thewashingtonexaminer--2020-11-10--Election Day should not last two months

Election Day should not last two months

The absurd delays in ballot-counting across the country add weight to arguments against the wide use of early- and mail-in voting .
They also should make opponents of early voting consider other alternatives that would make voting easier .
The case against widespread early voting already was substantial .
Having a single , national Election Day is a civic ritual useful for a sense of shared national purpose , and it also ensures that most voters will cast ballots with access to the same bank of information .
As it is , early voters operate without knowledge of any late-breaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidates may experience .
Wars or threats of war , big economic developments , and major scandals all can erupt in the final weeks of a campaign .
To the greatest extent possible , voters should know all these things before going to the polls .
It also should be beyond dispute that massive mail-in voting increases the opportunities for problems , even if for honest error or incompetence rather than deliberate fraud .
An official commission co-chaired by former President Jimmy Carter in 2005 found that widespread mail voting is more open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less than a decade ago , the liberal New York Times was reporting , without dissent , that “ votes cast by mail are less likely to be counted , more likely to be compromised and more likely to be contested than those cast in a voting booth.
” Even without fraud , jurisdictions all across the country this year have experienced major screw-ups because mail-in voting went awry .
They range from the 223,000 undeliverable ballots in a Las Vegas primary to the 100,000 misprinted ballots mailed to New York voters this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were almost entirely botched because of mail-in snafus .
Now , we all see the confusion , misstatements , extravagant rumors , from a half-dozen closely contested states , all while the states take an excruciatingly long time to count the votes that arrived by mail .
National patience wears thin , conspiracy mongers run rampant , and trust in our election system further erodes .
Most of these problems would be obviated if states went back to old-style restrictions on early voting , allowing the practice only for “ absentee ” votes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with chains of custody would be reduced that way , as would the problem of relying on an unreliable Postal Service .
Alternatively , the early voting period could be reduced .
On the other hand , the huge voter turnout this year does raise other issues of most voters having to wait for in-person voting on one day .
Extremely long lines are a deterrent to voting , especially for people with inflexible work hours and for the infirm .
If localities provide too few polling locations , transportation to and from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In return for reasonable limits on early voting , reformers should push for better election-management procedures nationwide .
Even conservatives , who balk at the federal government 's involvement in most affairs , should accept that it can play a supporting role without trampling state control of elections .
Federal financial aid should supplement local spending on federal elections to provide more polling locations , more poll watchers , longer voting hours , and ( crucially ) better ballot security without intimidation or suppression .
Perhaps all businesses should give workers a half-day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These are ideas that should be considered and debated , and there are certainly others .
All sides have an incentive to work together on this for the greater good .
States , too , should step up .
They need to make competent , transparent , well-explained , secure , and timely vote-counting systems a high priority .
Election Day should not mean Election Two Months before balloting , nor Election Two Weeks afterward .
With modern technology , there is no good reason for any locality to take more than 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perhaps for military ballots cast abroad ) .
So , early voting should be radically reduced if not entirely eliminated , and the process of voting and counting should be reformed across the board .
Confidence in our elections and in our constitutional system depends on it .

The absurd delays in ballot-counting across the country add weight to arguments against the wide use of early- and mail-in voting. They also should make opponents of early voting consider other alternatives that would make voting easier.
The case against widespread early voting already was substantial. Having a single, national Election Day is a civic ritual useful for a sense of shared national purpose, and it also ensures that most voters will cast ballots with access to the same bank of information. As it is, early voters operate without knowledge of any late-breaking news, including sudden health problems that candidates may experience. Wars or threats of war, big economic developments, and major scandals all can erupt in the final weeks of a campaign. To the greatest extent possible, voters should know all these things before going to the polls.
It also should be beyond dispute that massive mail-in voting increases the opportunities for problems, even if for honest error or incompetence rather than deliberate fraud. An official commission co-chaired by former President Jimmy Carter in 2005 found that widespread mail voting is more open to fraud than same-day voting, and less than a decade ago, the liberal New York Times was reporting, without dissent, that “votes cast by mail are less likely to be counted, more likely to be compromised and more likely to be contested than those cast in a voting booth.”
Even without fraud, jurisdictions all across the country this year have experienced major screw-ups because mail-in voting went awry. They range from the 223,000 undeliverable ballots in a Las Vegas primary to the 100,000 misprinted ballots mailed to New York voters this summer. Two New York congressional primaries were almost entirely botched because of mail-in snafus.
Now, we all see the confusion, misstatements, extravagant rumors, from a half-dozen closely contested states, all while the states take an excruciatingly long time to count the votes that arrived by mail. National patience wears thin, conspiracy mongers run rampant, and trust in our election system further erodes. Most of these problems would be obviated if states went back to old-style restrictions on early voting, allowing the practice only for “absentee” votes for limited, declared reasons. Problems with chains of custody would be reduced that way, as would the problem of relying on an unreliable Postal Service. Alternatively, the early voting period could be reduced.
On the other hand, the huge voter turnout this year does raise other issues of most voters having to wait for in-person voting on one day. Extremely long lines are a deterrent to voting, especially for people with inflexible work hours and for the infirm. If localities provide too few polling locations, transportation to and from the polls can be a challenge.
In return for reasonable limits on early voting, reformers should push for better election-management procedures nationwide. Even conservatives, who balk at the federal government's involvement in most affairs, should accept that it can play a supporting role without trampling state control of elections. Federal financial aid should supplement local spending on federal elections to provide more polling locations, more poll watchers, longer voting hours, and (crucially) better ballot security without intimidation or suppression. Perhaps all businesses should give workers a half-day of paid leave to facilitate voting.
These are ideas that should be considered and debated, and there are certainly others. All sides have an incentive to work together on this for the greater good.
States, too, should step up. They need to make competent, transparent, well-explained, secure, and timely vote-counting systems a high priority. Election Day should not mean Election Two Months before balloting, nor Election Two Weeks afterward. With modern technology, there is no good reason for any locality to take more than 24 hours to count all votes (except perhaps for military ballots cast abroad).
So, early voting should be radically reduced if not entirely eliminated, and the process of voting and counting should be reformed across the board. Confidence in our elections and in our constitutional system depends on it.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-11-10--GOP to focus on problems with election process more than voter fraud

