Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker is skipping an appearance by Vice President Mike Pence at a Republican fundraiser in Boston, the Boston Herald is reporting.
The move by Baker, a Republican, is drawing outrage from some GOP conservatives and supporters of President Donald Trump, according to the newspaper.
"To me it's just insulting," said Mary Lou Daxland, president of the Massachusetts Republican Assembly. "I think that's absolutely a disgrace that he's snubbing the vice president.
Pence is scheduled to arrive in Boston by plane at about 4 p.m. on Tuesday, but Baker will not be at the airport to greet him, the Herald said.
Baker maintained he was not attempting to send a message to the Trump administration, and the governor claimed he was not attending the fundraising event "because my calendar has other stuff on it."
The event is expected to raise about $500,000 for Trump Victory, a joint venture between the Trump campaign and the Republican National Committee. RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel is also expected to attend.
Baker, who is launching his re-election campaign, has been a frequent critic of the Trump administration, the newspaper said.
And Boston.com noted Baker refused to vote for Trump in the 2016 election.
Still, his decision to skip the fundraising event continued to spark criticism.
"I think it's horrible," GOP state committee member Steve Aylward. "Pence is a good man, a good Republican."
And former Sen. Robert Smith, a New Hampshire Republican added: "Show some respect. If you're afraid to be seen with your vice president then join the other party."
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