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| Trump Administration Signals Support for Allies’ Fight Against Virus Orders | Trump Administration Signals Support for Allies’ Fight Against Virus Orders |
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| WASHINGTON — A network of conservative leaders, donors and organizations has launched a legal onslaught against state and local restrictions intended to slow the spread of the coronavirus, pushing to allow churches to hold services, businesses to reopen and people to be able to visit with family and friends. | WASHINGTON — A network of conservative leaders, donors and organizations has launched a legal onslaught against state and local restrictions intended to slow the spread of the coronavirus, pushing to allow churches to hold services, businesses to reopen and people to be able to visit with family and friends. |
| They have been emboldened in recent days by increasing signs of support from a powerful ally: The Justice Department. | They have been emboldened in recent days by increasing signs of support from a powerful ally: The Justice Department. |
| Justice Department officials have spoken on conference calls with leaders of conservative groups, who have flagged individual cases as worthy of the department’s review. Some cabinet officials have signaled that they back the effort by participating in private calls with conservative allies, according to multiple people involved with the calls. | Justice Department officials have spoken on conference calls with leaders of conservative groups, who have flagged individual cases as worthy of the department’s review. Some cabinet officials have signaled that they back the effort by participating in private calls with conservative allies, according to multiple people involved with the calls. |
| This week the Justice Department delivered the clearest show of support yet when Attorney General William P. Barr issued a memorandum directing two of his department’s top lawyers to lead an effort with other federal agencies to monitor state and local policies “and, if necessary, take action to correct” those that “could be violating the constitutional rights and civil liberties of individual citizens.” | This week the Justice Department delivered the clearest show of support yet when Attorney General William P. Barr issued a memorandum directing two of his department’s top lawyers to lead an effort with other federal agencies to monitor state and local policies “and, if necessary, take action to correct” those that “could be violating the constitutional rights and civil liberties of individual citizens.” |
| “We do not want to unduly interfere with the important efforts of state and local officials to protect the public,” Mr. Barr wrote. “But the Constitution is not suspended in times of crisis.” | “We do not want to unduly interfere with the important efforts of state and local officials to protect the public,” Mr. Barr wrote. “But the Constitution is not suspended in times of crisis.” |
| Though the Justice Department has so far weighed in formally on only one case — a lawsuit by a Baptist church in Greenville, Miss. — the new directive reinforced the message that court challenges to state and local restrictions by President Trump’s allies could get a favorable viewing, and potential support, from the administration. | Though the Justice Department has so far weighed in formally on only one case — a lawsuit by a Baptist church in Greenville, Miss. — the new directive reinforced the message that court challenges to state and local restrictions by President Trump’s allies could get a favorable viewing, and potential support, from the administration. |
| The guidance raises the prospect that the Trump administration could side with supportive groups in legal challenges against elected state and local leaders who enacted policies that were intended to stave off the spread of the virus, which has led to more than 53,000 deaths. Public health officials fear the virus’s spread could be accelerated by premature lifting of restrictions. | The guidance raises the prospect that the Trump administration could side with supportive groups in legal challenges against elected state and local leaders who enacted policies that were intended to stave off the spread of the virus, which has led to more than 53,000 deaths. Public health officials fear the virus’s spread could be accelerated by premature lifting of restrictions. |
| But Mr. Trump has encouraged his allies’ protests against the restrictions and has sometimes pressured state and local officials to roll them back, while expressing concern that the public health benefit of the orders might not offset the economic damage they cause, which is seen as threatening his re-election chances. | But Mr. Trump has encouraged his allies’ protests against the restrictions and has sometimes pressured state and local officials to roll them back, while expressing concern that the public health benefit of the orders might not offset the economic damage they cause, which is seen as threatening his re-election chances. |
| “It would not be the first time that the federal government has tried to undercut states’ rights by pushing its own agenda,” said Anthony Romero, the executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union, which has supported some challenges to coronavirus restrictions but is concerned that the federal government could take its own action against state and local rules. | “It would not be the first time that the federal government has tried to undercut states’ rights by pushing its own agenda,” said Anthony Romero, the executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union, which has supported some challenges to coronavirus restrictions but is concerned that the federal government could take its own action against state and local rules. |
| The challenges by Mr. Trump’s allies have produced mixed results. | The challenges by Mr. Trump’s allies have produced mixed results. |
