GOP Senators Getting Involved In Primaries
In the past, the Senate Republicans got involved in the primaries and it always costed them. This time they are making an effort to get involved but with precautions. They will get involved in the 2020 elections to keep control of the Senate, and they are doing something they have never done before when getting involved. They are going to start early this time around. In fact, they have already begun the efforts to hold on to the Senate.
A few weeks ago, Republicans bashed publicly the Alabama and Kansas GOP candidates for losing the statewide races, and they are fixing to lose the race there again. National Republican Senate Committee spokeswoman told reporters, “Just last year Kris Kobach ran and lost to a Democrat. Now he wants to do the same and simultaneously put President Trump’s presidency and Senate majority at risk.”
The same thing happened in 2010 when Charlie Crist was endorsed by Republicans for the Florida Governor’s race. Marco Rubio won the primary because Crist was too attached to the movement.
The GOP examined any and all mistakes, and they looked into the reasons why Kobach lost to a Democrat in Kansas. They felt he was too controversial as he looked too opportunistic pushing issues before he ran for the governor position. There were other candidates in the primaries who were overlooked and underrated which would have taken the seats.
So what is the GOP’s secret weapon to use to eliminate the problems in the primaries this time around? Who else, but our President Donald Trump. Republican strategist Brian Walsh explained, “Republicans control the White House. Unlike the Obama years, President Trump has the ability to transform a Republican primary very quickly.” President Trump has proven in Senate races, he is the kingmaker. He is the key to solving the problems with Senators getting involved in the primaries. The National Republican Senate Committee is pushing for this to happen and the president will oblige.
President Trump has already told Moore to back out of the race on Twitter. No one at this time is sure if he will back up Kobach. If the Secretary of State Mike Pompeo goes after the vacant seat in Kansas, then he will be the one Trump endorses.
The GOP is also hoping Pompeo will go after the seat. Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell tried to give a nudge for Pompeo to go after the Kansas seat and for the president to endorse him.
McConnell stated, “The Kansas race is open, and I’m not sure the president agrees with me, but I’d like to see the secretary of state run for the Senate in Kansas.”
Having President Trump involved with the primary races for the Senate is the best thing which can happen for the Senate. It is a win, win situation. Republicans will hold the Senate with the president backing them up.
Most of the Republicans who ran for offices were supported but not financially endorsed. When Crist ran for governor, there was no effect with the endorsement which left Rubio to win the race.
Walsh stated, “The committee got involved in a couple of primaries verbally in 2010 and 2012, but it didn’t put any real financial muscle behind it in order to preserve resources for the general election against Democrats.”
Another strategy Republicans are taking to heart is they are more agreeing on choosing candidates everyone can agree upon. In 2012, The GOP was burned when the party divided and did not pursue the primaries in 2012.
Walsh stated this time concerning Moore, “I don’t see any grassroots movement flocking to Roy Moore right now. He cost Republicans that race.” Almost all the GOP members agree they will not pick Moore this time around.
Another tactic they are using is utilizing outside groups to persuade the primaries or shutting out the candidates who are hurting them. Strategist claims the Republican party has a much better balance and handle on assessing what is best for the GOP Senators.
Senators are highly confident this time around they have all their ducks in a row and have started early in the preps. Along with the secret ingredient, President Donald Trump, they feel everything will go in their favor.
It is very important the GOP keep full control over the Senate. It would be a dream come true if America could have both the House and Senate filled with Republicans. One can only dream at this time.