STATE OF THE CHALLENGE – AT 11:40 P.M. ET:  The Republican steam engine has left the station, and is gaining speed in an attempt to challenge the results of the presidential election.  There's not much chance that the challenge will succeed, as we've pointed out, but any action that draws attention to the issue of voter fraud is potentially valuable.  From Fox: 

Rep. Mo Brooks, R-Ala., said Republican congressmen held a rare Saturday night conference call to address their goal of overturning the Electoral College’s votes Jan. 6.

"Our fight for honest & accurate elections gains momentum," Brooks tweeted as the conference call continued.

"[Jim Jordan] & I co-lead conference call w 50+ Congressmen who join & fight for America's Republic," he said, adding that the call began at 6 p.m. and continued well through 7 p.m.

"President Trump & [White House Chief of Staff] Mark Meadows speaking. Morale is HIGH! FIGHT!"

Neither Brooks nor Jordan could be reached immediately by Fox News to confirm which representatives were on the call.

Trump applauded the Republican congressmen who have said they will reject the Electoral College votes. He has shown his frustration for congressmen who have accepted the Biden victory, calling them "weak and tired" in a Tuesday tweet. 

In order for an objection to be considered, it must be endorsed by at least one senator and representative, which ia looking more likely as a dozen senators came forward Saturday following Sen. Josh Hawley’s announcement that he would object Pennsylvania’s results. 

COMMENT:  One by-product of this challenge is to prompt the Republican Party to look at its immediate future.  Republicans are starting to ask whether this is a party of its members, or Donald Trump's party.  The question isn't easy, for Trump, even in defeat, commands significant loyalty from the Republican base. If he continues hinting that he may run for president in 2024, he can wreck the progress of other, younger candidates.  

The Republican National Committee is already working on the 2022 Congressional races.  Historically, the GOP should pick up seats and almost certainly retake the House.  Party unity will be crucial, and is not guaranteed.

January 2, 2021