| In Texas, more than 200 business leaders, pastors and Republican donors filed a lawsuit arguing that stay-at-home orders from Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, violated the State Constitution and were “impinging upon the civil rights and liberties” of all Texans. In Kansas, a federal judge this month blocked the enforcement of a 10-person limit on in-person attendance at religious services for two churches that sued the governor, a Democrat. | In Texas, more than 200 business leaders, pastors and Republican donors filed a lawsuit arguing that stay-at-home orders from Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, violated the State Constitution and were “impinging upon the civil rights and liberties” of all Texans. In Kansas, a federal judge this month blocked the enforcement of a 10-person limit on in-person attendance at religious services for two churches that sued the governor, a Democrat. |
| In California, a Los Angeles judge last week ruled the opposite way, denying a request by three churches to hold in-person services. | In California, a Los Angeles judge last week ruled the opposite way, denying a request by three churches to hold in-person services. |
| And on Monday, a circuit court judge in Southern Illinois ruled that a stay-at-home order from Gov. J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat, violated individual civil rights, upholding a legal challenge by a Republican state representative. | And on Monday, a circuit court judge in Southern Illinois ruled that a stay-at-home order from Gov. J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat, violated individual civil rights, upholding a legal challenge by a Republican state representative. |
| The number of cases involving church services reflects a belief among religious conservatives who form an important part of Mr. Trump’s political base that the restrictions have the effect of targeting Christians in particular. | The number of cases involving church services reflects a belief among religious conservatives who form an important part of Mr. Trump’s political base that the restrictions have the effect of targeting Christians in particular. |
| Tony Perkins, a leading Christian conservative ally of the president, warned that unless the restrictions began to lift, state and local leaders should brace themselves for increased civil disobedience across the country. | Tony Perkins, a leading Christian conservative ally of the president, warned that unless the restrictions began to lift, state and local leaders should brace themselves for increased civil disobedience across the country. |
| “At the end of this month, we’ll be at 45 days since the president first issued his guidelines. God only kept Moses on the mountain for 40 days,” said Mr. Perkins, the president of the Family Research Council, the conservative Christian policy group. “They’re ready to come down.” | “At the end of this month, we’ll be at 45 days since the president first issued his guidelines. God only kept Moses on the mountain for 40 days,” said Mr. Perkins, the president of the Family Research Council, the conservative Christian policy group. “They’re ready to come down.” |
| Cleta Mitchell, a conservative lawyer, signed a letter this month asking Mr. Barr to consider suing to overturn state and local ordinances that cross the line. In an interview, she cast the efforts as driven by constitutional — not political — considerations. | Cleta Mitchell, a conservative lawyer, signed a letter this month asking Mr. Barr to consider suing to overturn state and local ordinances that cross the line. In an interview, she cast the efforts as driven by constitutional — not political — considerations. |
| “We would certainly applaud it if the D.O.J. were to actively address the constitutional infringements that too many of these orders and their enforcement involve,” Ms. Mitchell said. She praised the memo Mr. Barr issued on Monday as arriving “not a moment too soon,” and said his comments last week on a conservative radio show signaling potential support for third-party lawsuits were “exactly what we requested.” | “We would certainly applaud it if the D.O.J. were to actively address the constitutional infringements that too many of these orders and their enforcement involve,” Ms. Mitchell said. She praised the memo Mr. Barr issued on Monday as arriving “not a moment too soon,” and said his comments last week on a conservative radio show signaling potential support for third-party lawsuits were “exactly what we requested.” |
| But Mr. Romero of the American Civil Liberties Union said the potential involvement of the Justice Department risks muddling and politicizing what should be a nonpartisan push to protect civil liberties. | But Mr. Romero of the American Civil Liberties Union said the potential involvement of the Justice Department risks muddling and politicizing what should be a nonpartisan push to protect civil liberties. |
| His group has taken legal action of its own challenging coronavirus restrictions in Rhode Island and Puerto Rico. But it has rejected requests to represent churches suing to overturn bans that it assessed as necessary and within states’ rights, Mr. Romero said, and he signaled that his group might oppose moves by the Justice Department to overturn some state and local bans. | His group has taken legal action of its own challenging coronavirus restrictions in Rhode Island and Puerto Rico. But it has rejected requests to represent churches suing to overturn bans that it assessed as necessary and within states’ rights, Mr. Romero said, and he signaled that his group might oppose moves by the Justice Department to overturn some state and local bans. |
