Among the many Republican public officials sitting out of this week's GOP national convention is central New York Rep. Richard Hanna (R-Barneveld). The moderate congressman reiterated that he does not support nor will he vote for the GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump.
"A lot of people are just looking for an outlet to react to their -- I think rightful -- disdain, disgust with government," Hanna said. "But electing someone who's not competent to do the job is the opposite of what I think people should be doing."
Hanna called the Republican National Convention a "huge disappointment" in part because of the conservative platform it adopted which advocates against funding Planned Parenthood clinics and against same-sex marriage.
"I've always supported women's healthcare. I've always supported LGBT rights. I don't believe the world is flat. I think global climate change is something we at least ought to talk about," Hanna said. "So those are things that I'm deeply at odds with the party over."
Hanna said he has not ruled out voting for the Democratic presumptive presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. Hanna made his comments in an answer to reporter questions during an event in Mexico, NY.
Hanna represents New York's 22nd Congressional District, which covers all or portions of eight counties. He is retiring at the end of his term.
