Lance Takes Trump’s “Loyal” Man in New Jersey to State of the Union

“Donald Trump’s most vocal supporter in decidedly anti-Trump New Jersey.”

“Ultra-conservative Republican.”

“The first politician in New Jersey to endorse Trump for president.”

Those are just some of the phrases The Record columnist Mike Kelly used to describe Representative Leonard Lance’s State of the Union guest, New Jersey state Senator Mike Doherty, whose calling card is his extremist and rabidly anti-immigrant views.

Think that’s an exaggeration? Consider this illuminating anecdote from the column:

“People want to feel comfortable with their culture,” Doherty said, explaining his opposition to increased immigration from “non-European” nations that are not part of a “Judeo-Christian culture.”

“You can only change a community so much before people start feeling uncomfortable,” he said. “So why would anyone want a radical transformation? People don’t say it publicly, but why wouldn’t you be able to have a homeland that you feel comfortable in — one that has a common culture, a common language. I think that’s what it’s all about.”

It shouldn’t be surprising Lance extended his invitation to a Trump sycophant—after all, Lance votes with President Trump nearly 90% of the time. But inviting an anti-immigrant extremist to the State of the Union goes beyond the pale.

“You are the company you keep, and for Representative Lance, that means ultra-conservative, anti-immigrant Mike Doherty,” said DCCC Spokesman Evan Lukaske. “This invitation is disgraceful and is illustrative of Lance’s true views and partisanship.”