| “If D.O.J. challenges legitimate state orders on the Covid pandemic, Attorney General Barr will never be able to say that he believes in states’ rights with a straight face,” Mr. Romero said. | “If D.O.J. challenges legitimate state orders on the Covid pandemic, Attorney General Barr will never be able to say that he believes in states’ rights with a straight face,” Mr. Romero said. |
| A White House spokesman rejected suggestions of conflict between Mr. Trump and state and local officials over coronavirus restrictions. | A White House spokesman rejected suggestions of conflict between Mr. Trump and state and local officials over coronavirus restrictions. |
| “Getting the American people back to work, back to sporting events, back to churches, back to restaurants — and doing so safely — is the president’s shared goal with governors, and only the media would suggest there is division and distrust in that partnership,” said the spokesman, Judd Deere. | “Getting the American people back to work, back to sporting events, back to churches, back to restaurants — and doing so safely — is the president’s shared goal with governors, and only the media would suggest there is division and distrust in that partnership,” said the spokesman, Judd Deere. |
| . | . |
| In private calls with Mr. Trump, Mr. Perkins said, he has encouraged the president to pressure governors to allow churches some flexibility under the state and local guidelines. His organization is holding a weekly call between administration officials and hundreds of pastors across the country. | In private calls with Mr. Trump, Mr. Perkins said, he has encouraged the president to pressure governors to allow churches some flexibility under the state and local guidelines. His organization is holding a weekly call between administration officials and hundreds of pastors across the country. |
| Participants have included Ben Carson, the secretary of housing and urban development and a member of the White House’s coronavirus task force, and Chad Wolf, the acting secretary of Homeland Security. Mr. Wolf joined a call this month that was partly about the role of clergy in administering last rites to dying people, according to a Homeland Security official. | Participants have included Ben Carson, the secretary of housing and urban development and a member of the White House’s coronavirus task force, and Chad Wolf, the acting secretary of Homeland Security. Mr. Wolf joined a call this month that was partly about the role of clergy in administering last rites to dying people, according to a Homeland Security official. |
| In a separate call with Mr. Barr, the attorney general reassured hundreds of faith leaders last week that he would guard against state leaders unfairly penalizing religious institutions, according to a participant. | In a separate call with Mr. Barr, the attorney general reassured hundreds of faith leaders last week that he would guard against state leaders unfairly penalizing religious institutions, according to a participant. |
| Updated June 5, 2020 | Updated June 5, 2020 |
| A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. | |
| The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. | The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. |
| Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission. | Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission. |
| Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home. | Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home. |
| States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. | States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. |
| Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. | Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. |
| Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. | Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. |
| If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) | If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) |
| Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications. | Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications. |
| The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing. | The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing. |
| If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. | If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. |
| If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested. | If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested. |
| “The tolerance level has been reached, so either governors need to start partnering with churches and the private sector, or they’re going to lose control,” Mr. Perkins said. | “The tolerance level has been reached, so either governors need to start partnering with churches and the private sector, or they’re going to lose control,” Mr. Perkins said. |
| As conservative lawyers push forward with their lawsuits, they said they did not expect Mr. Barr and his lawyers to publicly comment on many cases. Yet the threat that the department could weigh in may be enough to encourage local officials to loosen some restrictions or carve out exceptions for religious institutions, they said. | As conservative lawyers push forward with their lawsuits, they said they did not expect Mr. Barr and his lawyers to publicly comment on many cases. Yet the threat that the department could weigh in may be enough to encourage local officials to loosen some restrictions or carve out exceptions for religious institutions, they said. |
| In his memo on Monday, Mr. Barr assigned the assistant attorney general for civil rights, Eric Dreiband, and Matthew Schneider, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan to work “not only with all Department of Justice offices and other federal agencies, but with state and local officials as well” to review, and possibly “correct” restrictions deemed to go too far. | In his memo on Monday, Mr. Barr assigned the assistant attorney general for civil rights, Eric Dreiband, and Matthew Schneider, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan to work “not only with all Department of Justice offices and other federal agencies, but with state and local officials as well” to review, and possibly “correct” restrictions deemed to go too far. |
