At least seven GOP senators have said they will not attend next month's Republican National Convention in Jacksonville, Fla., and more are rethinking their visits.
Why it matters: For some, like 86-year-old Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and 80-year-old Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), the decision not to attend underscores broader concerns about holding mass gatherings in the coronavirus era. For others, like Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah), the nominating convention for President Trump is politically unsavory.
Full list:
- Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa)
- Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah)
- Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine)
- Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska)
- Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.)
- Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.)
- Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kansas)
What to watch: Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell described the RNC's timing during a pandemic "a challenging situation," and he said he will determine in late August whether the convention will be safe.
- Sen Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.) said Thursday he's considering not attending, WISN reports.
The big picture: New coronavirus cases in Florida have surged in recent weeks, with the state reporting over 15,000 new cases in a single day last weekend.
- The RNC has not reconsidered holding Trump's acceptance speech in Jacksonville despite the increase in cases, though it will require daily coronavirus tests and temperature checks for attendees.
- The city Jacksonville itself has issued a public face mask requirement.