PHILADELPHIA — As Republicans begin filing their court challenges in various swing states over the Election Day results , a clear legal strategy has emerged .
Democrats and some in the media say that the president and his allies are cynically raising claims of voter fraud in a last-ditch effort to retain power .
But lawyers representing Republicans are beginning to take a different route in court by raising issues with the election process itself rather than getting bogged down in specific examples of alleged voter fraud .
That strategy , they believe , gives them a higher chance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ choose to nullify ballots in voting precincts that failed to follow state guidelines .
In Pennsylvania , the Trump campaign filed a lawsuit on Monday asking a federal court to block the state from certifying its election results .
The suit cited complaints from GOP poll watchers who said they were denied their legally guaranteed right to inspect thousands of mail-in ballots , many of which were processed in the middle of the night .
“ Nothing less than the integrity of the 2020 Presidential election is at stake in this action , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reads .
`` Defendants , the very officials charged with ensuring the integrity of the election in Pennsylvania , have so mismanaged the election process that no one — not the voters and not President Trump ’ s campaign — can have any faith that their most sacred and basic rights under the United States Constitution are being protected . ''
Multiple lawsuits are being planned in Nevada as well , with Trump 's legal team expected to ask judges to provide a remedy regarding allegations that thousands of people improperly voted in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one lawsuit , the Trump campaign claims that over 3,000 individuals who are no longer Nevada residents sent mail-in ballots in the state .
Even if all those ballots were cast for Biden , Trump would still trail in the state by over 33,000 votes .
`` Every time someone from the Trump campaign goes in front of the media and says 'there 's fraud here , here , and here , ' that 's a mistake , '' said one individual advising members of the Trump campaign on its lawsuits .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fair election took place and whether people have faith that all their votes mattered .
Each one of these instances show the process broke down , raises doubts about everything . ''
Corey Lewandowski , an adviser to the Trump campaign , said he had evidence of a dead person voting in Pennsylvania during a press conference in Philadelphia on Sunday .
Trump 's personal attorney Rudy Giuliani said the lawsuits focused on `` civil rights '' violations rather than specific instances of voter fraud .
Although legal challenges by the Trump campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , sources in the state 's GOP told the Washington Examiner that the party is considering a lawsuit related to the use of Dominion Voting Systems ' technology , which , in one case , was responsible for erroneously giving 6,000 votes to presumptive President-elect Joe Biden .
At the moment , Republicans are investigating other counties in the state to check if similar errors have occurred before deciding on the next steps .
GOP officials have not claimed that the error , which a Michigan county executive blamed on a mistake by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broader deliberate conspiracy but rather raises questions about the integrity of the results in any districts that relied on the software to tabulate votes .
A judge tossed a lawsuit filed by the Trump campaign in Georgia that asked the state to halt the counting of ballots after evidence arose that dozens were potentially mishandled by the Chatham County Board of Elections .
Despite that setback , the state GOP said it plans on filing dozens more .
Georgia , where Biden leads Trump by just over 12,000 votes , is set to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these states , the Trump campaign has been unable to show any specific instance of fraud that would have tilted the race for Biden .
Those familiar with the Trump legal team 's strategy said that verifying individual votes should not be the goal but rather compelling a judge to toss out many , if not all , the ballots from a voting precinct Biden won as a result of problems with the process .
In Georgia , for instance , tossing tens of thousands of votes from an Atlanta precinct would hand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Free and fair elections are the corner stone of our republic , '' said Missouri Attorney General Michael Schmidt , who filed a brief in support of the president 's Pennsylvania lawsuit , said in a press conference on Monday .
`` We have to make sure that every legal vote is counted and every illegal vote is not counted . ''