| The memo did not specify whether the department would submit filings in support of cases by others, or bring its own cases. | The memo did not specify whether the department would submit filings in support of cases by others, or bring its own cases. |
| A Justice Department spokeswoman would not elaborate, instead pointing to the memo, the department’s filing in the Mississippi case and Mr. Barr’s public comments on the subject. | A Justice Department spokeswoman would not elaborate, instead pointing to the memo, the department’s filing in the Mississippi case and Mr. Barr’s public comments on the subject. |
| Rachel Bovard, senior policy director at the Conservative Partnership Institute, signed the letter urging the department to intervene in cases. She said the Justice Department was “not going to go in and start swinging with a machete,” but “where there is ample evidence, they do have a role to step in.” | Rachel Bovard, senior policy director at the Conservative Partnership Institute, signed the letter urging the department to intervene in cases. She said the Justice Department was “not going to go in and start swinging with a machete,” but “where there is ample evidence, they do have a role to step in.” |
| Throughout his time as attorney general, Mr. Barr has prioritized Justice Department cases involving religious institutions. In public remarks, Mr. Barr has painted a picture of a country split between “secularists” — who “seem to take a delight in compelling people to violate their conscience” — and people of faith. | Throughout his time as attorney general, Mr. Barr has prioritized Justice Department cases involving religious institutions. In public remarks, Mr. Barr has painted a picture of a country split between “secularists” — who “seem to take a delight in compelling people to violate their conscience” — and people of faith. |
| Churches and advocacy organizations have already filed lawsuits against state and local governments in states including Kansas, New Mexico, Texas, Mississippi and California. Liberty Counsel, a conservative legal group that is leading a campaign to reopen churches this weekend, is working on issues related to church access in more than 35 states, according to Mat Staver, the group’s chairman. | Churches and advocacy organizations have already filed lawsuits against state and local governments in states including Kansas, New Mexico, Texas, Mississippi and California. Liberty Counsel, a conservative legal group that is leading a campaign to reopen churches this weekend, is working on issues related to church access in more than 35 states, according to Mat Staver, the group’s chairman. |
| Other lawsuits take aim at restrictions that business owners say have intruded on their civil liberties. In Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer faces multiple lawsuits over her stay-at-home orders, with business owners and civil libertarians challenging her ban on travel to second homes, motorized boats and even her authority to issue such restrictions. | Other lawsuits take aim at restrictions that business owners say have intruded on their civil liberties. In Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer faces multiple lawsuits over her stay-at-home orders, with business owners and civil libertarians challenging her ban on travel to second homes, motorized boats and even her authority to issue such restrictions. |
| The effort isn’t limited to targeting Democratic leaders. In Texas, plaintiffs challenging Mr. Abbott’s orders include Steven Hotze, Norman Adams and Al Hartman, three Republican donors in the state. | The effort isn’t limited to targeting Democratic leaders. In Texas, plaintiffs challenging Mr. Abbott’s orders include Steven Hotze, Norman Adams and Al Hartman, three Republican donors in the state. |
| Mr. Hotze, known for his opposition to L.G.B.T. rights, also filed a lawsuit against Judge Lina Hidalgo of Harris County, a Democrat, last Thursday, arguing that her order requiring residents over 10 years old to wear face masks in public places for 30 days exceeded her constitutional authority. | Mr. Hotze, known for his opposition to L.G.B.T. rights, also filed a lawsuit against Judge Lina Hidalgo of Harris County, a Democrat, last Thursday, arguing that her order requiring residents over 10 years old to wear face masks in public places for 30 days exceeded her constitutional authority. |
| The Republican plaintiffs, like Mr. Hotze, would like the state to adopt the approach of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a vocal opponent of the stay-at-home orders, who argued last month that grandparents should be willing to “take a chance” with their lives to save the economy. | The Republican plaintiffs, like Mr. Hotze, would like the state to adopt the approach of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a vocal opponent of the stay-at-home orders, who argued last month that grandparents should be willing to “take a chance” with their lives to save the economy. |
| “What you have is an overreaction by government in the state level that has resulted in huge damage to the state of Texas,” said Jared Woodfill, a lawyer who is representing the plaintiffs and served as the head of the Republican Party in Harris County for a dozen years. “The lieutenant governor has got it right. He’s said we never should have done this. Period.” | “What you have is an overreaction by government in the state level that has resulted in huge damage to the state of Texas,” said Jared Woodfill, a lawyer who is representing the plaintiffs and served as the head of the Republican Party in Harris County for a dozen years. “The lieutenant governor has got it right. He’s said we never should have done this. Period.” |
| Katie Benner contributed reporting. | Katie Benner contributed reporting. |