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WASHINGTON–Congressman Jim Banks (R-Ind.) says he will fight a challenge to his eligibility for office in a hearing next week in front of the Indiana Election Board. A filing from Banks’ Democratic opponent A.J. Calkins, claims Banks “supported and insurrection”, when he voted not to certify the 2020 election results on Jan. 6.

“I’m pretty sure we’re gonna see this occur a lot more around the country , directed at those of us who voted to object on Jan. 6,” said Banks, on Tony Katz Today. He said Democrats who say Republicans are ineligible because of their vote on the election, are hypocrites, many of them having done the same in earlier presidential elections.

LISTEN: Tony Katz Interview with Banks

Banks said he has retained an attorney to help argue against Calkins’ case.

“I’m not concerned. It’s absurd. It’s outrageous,” he said. “The Indiana Election Board is made up of four individuals, two Republicans and two Democrats. I’ll be shocked if it’s not a 4-0 decision to dismiss it outright.”

“This is a joke allegation that will be quickly dismissed and ignored by voters in northeast Indiana,” said Banks in a prepared statement released Thursday.

Banks represents Ft. Wayne and surrounding areas. He has easily been re-elected before.

“Unfortunately, Democrats have tried to turn a serious tragedy into a political tool to strip Americans of their civil liberties and even their right to vote for their preferred candidate. Democrats’ top elections lawyer promoted the same bogus theory in a clear attempt to ban President Trump from office and disenfranchise 74 million Americans,” he said.