PHILADELPHIA — As Republicans begin filing their court challenges in various swing states over the Election Day results, a clear legal strategy has emerged.
Democrats and some in the media say that the president and his allies are cynically raising claims of voter fraud in a last-ditch effort to retain power.
But lawyers representing Republicans are beginning to take a different route in court by raising issues with the election process itself rather than getting bogged down in specific examples of alleged voter fraud. That strategy, they believe, gives them a higher chance of success in front of judges who may choose to nullify ballots in voting precincts that failed to follow state guidelines.
[Follow here for complete election lawsuits coverage]
In Pennsylvania, the Trump campaign filed a lawsuit on Monday asking a federal court to block the state from certifying its election results. The suit cited complaints from GOP poll watchers who said they were denied their legally guaranteed right to inspect thousands of mail-in ballots, many of which were processed in the middle of the night.
“Nothing less than the integrity of the 2020 Presidential election is at stake in this action," the Trump campaign’s lawsuit reads. "Defendants, the very officials charged with ensuring the integrity of the election in Pennsylvania, have so mismanaged the election process that no one — not the voters and not President Trump’s campaign — can have any faith that their most sacred and basic rights under the United States Constitution are being protected."
Multiple lawsuits are being planned in Nevada as well, with Trump's legal team expected to ask judges to provide a remedy regarding allegations that thousands of people improperly voted in the state on Election Day. In one lawsuit, the Trump campaign claims that over 3,000 individuals who are no longer Nevada residents sent mail-in ballots in the state. Even if all those ballots were cast for Biden, Trump would still trail in the state by over 33,000 votes.
"Every time someone from the Trump campaign goes in front of the media and says 'there's fraud here, here, and here,' that's a mistake," said one individual advising members of the Trump campaign on its lawsuits. "The focus should be on whether a fair election took place and whether people have faith that all their votes mattered. Each one of these instances show the process broke down, raises doubts about everything."
Corey Lewandowski, an adviser to the Trump campaign, said he had evidence of a dead person voting in Pennsylvania during a press conference in Philadelphia on Sunday. Trump's personal attorney Rudy Giuliani said the lawsuits focused on "civil rights" violations rather than specific instances of voter fraud.
Although legal challenges by the Trump campaign in Michigan have so far proven unsuccessful, sources in the state's GOP told the Washington Examiner that the party is considering a lawsuit related to the use of Dominion Voting Systems' technology, which, in one case, was responsible for erroneously giving 6,000 votes to presumptive President-elect Joe Biden. At the moment, Republicans are investigating other counties in the state to check if similar errors have occurred before deciding on the next steps. GOP officials have not claimed that the error, which a Michigan county executive blamed on a mistake by a clerk, is part of a broader deliberate conspiracy but rather raises questions about the integrity of the results in any districts that relied on the software to tabulate votes.
A judge tossed a lawsuit filed by the Trump campaign in Georgia that asked the state to halt the counting of ballots after evidence arose that dozens were potentially mishandled by the Chatham County Board of Elections. Despite that setback, the state GOP said it plans on filing dozens more. Georgia, where Biden leads Trump by just over 12,000 votes, is set to undergo a recount.
In each of these states, the Trump campaign has been unable to show any specific instance of fraud that would have tilted the race for Biden. Those familiar with the Trump legal team's strategy said that verifying individual votes should not be the goal but rather compelling a judge to toss out many, if not all, the ballots from a voting precinct Biden won as a result of problems with the process. In Georgia, for instance, tossing tens of thousands of votes from an Atlanta precinct would hand Trump a victory in the state.
"Free and fair elections are the corner stone of our republic," said Missouri Attorney General Michael Schmidt, who filed a brief in support of the president's Pennsylvania lawsuit, said in a press conference on Monday. "We have to make sure that every legal vote is counted and every illegal vote is not counted."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-11-10--Trump campaign plans more rallies as it digs in for long fight

