Republican

In the aftermath of Mitt Romney’s defeat in last fall’s election, and the defeat of a myriad of Republican Senate candidates (establishment and Tea Party alike) in Romney’s wake, Republicans are getting no shortage of free advice.  The quantity of that advice, however, is more apparent than its quality.

The following are excerpts of the Republican response to the State of the Union Address, which will be delivered by Marco Rubio:

THE WEEKLY STANDARD previously noted Senator David Vitter’s offense at Chuck Hagel’s “suggestion that my support of Israel is somehow contrary to my Constitutional oath.” Here’s Vitter’s full letter, laying out that concern and many others:

THE WEEKLY STANDARD podcast with Bill Kristol, hosted by Michael Graham:

The number two Republican in the Senate, John Cornyn, explains in an opinion piece why he is unable to support Chuck Hagel as secretary of defense:

Idaho senator Mike Crapo, a Republican, was arrested last night after running a red light for allegedly driving under the influence. Crapo's arrest took place just outside Washington, D.C., in Alexandria, Virginia. 

In an interview with an Indianapolis radio station, Senator Dan Coats blasted Chuck Hagel, President Barack Obama's rumored choice to be the next secretary of defense.

"I don’t know how you can nominate someone and make them Secretary of Defense who has had so much disrespect for the military," Coats told radio host Tom Rose. "And said so many public things in opposition to the military, what it stands for, the values that it holds. Chuck has alienated an awful lot of people."

Late last night, the former Republican governor of Florida, Charlie Crist, announced on Twitter that he had officially joined the Democratic Party:

Proud and honored to join the Democratic Party in the home of President @barackobama! twitter.com/charliecristfl…

A Republican staffer in the House of Representatives has been fired for writing an unpopular memo. The crime? The memo suggested more lenient punishments for copyright offense.

Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming believes President Barack Obama is "comfortable going off the [fiscal] cliff."

Charlotte Allen writes:

Senate aides confirm that Republican senator Mitch McConnell has been reelected minority leader in the Senate. Conservative stalwarts Pat Toomey and Marco Rubio spoke in favor of McConnell's nomination at the closed door session.