Republican state senator reportedly banned from an airline for fighting mask policy

For many Republicans, not wearing a face mask in public during a deadly pandemic is a badge of honor. One such Republican is Alaska State Sen. Lisa Reinbold, who according to the Associated Press, has been banned by Alaska Airlines for refusing to wear a mask during flights.

Tim Thompson, a spokesman for Alaska Airlines, told the Anchorage Daily News, "We have notified Sen. Lora Reinbold that she is not permitted to fly with us for her continued refusal to comply with employee instruction regarding the current mask policy."

Reinbold, however, told AP that Alaska Airlines hadn't said anything to her about the ban and that she hoped to be on one of their flights again sometime soon.

According to AP, Reinbold was recently "recorded in Juneau International Airport arguing with Alaska Airlines staff about mask policies." A video, AP reports, was "posted to social media" that "appears to show airline staff telling Reinbold her mask must cover her nose and mouth."

Reinbold told the Anchorage Daily News she believed she was "reasonable with all Alaska Airlines employees."