Supporters of President Trump are planning protests in Washington , D.C. , on Saturday as the Trump campaign plans more rallies as it broadens its fight against election results .
Trump has refused to concede to Biden after news organizations projected on Saturday that the former vice president was the winner of the presidential race .
At the same time , Trump is planning a new political action committee that will allow him to raise money for federal election candidates , and his campaign has stepped up fundraising efforts for an “ election defense taskforce.
” The result is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is carrying on in the same way that he governed — in a state of perpetual campaign .
Washington 's rally is called the `` Million Maga March , '' according to the group on Twitter , which is calling on protesters to gather at midday .
Details of the event have been posted on social media and taken up by accounts associated with far-right groups such as the Proud Boys , raising concerns that it might attract counterprotests and violence .
When asked about those fears , Muriel Bowser , the mayor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ monitoring reports of a caravan of protesters arriving from the south .
“ We continue to follow those activities and be prepared for those activities , ” she said during a park opening .
“ Our police chief will have a similar posture this weekend as he did last week , and we will be there to support peaceful exercise of First Amendment demonstrations . ''
The protests come as one Trump insider told the Washington Examiner that some advisers had suggested sending the president back out on the road to keep his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tim Murtaugh , the Trump campaign 's communications director , said there were no plans for the president to hold rallies .
“ These would be grassroots rallies , as we ’ ve already seen pop up in a variety of states since Election Day , organic shows of support like the tractor and boat parades have been all year , ” he said .
On Tuesday , Trump used his Twitter presence to again claim “ massive ballot counting abuse ” and predicted he would eventually win the election race , despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same time , details emerged of how the president may seek to continue to exert influence over the Republican Party .
Murtaugh confirmed that Trump had always planned to set up a leadership PAC whatever the election result “ so he can support candidates and issues he cares about , such as combating voter fraud.
” Such PACs can accept donations of $ 5,000 per donor per year , allowing Trump to build a war chest that he can use to fund candidates and continue to wield influence .
It suggests a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and working out in the manner of a figure who signed his reelection papers on the day he was sworn into power in 2017 .
John Fredericks , a talk show host and advisory board member of Trump 2020 , said the flurry of activity would encourage supporters to know that the fight was not over .
“ As we go forward , it ’ s important that we keep the Trump voters involved and give them hope that we ’ ll keep fighting this until the facts are known , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election outcome .
We are going to fight for the truth , fight for every certified , verified ballot .
”

Supporters of President Trump are planning protests in Washington, D.C., on Saturday as the Trump campaign plans more rallies as it broadens its fight against election results.
Trump has refused to concede to Biden after news organizations projected on Saturday that the former vice president was the winner of the presidential race.
At the same time, Trump is planning a new political action committee that will allow him to raise money for federal election candidates, and his campaign has stepped up fundraising efforts for an “election defense taskforce.”
[Follow here for complete election lawsuits coverage]
The result is a growing sense that in defeat, Trump is carrying on in the same way that he governed — in a state of perpetual campaign.
Washington's rally is called the "Million Maga March," according to the group on Twitter, which is calling on protesters to gather at midday.
Details of the event have been posted on social media and taken up by accounts associated with far-right groups such as the Proud Boys, raising concerns that it might attract counterprotests and violence.
When asked about those fears, Muriel Bowser, the mayor of Washington, said she was also monitoring reports of a caravan of protesters arriving from the south.
“We continue to follow those activities and be prepared for those activities,” she said during a park opening. “Our police chief will have a similar posture this weekend as he did last week, and we will be there to support peaceful exercise of First Amendment demonstrations."
The protests come as one Trump insider told the Washington Examiner that some advisers had suggested sending the president back out on the road to keep his base excited and engaged.
However, Tim Murtaugh, the Trump campaign's communications director, said there were no plans for the president to hold rallies.
“These would be grassroots rallies, as we’ve already seen pop up in a variety of states since Election Day, organic shows of support like the tractor and boat parades have been all year,” he said.
On Tuesday, Trump used his Twitter presence to again claim “massive ballot counting abuse” and predicted he would eventually win the election race, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.
WATCH FOR MASSIVE BALLOT COUNTING ABUSE AND, JUST LIKE THE EARLY VACCINE, REMEMBER I TOLD YOU SO! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 10, 2020
At the same time, details emerged of how the president may seek to continue to exert influence over the Republican Party.
Murtaugh confirmed that Trump had always planned to set up a leadership PAC whatever the election result “so he can support candidates and issues he cares about, such as combating voter fraud.”
Such PACs can accept donations of $5,000 per donor per year, allowing Trump to build a war chest that he can use to fund candidates and continue to wield influence.
It suggests a president who is looking to the future and working out in the manner of a figure who signed his reelection papers on the day he was sworn into power in 2017.
John Fredericks, a talk show host and advisory board member of Trump 2020, said the flurry of activity would encourage supporters to know that the fight was not over.
“As we go forward, it’s important that we keep the Trump voters involved and give them hope that we’ll keep fighting this until the facts are known,” he said.
“This is fighting the election outcome. We are going to fight for the truth, fight for every certified, verified ballot.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-11-10--Biden: Trump's refusal to concede is a national 'embarrassment'

President Trump is marring his own accomplishments by refusing to concede that he lost last week 's election , according to presumptive President-elect Joe Biden .
`` I just think it 's an embarrassment , quite frankly , '' Biden told reporters Tuesday in Wilmington , Delaware .
`` How can I say this tactfully ?
I think it will not help the president 's legacy . ''
Multiple outlets projected over the weekend that Biden , the two-term vice president , had clinched 270 Electoral College votes necessary for the White House .
But the Trump campaign has n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court challenges as lawyers insist every legal vote be tallied and question some state 's counting procedures .
Yet , Biden was hopeful that Trump would accept defeat .
His message to the incumbent ?
`` Mr. President , I look forward to speaking with you , '' Biden said .
Trump administration officials are following the president 's lead .
The General Services Administration , for instance , has declined to sign off on Biden starting the transition process .
Though Biden said he was aware that there was only one president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that his transition team would proceed , even without the designated funding .
He did , however , contradict an aide who suggested legal action was `` on the table . ''
`` We are already beginning the transition , '' he said .
`` I 'm confident the fact they 're not willing to acknowledge we won at this point is not of much consequence in our planning and what we 're able to do between now and January 20th.
” As the apparent president-elect , Biden has named a coronavirus task @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world leaders .
`` I 'm letting them know America is back .
We 're back in the game , '' he said .
The press briefing was convened to discuss the Supreme Court case questioning Obamacare 's constitutionality .
Biden was joined by apparent Vice President-elect Kamala Harris .
`` Each and every vote for Joe Biden was a statement that healthcare should be a right , not a privilege , '' Harris said .
`` Joe Biden won the election decisively . ''

