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Mar. 1, 2021
A faction of local, county and state Republican officials is pushing lies, misinformation and conspiracy theories that echo those that helped inspire the violent U.S. Capitol siege, online messaging that is spreading quickly through GOP ranks fueled by algorithms that boost extreme content.
The Associated Press reviewed public and private social media accounts of nearly 1,000 federal, state, and local elected and appointed Republican officials nationwide, many of whom have voiced support for the January 6 insurrection or demanded that the 2020 presidential election be overturned, sometimes in deleted posts or now-removed online forums.
“Sham-peachment,” they say, and warn that “corporate America helped rig the election.” They call former president Donald Trump a “savior” who was robbed of a second term despite no evidence and President Joe Biden, a “thief.” “Patriots want answers,” they declare.
Some local GOP leaders firing up base
Misinformation, conspiracy theories spreading online By GARANCE BURKE, MARTHA MENDOZA, JULIET LINDERMAN and LARRY FENN, Associated Press
Published: February 28, 2021, 6:30am
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9 Photos FILE - In this Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021 file photo, Trump supporters gather outside the Capitol in Washington. A faction of local, county and state Republican officials across the country is pushing lies, misinformation and conspiracy theories online that echo those that helped inspire the violent Capitol insurrection, forcing the GOP into an internal reckoning. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) (Associated Press files) Photo Gallery
A faction of local, county and state Republican officials is pushing lies, misinformation and conspiracy theories that echo those that helped inspire the violent U.S. Capitol siege, online messaging that is spreading quickly through GOP ranks fueled by algorithms that boost extreme content.
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Some GOP leaders at state, local levels use conspiracy theories, lies to rile up base, review shows
Updated Feb 26, 2021;
Posted Feb 26, 2021
Trump supporters gather outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 6, 2020. A faction of local, county and state Republican officials across the country is pushing lies, misinformation and conspiracy theories online that echo those that helped inspire the violent Capitol insurrection, forcing the GOP into an internal reckoning. (John Minchillo, Associated Press)
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A faction of local, county and state Republican officials is pushing lies, misinformation and conspiracy theories that echo those that helped inspire the violent U.S. Capitol siege, online messaging that is spreading quickly through GOP ranks fueled by algorithms that boost extreme content.