Politics & Government
U.S. Sen. Moran: Trump Administration Must Allow Preparations For Transition To Biden
Shift in perspective coincides with Trump official's letter saying Biden presumptive winner.

By
Tim Carpenter - November 24, 2020
TOPEKA β Republican U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran broke silence about President Donald Trumpβs objection to anything that resembled a transition to Democrat Joe Biden, declaring standard national security briefings and other communications should be allowed despite ongoing election feuding.
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Trumpβs attorneys have waged an extensive legal battle since the election to challenge results in states declared by Biden. His legal teamβs arguments have been rejected with judges and completed recounts havenβt changed the outcome in several states.
Moranβs shift coincided with issuance of a letter by Emily Murphy, administrator of the General Services Administration, declaring Biden the apparent victor and enabling the transition to formally commence. Trump didnβt concede on Twitter, but told followers he accepted steps taken by Murphy to initiate protocols for transfer of power. Neither referred to Biden as the president-elect in statements.
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Moran and U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts, both Kansas Republicans, hadnβt joined Senate colleagues, business leaders and international officials who urged the president to concede and to cease attempting to undermine the election process with unfounded claims of fraud.
On Monday night, Moran sent a newsletter to constituents that said Trump had the right to request recounts and file election lawsuits in the quest for accuracy.
βThat process will soon be completed, and we must all respect the results of a free and fair election,β Moran said. βIn the meantime, the normal national security briefings and transition courtesies should be granted.β
Moran said the nation couldnβt afford to spend the next four years divided over who won the 2020 presidential election. Such skepticism followed Trump after the 2016 election, he said
βIn America, elections are sacred β the foundation of democratic government,β Moran said. βThe orderly transfer of power is an enduring symbol of a government of the people, by the people and for the people.β
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