President Trump is marring his own accomplishments by refusing to concede that he lost last week's election, according to presumptive President-elect Joe Biden.
"I just think it's an embarrassment, quite frankly," Biden told reporters Tuesday in Wilmington, Delaware. "How can I say this tactfully? I think it will not help the president's legacy."
Multiple outlets projected over the weekend that Biden, the two-term vice president, had clinched 270 Electoral College votes necessary for the White House. But the Trump campaign hasn't recognized the results amid a slew of court challenges as lawyers insist every legal vote be tallied and question some state's counting procedures.
[Follow here for complete election lawsuits coverage]
Yet, Biden was hopeful that Trump would accept defeat. His message to the incumbent?
"Mr. President, I look forward to speaking with you," Biden said.
Trump administration officials are following the president's lead. The General Services Administration, for instance, has declined to sign off on Biden starting the transition process.
Though Biden said he was aware that there was only one president at a time, he was adamant that his transition team would proceed, even without the designated funding. He did, however, contradict an aide who suggested legal action was "on the table."
"We are already beginning the transition," he said. "I'm confident the fact they're not willing to acknowledge we won at this point is not of much consequence in our planning and what we're able to do between now and January 20th.”
As the apparent president-elect, Biden has named a coronavirus task force and spoken to a raft of world leaders.
"I'm letting them know America is back. We're back in the game," he said.
The press briefing was convened to discuss the Supreme Court case questioning Obamacare's constitutionality. Biden was joined by apparent Vice President-elect Kamala Harris.
"Each and every vote for Joe Biden was a statement that healthcare should be a right, not a privilege," Harris said. "Joe Biden won the election decisively."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-11-10--GOP Sen. Thom Tillis wins reelection in North Carolina

Cunningham , a former state senator who became embroiled in a sexting scandal late in the campaign , on Tuesday conceded to Tillis after election night tallies and subsequent ballot counting left him more than 2 percentage points behind .
`` I just called Senator Tillis to congratulate him on winning re-election to a second term in the U.S. Senate , '' Cunningham tweeted .
The race to declare a winner seven days after the general election kept Republican and Democratic lawmakers on edge , as the balance of the Senate still remains in question .
With Tillis reelected , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Republicans , with Alaska still outstanding and two Georgia seats that went into runoffs .
The North Carolina Senate campaign this election cycle was close and contentious as Tillis , elected in 2014 , started falling far behind Cunningham .
Cunningham became embroiled in a sexting scandal with a woman who was not his wife .
Tillis struggled this cycle to gain support from North Carolina Trump voters who were upset about his initial opposition in 2019 to the president ’ s shifting of federal funding to build a southern border wall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state and touted his support from President Trump .
The president , in turn , lauded Tillis , calling him a “ great senator , a real friend of mine.
” Cunningham , who initially led Tillis by 6 points during the campaign , went after the GOP lawmaker for his opposition to expanding Medicaid in North Carolina , among other criticisms .
But when salacious text messages to Cunningham , a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve , from a woman married to a military veteran surfaced , the Democrat ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gap between him and Tillis .
Under investigation by the Army Reserve , Cunningham apologized for the text messages that he admitted belonged to him .
The race between him and Tillis tightened , and despite calls for him to drop out of the election , Cunningham said the issue was a private matter between him and his wife .
However , the North Carolina Democrat canceled campaign appearances , as well as all Facebook campaign advertising , when the sexting revelations came to light .

