Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene defends spot on ballot

The GOP congresswoman from Georgia testified in her defense Friday in an administrative court proceeding challenging her qualifications to run for reelection. Free Speech for People, a campaign finance reform organization, represents a group of five voters who argue Greene violated the 14th Amendment by inciting the violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

What is Greene’s defense? Most of the challengers’ argument was linked to her social media posts and activity, arguing that her influence incited Republican fury that led to violence. A video the day before the riots showed her saying “this is our 1776 moment.” Another 2019 video called on supporters to “flood the Capitol building.” Greene said she does not remember making the statement and accused attorneys of twisting her words. She was in hiding with other lawmakers on Jan. 6 and posted a video urging Americans to obey the law. On Friday she testified that she never advocates violence, only peaceful protest. The presiding administrative law judge will present findings from the hearing to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. The state’s Republican primary is scheduled for May 24.

Dig deeper: Read Lynde Langdon’s report in The Sift about a House debate over Greene’s social media activity.