Posted on 02/19/2022 12:02:38 PM PST by cotton1706
GOP Sen. John Boozman (Ark.) voted with former President Trump more than 91 percent of the time and snapped up an early 2022 endorsement and a donation from his PAC.
But as Boozman seeks a third term for his reliably red Senate seat, his primary opponents are coming after him by trying to paint themselves, and not the 71-year-old, as the real Trump candidate.
The under-the-radar race has echoes of the broader headaches facing Republicans heading into primaries: anti-establishment challengers trying to claim the former president’s mantle, and his voter base, while they face off with traditionally conservative — and sometimes even Trump-endorsed — incumbents.
“I think, obviously, there are people that would like to try to harness the power of Donald Trump, and maybe through issues or sentiment ... they’re trying to tie themselves to him. I suspect that’s what Jake is doing,” said Robert Coon, an Arkansas GOP strategist.
Jake Bequette, a former NFL player, is viewed as the biggest primary challenger for Boozman, who is still the front-runner in the race.
Coon said, “I wouldn't be sounding alarm bells yet, but I would definitely be taking this seriously,” adding that Trump’s endorsement “signals approval” and that it would be “very, very noticeable” if the former president hadn't given it.
(Excerpt) Read more at thehill.com ...
Trump endorsed Boozman too early in my opinion.
Even if Boozman wins his primary, but it is a tight race, that will send alarm through Washington.
Remember that in 2014, both Lamar Alexander and Pat Roberts had unexpected difficulty in their primaries, and they both decided to retire in 2020.
But Boozman will be 78 in 2028, so this will likely be his final term anyway.
But still, think of the optics, Trump's endorsement might save an Establishment republican. Think how conversations will go in Washington if that happens, just when they're trying to WEAKEN his influence.
I'd love it if Jake Bequette pulls off an upset.
Primary is May 24th.
Any politician who did nothing to permit the 2020 stolen election needs to go. I include Rand Paul in that as well.
The Four Horsemen of the Political Apocalypse; Biden, Harris, McConnell and McCarthy.
Is he related to Emerson Boozer? 🤪
There are seven candidates as per The Green Pages
Candidate list (7) Democratic
former Pine Bluff Council Member Jack Edward Foster, • FEC S2AR00123
Natalie James, • FEC S2AR00115; 30 Sep 21; Tot $21,833; Dsb $14,955
Daniel Allen “Dan” Whitfield, • FEC S0AR00218; 31 Dec 21; Tot $11,364; Dsb $30,376
Republican
Jake Bequette, • FEC S2AR00107; 31 Dec 21; Tot $810,004; Dsb $398,291
Senator John Nichols Boozman, • FEC S0AR00150; 31 Dec 21; Tot $3,445,674; Dsb $836,199
Heath Loftis, • FEC S2AR00073; 31 Dec 21; Tot $10,423; Dsb $10,063
Jan Morgan, • FEC S2AR00081; 31 Dec 21; Tot $338,277; Dsb $278,348
Boozman’s $2.6 million in the bank dwarfs Jake Bequette’s $400 K. Fundraising for incumbents will ramp up as necessary.
Not sure why the dems are even challenging if all they can raise $20,000. (Note Dan Whitfield has spent more than he raised.)
Boozman-It’s his if he want’s it. He’s old. This new guy has no resume-he’s a jock. Reliably red state? The female is a gun range owner-BFD. It’s just like Thune’s ‘challengers’ in SD. We are not 100% serious. Might take another 2 years.
He started significant ad buys (radio, tv, internet) just about a week ago.
Makes a point of how dedicated he is to Trump policies.
Agree.
Both AR senators sat on their hands when it came to election challenges.
I had a bit of trouble with your wording (who did nothing to permit). Pretty sure I understood you to mean any politician who did nothing to challenge?
Yes.
It all comes down to “conservative”.
Conservatism is:
Build the Wall
Drain the Swamp
America First In All Things
Pro Life
Pro 2nd Amendment
If you thought you have conservative credentials because you supported the Iraq war and you favor lower spending and lower taxes YOU ARE WRONG. The five metrics are the ONLY metrics. Warmongering is not conservatism, and thinking that what happens with a substance the Fed creates from nothingness actually matters . . . is NOT conservatism.
Washington has not figured this out. Because if you’ve been there over 10 years, you are a Creature of the Swamp.
For God;s sake, get a grip.
GO JAKE... GO PATRIOTS!!
ALL the Bush League Republicans need to be replaced.
Boozman is another Burr. A retirement in waiting establishment stooge in the making. I can’t recall a single time Boozman’s name was mentioned regarding something significant the entire time Trump was POTUS. Trump has a bad habit of endorsing candidates he thinks will win regardless of their MAGA credentials.
Bequette didn't defend the Jan 6th victims of the democrat false flag operation, Jan Morgan was there and has talked about it several times.
https://www.janforsenate.com/post/jan-morgan-on-the-great-divide-podcast-jan-morgan-for-u-s-senate
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