Four California GOP lawmakers acknowledged Wednesday that they flew to Hawaii, along with four of their Democratic counterparts, after Governor Gavin Newsom urged residents last week not to travel outside California, according to Politico. The lawmakers are attending a conference centered on best practices for reopening the economy.
Assembly Republicans Jordan Cunningham, Heath Flora, Frank Bigelow and state Sen. Andreas Borgeas defended their decision to fly to the conference, stating that their attendance is consistent with their support of small business in their state.
Rep. Jordan (R-Templeton) said in a statement to the press Wednesday afternoon that “we are here discussing ways we can safely reopen our society and save our small businesses, workers, and kids.”
Democrats presumed to be at the conference have so far declined to respond directly to questions about their attendance.
Nearly 20 lawmakers from California, Texas and Washington are at the conference in Maui at the Fairmont Kea Lani organized by the Independent Voter Project.
California state assemblymember Wendy Carrillo speaks as people hold signs to protest against U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order to detain children crossing the southern U.S. border and separating families outside of City Hall in Los Angeles, California, U.S. June 7, 2018. REUTERS/Patrick T. Fallon
Photos show a mask-less Gov. Newsom dining indoors on November 6 with a large group of people at French Laundry, Napa Valley’s famous Michelin-starred restaurant. The photos were taken following tweets from his office, urging Californians to “do your part to keep those around you healthy” by wearing a mask in between bites if eating out. (RELATED: DC Mayor Traveled to ‘High Risk’ Delaware For Biden Victory Speech Despite Her Own Mandate)
New York Governor de Blasio and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer joined massive crowds in a celebration of Vice President Joe Biden’s projected win, with Senator Schumer at one point removing his mask to speak to the crowd.