Thread by @igorbobic

Romney on Mattis:

“He expressed his opinion and it was very powerful and it was a stunning letter.”

Did you agree with him?

“He’s an American patriot with extraordinary service and sacrifice and great judgement.”

Ernst declined to comment.

“I respect Gen. Mattis, I’m the son of a Marine myself, it’s just a very difficult moment here. We need the states, local governments, to ensure they are protecting the safety of people and property,” Daines says

“I think that’s one individual’s view...I don’t think that’s going to make a difference like some have talked about in terms of being the straw the breaks the camel’s back,” Braun says of Mattis

“I didn’t see what he said,” Cruz says of Mattis

Hawley: "It's fine for retired military to express their views...but I do worry a little bit about this rhetoric about how the military needs to stand up to the president. The best you can say about it is it's irresponsible. I don't like the tenor of that."

Tillis says he wasn’t surprised by Mattis speaking out against Trump.

"They’ve had a little bit of history of differences. But I have a lot of respect for Gen. Mattis. I respect his opinion. I agree with most of them."

Asked about Mattis letter, Portman says of Trump: "The question is more about tone and words. He could do better....we need to continue to encourage the president to say what he's said in his speeches"

Cotton no comments on the Mattis letter. (rarely speaks in hallways)

SASC Chairman Inhofe on Mattis:

“He was put in a situation where he was subjected to the press...a lot of the unfriendly media would like to put them in the situation, misquote them...he’s just not seasoned how to respond sometimes...”

After I noted Mattis wasn’t misquoted and that he wrote a letter, Inhofe said, “I understand, that’s part of communication.”

Asked if he agreed with Mattis, Inhofe said, “I don’t agree that I should pass judgement on what he should be writing.”