Internet trolls Lauren Boebert after dismal straw poll performance in new congressional district

DENVER, COLORADO: Recent developments suggest that controversial congresswoman Lauren Boebert may be on the brink of a humiliating defeat even before the upcoming election.

The embattled politician, who faced widespread mockery even from fellow Republicans, placed fifth out of nine candidates in a straw poll following a debate for Colorado's Fourth District. Logan County Commissioner Jerry Sonnenberg emerged as the frontrunner in the poll, garnering support from 100 voters and posing a serious challenge to Boebert's bid for re-election.

Theater scandal and political fallout

Despite her name recognition, Boebert's controversial behavior at a theater and subsequent scandals have left her vulnerable in a district traditionally held by Republicans.

Boebert, originally elected to the Third District in 2020 as a vocal supporter of Donald Trump, announced her shift to the Fourth District in December. The move was prompted by a string of controversies, particularly her disruptive conduct during a performance of the musical Beetlejuice in September.

During the theater incident, Boebert was caught engaging in heavy petting with boyfriend Quinn Gallagher, waving her hands, singing loudly, photographing the show, taking selfies with the flash on, as well as vaping. When asked to leave, she reportedly retorted, "Don't you know who I am?" and gave staff the finger.

The ensuing criticism forced her into a public apology, but her reputation suffered irreparable damage.

Facing a tough contest from Democrats in the solid Republican seat, Boebert received only 12 votes from debate viewers, trailing behind Sonnenberg by 22 votes and former Colorado House Minority Leader Mike Lynch by 20. Other candidates, including filmmaker and radio host Deborah Flora and state House Minority Whip Richard Holtorf, also outperformed her.

As the political landscape in Colorado's Fourth District becomes increasingly competitive, Boebert faces an uphill battle to salvage her political future amid growing skepticism and opposition.

In response to criticism during the debate, Boebert defended her district switch when confronted by former Colorado House Minority Leader Mike Lynch about the term "carpetbagger".

She replied, "Is this a Mary Poppins question? So yes, I have moved into the Fourth District. My boys and I needed a fresh start. That's been very public. The crops may be different in Colorado's 4th District, but the values aren't."

However, this defense sparked reminders of Boebert's previous statements, particularly in 2021 when she criticized former Democratic state lawmaker Kerry Donovan for running in the Third District without residing there.

"Running for office is a calling, not a career move," she asserted at the time. "Perhaps Ms Donovan should focus on where she lives, works, and votes instead of trying to increase her political position by pandering to folks she doesn't even know."

Congresswoman Lisa McClain continued to lampoon Boebert at the Washington Press Club Foundation, adding to the chorus of criticism. "If everyone could, please keep their hands above the table. And I know it's date night for some of you, but no inappropriate touching. That includes you Lauren Boebert. No vaping, either," McClain quipped in a speech.

Boebert, who attended the debate with her grandson Josiah, has also been grappling with personal challenges, having become a grandmother at the age of 36 last year. While she claimed that switching districts was to get "a fresh start for me and my boy" after a very public divorce, her backup plan has not started well.

Fellow Trump-supporting Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene warned Boebert to be "very concerned" after the straw poll result.

"I saw that she came in fifth place in the straw poll over the weekend, which she should be very concerned about. I think that's a serious primary, and it seems like there are some good candidates in there," Greene told The Hill. "I think she's got to earn those people's support."

The news of Boebert's dismal results prompted even her Republican colleagues to question her viability in the primary. Former New York assistant attorney general Tristan Snell attributed the poor showing to her having "abandoned her congressional district because she was going to lose".

Internet reacts to Boebert's performance in straw poll

Boebert's critics took to social media to express their disdain for the congresswoman's performance in the poll.

"Boebert not doing so good in here new district and I am all for it!" one posted on X.

"It will be nice to be rid of her," another wrote.

"To be fair she’s not doing any good anywhere," someone else added.

"Let’s see how many of her colleagues stand up for her! Think she is going the same route as dear Maddie Cawthorn!" another offered, referring to former GOP Rep Madison Cawthorne's ouster.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.