Illinois Valley Times

U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ottawa) was censured Feb. 4 by the Republican National Committee for his role in the House probe of the events of Jan 6, 2021. 

His role in the probe was sharpy criticized by other Republicans, who perceived it as collusion with the media against the former president. 

"(Rep. Liz) Cheney (R-Wyo.) and Kinzinger chose to join (Rep. Nancy) Pelosi (D-Calif.) in a Democrat-led persecution of ordinary citizens who engaged in legitimate political discourse that had nothing to do with violence at the Capitol," Ronna McDaniel posted to her Twitter account. "The NYT needs to correct this story now, or again expose themselves as political hacks." 

Former President Donald Trump weighed in to praise the censure. 

"Congratulations to the Republican National Committee (RNC) and its Chairwoman, Ronna McDaniel, on their great ruling in censuring Liz Cheney and Cryin' Adam Kinzinger, two horrible RINOs who put themselves ahead of our Country"  Trump said in a statement on Feb. 5. 

Kinzinger conversely released a statement defending himself.

“Self-governance requires accountability and responsibility” Kinzinger said in a statement. “My faith requires the same of me, truth is necessary for order, and that’s what I will do. Let me be clear, I’m a Republican dedicated to conservative values, but I swore an oath to uphold and defend the constitution --- and while this is not the position I expected to be in or sought out, when duty calls, I will always answer.”

The censure resolution claimed that Kinzinger would no longer receive the support of the party. 

"The Republican National Committee hereby formally censures Representatives Liz Cheney of Wyoming and Adam Kinzinger of Illinois and shall immediately cease any and all support of them as members of the Republican Party for their behavior which has been destructive to the institution of the U.S. House of  Representatives, the Republican Party and our republic, and is inconsistent with the position of the Conference" the censure resolution said. 

Kinzinger had previously announced he wouldn't be running for re-election.