BALTIMORE (AP) - Rep. Elijah Cummings, a Democratic congressman from Maryland and member of the Congressional Black Caucus, will attend Donald Trump's inauguration in Washington, but "not in celebration."
The lawmaker says he made the decision to attend because the inauguration is "bigger than President-Elect Trump." Cummings added that "we have to guard our democracy."
Cummings also said it is important that some lawmakers attend the Jan. 20 event in Washington "who will be vigilant to ensure that the Trump Administration is held to the highest ethical standards."
Cummings said he discussed his decision with Rep. John Lewis, a civil rights leader and Democrat from Georgia who has recently become the target of Trump's online ire. Cummings said Lewis, who is boycotting the inauguration, understood his decision.
Eastern Shore Republicans
Eastern Shore Republicans say they have hopes for the future of the President-elect Donald Trump’s administration.
On the eve of the inauguration they said they were looking to the new administration would bring an economic boom to the nation and the shore.
Worcester County Republican Central Committee Chair Grant Helvey told the Salisbury Daily Times that he wanted to see Trump revamp the North American Free Trade Agreement with Mexico and Canada.
Delegate Mary Beth Carozza represents Worcester and Wicomico counties.
She told the paper that she is looking to action at the federal level that will help revitalize the Eastern Shore.
Meanwhile, Mark Edney, vice chair of the Wicomico Country Republican Central Committee, said that he looks forward to Trump unshackling the economy from government regulations.
As a physician Edney added he wanted reform of the health system starting with the Affordable Care Act which he called devastating.
Meanwhile, Shawn Bradley also vice chair of the committee told the Daily Times that he wanted to see expansion of oil and gas drilling.
Virginia Boycott
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Three of four Democratic congressmen from Virginia say they'll skip Friday's presidential inauguration.
They are U.S. Reps Don Beyer, Gerry Connolly and Donald McEachin. The Virginian-Pilot reports that Congressman Bobby Scott will attend Donald Trump's swearing in.
Separate statements from Beyer, Connolly and McEachin cite various reasons for their absences. But common themes include claims that Trump has been divisive and that Russia had an alleged role in helping him win.
Connolly said Trump "poured salt" into the wounds of a divided country and helped resurrect white supremacy.
Beyer blasted the president-elect for a "profound disrespect for women" and mimicking people with disabilities.
McEachin said he's "never seen a campaign that was based so much on hatred." He said Trump has failed to bring the country together post-election.
