House

GOP rep on Trump: ‘God has used imperfect people to do great things before’

A Georgia lawmaker fended off a crowd of protesters at a town hall Tuesday, trying to assure a rowdy audience that he doesn’t fall in line with President Trump on every issue. 

“I am not here to tell you Donald Trump is perfect,” Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) said at Armstrong Atlantic State University, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

“I am not here to tell you I agree with everything he has done,” added Carter, who endorsed Trump’s 2016 presidential bid. “Those of you who have studied the Bible know that God has used imperfect people to do great things before.”

{mosads}Carter also defended Betsy DeVos, Trump’s new Education secretary, urging listeners to “get this lady a chance.”

The Savannah pharmacist additionally pushed back against critics of his opposition to the Affordable Care Act.

“We are trying to fix this,” Carter said. “You have got to give us a chance. They’re proposing more competition in the marketplace.”

One listener yelled, “I want what you have!”

Carter faced an overflow crowd of more than 300 people Tuesday, according to the paper.

Tuesday’s event was marred by disruptions, with cries of “Quiet!” erupting from some participants over shouts and boos.

Carter is the only one of Georgia’s 10 GOP House members and two senators to hold a town hall this week during Congress’s legislative recess for Presidents’ Day.

GOP lawmakers are facing rising heat from constituents angry at Trump’s and the GOP’s agenda.

The newspaper added that about 100 demonstrators also gathered outside Republican Sen. David Perdue’s office Tuesday to criticize him and Sen. Johnny Isakson (R).

“Will you make a commitment to all of us to take on the pharmaceutical industry?” Demi Doyle of Atlanta asked, addressing empty folding chairs representing the two absent lawmakers.

“What is wrong with our current refugee vetting process?” Brooke Hopkins asked. “Because as far as I can tell, it’s working.”

Even Republican leadership is not immune to the unrest, with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) facing nearly 1,000 demonstrators of his own during an event in Lawrenceburg, Ky., Tuesday.

“No ban, no wall, Mitch McConnell take our call,” participants chanted upon his arrival.