Why was he re elected 2 years ago. He’s been a Rino longer than that.
Republicans closed ranks and no one would run against him that had the state wide recognition, funding and support.
Similiar to the bahavior of Republicans in Arizona (and some Tea party groups sadly). The difference is J.D. hates McCain with cause. Party pleas are ineffective with him. He has enough good will with conservatives (on immigration particularly), name recognition and of course nationally the financial support of conservatives that hate McCain to run a credibe challenge.
If Lindsey were up for re-election this year it may have been a different story.