Washington delegation blasts Trump's answer on peaceful transition of power

This week President Trump failed to commit to a peaceful transition of power after the fall election. “We’re going to have to see what happens,” Trump said, adding (without evidence) that vote-by-mail can't be trusted.

Leaders around the country condemned the response. KUOW asked Washington’s congressional delegation for their response.

Representative Suzan DelBene (D-WA-Northwest Washington)

“The peaceful transfer of power has been the foundation of our nation since George Washington resigned as military commander in 1783. The transfer of power is precious, fragile, & should never be questioned, anything else is un-American.”

Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA-Northwest Washington)

"The U.S. will have a peaceful transfer of power. The president has no idea what he is talking about. He does not have any authority to block a peaceful transfer of power. Neither does the Supreme Court. All that power rests in the hands of voters."

Rep. Herrera Beutler (R-WA-Southwest Washington)

No response

Representative Dan Newhouse (R-WA-Central Washington)

“The peaceful transition of power is fundamental to our form of government, and so is a secure election. Come November, the American people should accept the results of a free and fair election.”

Newhouse used the same phrase that Trump's press secretary, Kayleigh McEnany, used on Thursday to clarify the president’s comments.

“The president will accept the results of a free and fair election,” she said.

It’s not clear what the president would consider a “free” and “fair” election, as she also said Trump wants to “get rid of mass, mail-out voting,” which Trump has said (again, without evidence) will lead to massive numbers of fraudulent ballots.

On Thursday, Trump called mail-in ballots “a whole big scam.”

Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA-Eastern Washington)

No response

Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA-South Puget Sound area)

“The President’s comments are unacceptable and frightening. I don’t say that as a Democrat – I say it as an American who understands that the peaceful transition of power is enshrined in our Constitution and fundamental to our democracy. We must ensure it continues.”

Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA, Seattle and surrounding areas)

“We impeached this president to hold him accountable, to make clear no one is above the law, and to save our democracy. Senate Republicans put party over country and let him off the hook. This is the result. But it won't be our future. We will have a peaceful transition of power.”

Representative Kim Schrier (D-WA-East of Seattle)

"This country has worked to preserve and improve our democracy for over 200 years. All of us should be alarmed and dismayed when we have a president intent on undermining it.”

Representative Adam Smith (D-WA-Central Puget Sound region)

No response

Sen. Patty Murray (D)

“This isn’t the first time President Trump has dangerously used his words to undermine one of our country’s fundamental principles. As a voice for Washington in the United States Senate, I am committed to upholding my oath to defend our Constitution and our democratic processes, and regardless of the election’s outcome will do my part to help ensure the peaceful transfer of power that has defined our democracy since its founding. In the coming days, I would hope to hear every single elected official, especially members of President Trump’s party, commit to following the will of the people as ballots are counted, and not this President’s.”

Sen. Maria Cantwell (D)

No response

Editors note: We'll update these if any other responses reach our in-box.