U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood said he's not yet ready to acknowledge Joe Biden's victory over Donald Trump in the Nov. 3 presidential election.
LaHood, a former federal prosecutor, said President Trump's legal paths have "significantly narrowed," but he's still keeping his eye on a few pending cases, including one filed by the Texas attorney general on Tuesday.
"I'm a big believer in facts and evidence. And the cornerstone of our democracy is the integrity of our election system," said LaHood, a Peoria Republican. "So every allegation of fraud, or impropriety, or illegality, needs to be looked into. What I've said is, let's let the court system play this out. But you've got to have facts and evidence."
Trump's legal team has lost more than 50 lawsuits seeking to overturn the results of the election. State and federal officials repeatedly have said there is no evidence of widespread fraud as Trump alleges.
"Thus far, I haven't seen adequate facts and evidence to support overturning the election, even though it was very, very close," said LaHood. "But I want to make sure that these legal remedies and cases go to the end."
Still, LaHood said he is willing to work with a Biden administration after the resolution of any remaining lawsuits and the Electoral College's meeting next week.
"I look forward to working with a vice president-elect administration, if that's what the electors decide on Dec. 14," LaHood said.
LaHood said he supports Biden receiving regular security and intelligence briefings, and the recent release of federal funding from the General Services Administration to begin his transition.
The Peoria lawmaker said he would look for common ground with Biden, such as opportunities on improving infrastructure, trade opportunities, and reforming the immigration system.
"If it is Vice President Biden, I hope that he looks at the results of the election, and realizes that the socialist, radical, liberal tendencies didn't play in the election. And that's why we have divided government. So let's focus on things we can agree on," he said.
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