'We have to hold ourselves to a higher standard': GOP lawmakers turn on Oregon Republican and urge him to resign

Rep. Mike Nearman's (R-Ore.) Republican colleagues are fed up with him and their latest action to oust him serves as proof of that. According to Oregon Live, state Republican lawmakers on Monday signed a letter advocating for Nearman's resignation.

Nearman is facing deep bipartisan scrutiny for his involvement in the demonstrations that were held at the Oregon state capitol on Dec. 21. At the time, Nearman let protesters into the capitol building. Although Oregon House Speaker Tina Kotek (D) began calling for Nearman's resignation shortly after the demonstrations, his Republican colleagues had very little to say about his actions—until now.

The latest letter, obtained by The Oregonian / OregonLive, was reportedly signed by all members of the House Republican caucus, and was actually delivered to Nearman by Republican lawmakers. "Today, we strongly recommend that you resign from the Oregon House of Representatives," the letter read.

"Given the newest evidence that has come to light regarding the events of December 21, 2020, it is our beliefs as friends and colleagues that it is in the best interest of your caucus, your family, yourself, and the state of Oregon for you to step down from your office," the letter concluded.

The letter also highlights the existence of footage that has been reported by several news outlets. According to the publication, the video "shows Nearman coaching constituents days before the incursion into the closed Capitol that they should text him and let him know what entrance they were at so that he could let them in."

In the wake of the letter, Kotek also announced the "Special Committee on December 21, 2020" that would assess the series of events that occurred that day and evaluate the possibility of expelling the embattled lawmaker from the Legislature.

Nearman is also facing "criminal misconduct charges for his role in letting the protestors into the building, some of whom allegedly sprayed six troopers with a substance that was reportedly pepper spray."

"We have to hold ourselves to a higher standard in elected life and his actions do not meet that standard," top-ranking House Republican, Rep. Christine Drazan (R-Canby, Ore.) said.