The Freedom Caucus voted on Tuesday to boot Colorado Rep. Ken Buck from its membership rolls days ahead of his retirement.
“One of the Freedom Caucus members, who requested anonymity to discuss the internal proceedings, said the group decided to oust Buck because he has not been a member in ‘good standing’ and has not regularly attended meetings of the body ‘in months,'” according to The Hill.
“The source also said Buck — who has frequently broken from his party on various issues — was removed because ‘he hasn’t been with conservatives on several major issues‘ and ‘is leaving the conference hanging with a historically narrow margin,'” The Hill confirmed in a report published Wednesday.
Buck notoriously joined Democrats in November in voting against an impeachment resolution against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Gang of eight House Republicans break ranks, join Dems to protect Mayorkas https://t.co/kwtg9ivnnk via @BIZPACReview — BPR based (@DumpstrFireNews) November 14, 2023
He’s also been a thorn in the GOP’s side as it pertains to the ongoing effort to impeach President Joe Biden.
He even went so far as to write an op-ed against impeachment in the disreputable Washington Post back in September.
“Republicans in the House who are itching for an impeachment are relying on an imagined history,” he wrote in the widely panned op-ed. “Their inquiry, formally announced by Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) on Tuesday, rests heavily on a fictitious version of Shokin’s career, with the alleged investigation of Burisma at the center.”
“It’s a neat story, and one that performs well in certain media circles. But impeachment is a serious matter and should have a foundation of rock-solid facts,” he added.
He went on to claim the Biden impeachment effort is as fraudulent as the Democrats’ Ukraine impeachment against former President Donald Trump.
“Trump’s impeachment in 2019 was a disgrace to the Constitution and a disservice to Americans. The GOP’s reprise in 2023 is no better,” he wrote.
At the time, Buck was rationed into oblivion on X by an army of critics who staunchly disagreed.
Look:
I could not disagree with you more, and it’s so sad that we don’t have a conservative in your seat. What a waste. — Peter King (@flyfishpatriot) September 17, 2023
Why can’t some people tell the difference between a political hit job and an attempt to hold someone accountable for violating their oath? Here’s a tip Congressman: Compare the evidence! — Steve Johnson (@SteveJohns12554) September 16, 2023
Impeaching Trump for Biden’s crimes was a disgrace. Not Impeaching Biden for his own crimes is a disgrace. See the difference you disgrace? You should be nowhere near the levers of power in this country. — OG MAGA Angie (@AngieAGoGo1) September 19, 2023
I used to think you were on the right side of things. Several of your positions and lots of silence on other important issues has me think I’ll consider voting differently this next round should there be a primary challenger. You disappointed this year. — Beekman (@BeekmanNoCo) September 16, 2023
Hey Ken, the Constitution specifically prescribes impeachment for bribery. Have you read the FD-1023 FBI document Oversight obtained where Biden and his son were given $5 million each for a policy decision? This impeachment is not a reprisal, its what the constitution calls for. — Righteous⚡️Crusader (@Craftmastah) September 17, 2023
Buck announced last year that he’d retire from Congress at the end of this year but recently expedited the timeline, saying this time that he’d retire at the end of THIS week.
“This place just keeps going downhill, and I don’t need to spend my time here,” he told NBC News last week.
“We’ve taken impeachment and we’ve made it a social media issue as opposed to a constitutional concept. Mike Johnson’s ability to talk me into staying here is going to be as about as successful as his ability into talking me into unconstitutional impeachments,” he added.
Listen:
Buck’s retirement announcement and final words attacking the GOP inspired another blitz of criticism on social media.
Look:
Goodbye, RINO trash!@RepKenBuck — AmericanRebel (@AmericanRebble) March 20, 2024
You are worthless and a total swamp creature — Chance Buchman (@ChanceBuchman) March 21, 2024
Thanks for your cowardice and letting down your country shame — Tommy Bezanes (@Tommyb90331) March 21, 2024
Thank God for the Republicans you are gone .Dont let th edoor hit you in the Ass on the Way Out ,you surely WONT BE MISSED — Diane (@peachy62) March 20, 2024
Appearing on liberal @MSNBC @RepKenBuck confirms his democratic views. Good ridden Buck, we don’t need you anymore so highly doubtful your wanting to still be involved in our Republican Party is certainly not wanted. Say hello to your pals @SpeakerPelosi @JoeBiden for all of us. — cathy holladay (@cathyholladay89) March 21, 2024