Republican Sen. Thom Tillis won reelection against Democrat Cal Cunningham in North Carolina’s Senate race.
Cunningham, a former state senator who became embroiled in a sexting scandal late in the campaign, on Tuesday conceded to Tillis after election night tallies and subsequent ballot counting left him more than 2 percentage points behind.
"I just called Senator Tillis to congratulate him on winning re-election to a second term in the U.S. Senate," Cunningham tweeted.
The race to declare a winner seven days after the general election kept Republican and Democratic lawmakers on edge, as the balance of the Senate still remains in question. With Tillis reelected, the Senate stands at 49-48 in favor of Republicans, with Alaska still outstanding and two Georgia seats that went into runoffs.
The North Carolina Senate campaign this election cycle was close and contentious as Tillis, elected in 2014, started falling far behind Cunningham. Cunningham became embroiled in a sexting scandal with a woman who was not his wife.
Tillis struggled this cycle to gain support from North Carolina Trump voters who were upset about his initial opposition in 2019 to the president’s shifting of federal funding to build a southern border wall. The North Carolina Republican campaigned around the state and touted his support from President Trump. The president, in turn, lauded Tillis, calling him a “great senator, a real friend of mine.”
Cunningham, who initially led Tillis by 6 points during the campaign, went after the GOP lawmaker for his opposition to expanding Medicaid in North Carolina, among other criticisms. But when salacious text messages to Cunningham, a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve, from a woman married to a military veteran surfaced, the Democrat’s campaign numbers fell, closing the gap between him and Tillis.
Under investigation by the Army Reserve, Cunningham apologized for the text messages that he admitted belonged to him. The race between him and Tillis tightened, and despite calls for him to drop out of the election, Cunningham said the issue was a private matter between him and his wife.
However, the North Carolina Democrat canceled campaign appearances, as well as all Facebook campaign advertising, when the sexting revelations came to light.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-11-10--Facebook removes Bannon-tied pages for spreading misinformation about election

Facebook took down a handful of pages tied to Steve Bannon because they were spreading misinformation about the election .
Overall , the social media platform took down seven pages that had accrued more than 2.4 million followers and pushed the `` Stop the steal '' motto , which promotes unverified claims of mass voter fraud that allegedly helped Democratic nominee Joe Biden , according to the Washington Post .
The pages were flagged by the liberal group Avaaz on Friday .
“ We ’ ve removed several clusters of activity for using inauthentic behavior tactics to artificially boost how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Facebook spokesman Andy Stone .
“ That includes a Group that was originally named ‘ Stop the Steal ’ which later became ‘ Gay Communists for Socialism ’ and misled people about its purpose using deceptive tactics.
” Some of the pages taken down include those belonging to Brian Kolfage , Conservative Values , We Build the Wall Inc. , Citizens of the American Republic , American Joe , and Trump at War .
In August , Bannon pleaded not guilty to charges that he allegedly defrauded donors in a $ 25 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scam along with three associates , including Kolfage .
All four men were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering , which could amount to 20 years in prison .
Last week , the social media platform removed another `` Stop the steal '' Facebook group that had accumulated more than 300,000 members who were sharing unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud and election integrity .
This was not Bannon 's only run-in with social media platform rules recently .
Twitter suspended an account associated with Bannon last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see Dr. Anthony Fauci and FBI Director Christopher Wray beheaded during an episode of the podcast War Room : Pandemic .
`` [ Trump 's ] second term kicks off with firing Wray , firing Fauci .
Now , actually I want to go a step farther , but I realize that the president is a kindhearted man and a good man , '' Bannon said .
`` I 'd actually like to go back to the old times of Tudor England .
I 'd put the heads on pikes , right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two corners of the White House as a warning to federal bureaucrats .
You either get with the program , or you 're gone .
Time to stop playing games . ''
`` The @ WarRoomPandemic account has been permanently suspended for violating the Twitter Rules , specifically our policy on the glorification of violence , '' a spokesperson told the Washington Examiner at the time .
A number of media outlets ( including the Associated Press , CNN , the New York Times , and Fox News , among others ) projected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next president .
President Trump has not conceded the race while his campaign has yet to come up with verifiable proof to support its claims of widespread fraud .
Bannon was the former head of Breitbart News Network and was the CEO of Trump ’ s presidential campaign before serving as a chief strategist in the White House .
He left the role in August 2017 .

Facebook took down a handful of pages tied to Steve Bannon because they were spreading misinformation about the election.
Overall, the social media platform took down seven pages that had accrued more than 2.4 million followers and pushed the "Stop the steal" motto, which promotes unverified claims of mass voter fraud that allegedly helped Democratic nominee Joe Biden, according to the Washington Post. The pages were flagged by the liberal group Avaaz on Friday.
“We’ve removed several clusters of activity for using inauthentic behavior tactics to artificially boost how many people saw their content,” said Facebook spokesman Andy Stone. “That includes a Group that was originally named ‘Stop the Steal’ which later became ‘Gay Communists for Socialism’ and misled people about its purpose using deceptive tactics.”
Some of the pages taken down include those belonging to Brian Kolfage, Conservative Values, We Build the Wall Inc., Citizens of the American Republic, American Joe, and Trump at War. In August, Bannon pleaded not guilty to charges that he allegedly defrauded donors in a $25 million "We Build the Wall" scam along with three associates, including Kolfage. All four men were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, which could amount to 20 years in prison.
Last week, the social media platform removed another "Stop the steal" Facebook group that had accumulated more than 300,000 members who were sharing unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud and election integrity.
This was not Bannon's only run-in with social media platform rules recently.
Twitter suspended an account associated with Bannon last week after he said he'd like to see Dr. Anthony Fauci and FBI Director Christopher Wray beheaded during an episode of the podcast War Room: Pandemic.
"[Trump's] second term kicks off with firing Wray, firing Fauci. Now, actually I want to go a step farther, but I realize that the president is a kindhearted man and a good man," Bannon said. "I'd actually like to go back to the old times of Tudor England. I'd put the heads on pikes, right? I'd put them at the two corners of the White House as a warning to federal bureaucrats. You either get with the program, or you're gone. Time to stop playing games."
"The @WarRoomPandemic account has been permanently suspended for violating the Twitter Rules, specifically our policy on the glorification of violence," a spokesperson told the Washington Examiner at the time.
A number of media outlets (including the Associated Press, CNN, the New York Times, and Fox News, among others) projected Democratic nominee Joe Biden to be the next president. President Trump has not conceded the race while his campaign has yet to come up with verifiable proof to support its claims of widespread fraud.
Bannon was the former head of Breitbart News Network and was the CEO of Trump’s presidential campaign before serving as a chief strategist in the White House. He left the role in August 2017.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-11-10--Steel defeats Rouda in California's 48th Congressional District

