U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake, an Arizona Republican with impeccable conservative credentials and an independent streak in the tradition of Arizona Republicans like John McCain and Barry Goldwater, announced this afternoon that he will not seek reelection next year.

Flake went to the Senate floor to deliver an extraordinary validectory speech bemoaning the course of his party and the nation under President Trump.

“Were the shoe on the other foot, would we Republicans meekly accept such behavior on display from dominant Democrats? Of course we wouldn’t, and we would be wrong if we did,” he declared.

Common Cause is a nonpartisan organization that counts Republicans, Democrats and independents among its members and supporters. Flake’s message, which you can watch in full below, is one that merits the attention and thoughtful reflection of every American.

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