clock ran out.Â
McKoon is trying once again this year to have his legislation, a so-called Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) bill, make it all the way to the governor’s desk. Reportedly has spent a good deal of time the past few months traveling the state to gain support for the bill – and, conveniently, for a likely House run.
McKoon would not have to run against an incumbent. GOP Rep. Lynn Westmoreland (GA-3) announced last week he will not seek re-election this year, opening the door for an easy win for a well-known Republican. Georgia is exceptionally conservative and Westmoreland has held the seat since 2007.
Georgia voters should remind Sen. McKoon that just a few years ago he introduced a bill that would ban sitting state lawmakers from running for Congress. In 2013, McKoon’s bill, which did not become law, would have ousted lawmakers who, after 30 days, are running for the House or Senate (or, presumably, the presidency) in Washington, D.C.Â
“The seat of any member of the General Assembly shall be declared vacant on the thirtieth day following such member filing a statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission declaring that such member is a candidate for a federal elective office,” the bill stated.
Â
Image via YouTubeÂ