Orange County Supervisor Michelle Steel defeated first-term Democratic Rep. Harley Rouda in California ’ s 48th Congressional District after the incumbent conceded on Tuesday .
Steel narrowly won the election with 50.9 % to Rouda 's 49.1 % , with 95 % of precincts reporting .
`` When I ran for Congress in 2018 , it was the first time I 'd ever run for political office .
But after creating thousands of jobs in a lifetime in business , I could n't stand by any longer as our political system tore itself apart , '' Rouda , a former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement .
Rouda also suggested he 'd seek a rematch against Steel in the 2022 midterm elections .
`` While one campaign ends today , another is just beginning .
I look forward to having voters compare my opponent ’ s two years in Congress with my accomplishments on November 8 , 2022 , '' he continued .
Rouda was among seven House Democrats in 2018 to flip Republican seats in California , with four of them based in whole or part in traditionally Republican Orange County .
Steel challenged the first-term lawmaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the seat to Republican hands .
The district , which is part of California ’ s coastal region of Orange County , including Huntington Beach , was previously represented by 30-year incumbent , Republican Rep. Dana Rohrabacher , who Rouda beat two years ago by a 7-point margin largely due to Rohrabacher ’ s lauding of Russian President Vladimir Putin .
However , Steel , who is also married to California Republican Party National Committee member Shawn Steel , was expected to be a stronger candidate for Rouda to face this cycle .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as “ R+4 ” but also declared it as `` Leans Democrat . ''
Political attacks began early when Rouda , known for his controversial outbursts , went after Steel for wearing a mask at a county board meeting in April , saying she was keeping necessary personal protective equipment away from frontline workers .
In a subsequent video to supporters , Rouda compared Trump 's 2016 election to the rise of Adolf Hitler and told Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to `` f -- - off '' in a tweet .

Orange County Supervisor Michelle Steel defeated first-term Democratic Rep. Harley Rouda in California’s 48th Congressional District after the incumbent conceded on Tuesday.
Steel narrowly won the election with 50.9% to Rouda's 49.1%, with 95% of precincts reporting.
"When I ran for Congress in 2018, it was the first time I'd ever run for political office. But after creating thousands of jobs in a lifetime in business, I couldn't stand by any longer as our political system tore itself apart," Rouda, a former real estate executive, said in a statement.
Rouda also suggested he'd seek a rematch against Steel in the 2022 midterm elections.
"While one campaign ends today, another is just beginning. I look forward to having voters compare my opponent’s two years in Congress with my accomplishments on November 8, 2022," he continued.
Thanks to the incredible energy brought by our thousands of grassroots volunteers, I was proud to be the first Democrat ever to represent #CA48.
Serving the people here has been the honor of my life. https://t.co/up1YVZTnuU — Harley Rouda (@HarleyRouda) November 10, 2020
Rouda was among seven House Democrats in 2018 to flip Republican seats in California, with four of them based in whole or part in traditionally Republican Orange County. Steel challenged the first-term lawmaker this cycle in an effort to return the seat to Republican hands.
The district, which is part of California’s coastal region of Orange County, including Huntington Beach, was previously represented by 30-year incumbent, Republican Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, who Rouda beat two years ago by a 7-point margin largely due to Rohrabacher’s lauding of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
However, Steel, who is also married to California Republican Party National Committee member Shawn Steel, was expected to be a stronger candidate for Rouda to face this cycle. The Cook Political Report rated the district as “R+4” but also declared it as "Leans Democrat."
Political attacks began early when Rouda, known for his controversial outbursts, went after Steel for wearing a mask at a county board meeting in April, saying she was keeping necessary personal protective equipment away from frontline workers.
In a subsequent video to supporters, Rouda compared Trump's 2016 election to the rise of Adolf Hitler and told Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to "f--- off" in a tweet.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-11-10--Nevada attorney general has no ‘formal complaint’ of voter fraud despite shock GOP claims

Eye-popping allegations of voter and election fraud in Nevada highlighted by President Trump 's campaign are so far not the subject of any criminal investigations by the state 's attorney general .
The office of Nevada Attorney General Democrat Aaron Ford said in a statement Monday that it has not received any `` formal complaint '' of voter fraud , election irregularities , or related problems .
`` We received a redacted Affidavit that does not contain the individual 's name , signature or contact information .
As it stands , our office has not yet received a formal complaint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such critical details , '' a spokesman for the attorney general told the Washington Examiner in a statement on Monday .
`` This office takes allegations of voter fraud extremely seriously and works with our elections officials , as well as law enforcement partners in Nevada and other states , to investigate and prosecute voter fraud when warranted by the evidence . ''
In addition to pursuing lawsuits in Nevada over the state 's verification of signatures on mail-in ballots and observation of poll workers , Trump 's legal team in Nevada ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Laxalt , former acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell , and American Conservative Union President Matt Schlapp ) has highlighted shock claims of voter fraud and election mismanagement .
In a Sunday press conference , Schlapp noted two reports of deceased people who `` miraculously '' cast ballots in the general election : Rosemarie Hartle and Fred Sokes Jr. , both of whom died in 2017 .
Two unidentified whistleblowers who were election workers in Nevada have signed redacted affidavits : one who alleged that mail-in ballots were improperly filled out in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and another who alleges a supervisor instructed to process mail-in ballots despite concerns over whether a signature matched .
As part of a claim of one lawsuit , the team produced a redacted list of more than 3,000 Nevada voters who , according to a national change of address database , no longer live in the state .
Local Nevada officials say that this list may include individuals who can legally vote in Nevada while living somewhere else , such as members of the military or college students .
The two affidavits and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forwarded to the U.S. Department of Justice .
Trump 's legal team did not answer the Washington Examiner 's questions about whether it plans to file any complaints with the Nevada attorney general 's office related to these allegations .
The registrar of voters for Clark County , which accounts for the vast majority of votes cast in the state , has said that his office has received some reports of fraud ( such as two instances of dead people voting in the election ) and that he would send the complaints to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barbara Cegavske .
But Cegavske 's office said in a statement on Monday that while it `` continues to investigate all credible allegations of fraud related to the 2020 general election '' and will refer anyone found to have violated election law for prosecution , it ca n't quantify how many reports of have been received .
The office explained that `` the term voter fraud is extremely broad '' and can include activities that the public does not normally think of as voter fraud .
`` A single complaint or single investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ multiple suspects .
A focus simply on the number of complaints received or active investigations runs the risk of masking the true scope of a complaint or investigation , '' the statement from the secretary of state 's office read .
`` Many voter fraud complaints lack any evidence and are more complaints about process or policy . ''
Nevada is still completing post-election processes of vote count reconciliation and audits of the voting system , which might uncover `` instances of actual or attempted fraud . ''
`` If so , these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the secretary of state 's office said .
Presumptive president-elect Democrat Joe Biden leads Trump in Nevada by about 36,200 votes .

Eye-popping allegations of voter and election fraud in Nevada highlighted by President Trump's campaign are so far not the subject of any criminal investigations by the state's attorney general.
The office of Nevada Attorney General Democrat Aaron Ford said in a statement Monday that it has not received any "formal complaint" of voter fraud, election irregularities, or related problems.
"We received a redacted Affidavit that does not contain the individual's name, signature or contact information. As it stands, our office has not yet received a formal complaint and cannot conduct an investigation without such critical details," a spokesman for the attorney general told the Washington Examiner in a statement on Monday. "This office takes allegations of voter fraud extremely seriously and works with our elections officials, as well as law enforcement partners in Nevada and other states, to investigate and prosecute voter fraud when warranted by the evidence."
In addition to pursuing lawsuits in Nevada over the state's verification of signatures on mail-in ballots and observation of poll workers, Trump's legal team in Nevada (led by former Nevada Attorney General Adam Laxalt, former acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell, and American Conservative Union President Matt Schlapp) has highlighted shock claims of voter fraud and election mismanagement.
In a Sunday press conference, Schlapp noted two reports of deceased people who "miraculously" cast ballots in the general election: Rosemarie Hartle and Fred Sokes Jr., both of whom died in 2017.
Two unidentified whistleblowers who were election workers in Nevada have signed redacted affidavits: one who alleged that mail-in ballots were improperly filled out in a Biden-Harris van outside a polling place and another who alleges a supervisor instructed to process mail-in ballots despite concerns over whether a signature matched.
As part of a claim of one lawsuit, the team produced a redacted list of more than 3,000 Nevada voters who, according to a national change of address database, no longer live in the state. Local Nevada officials say that this list may include individuals who can legally vote in Nevada while living somewhere else, such as members of the military or college students.
The two affidavits and list of 3,000 out-of-state voters have been forwarded to the U.S. Department of Justice. Trump's legal team did not answer the Washington Examiner's questions about whether it plans to file any complaints with the Nevada attorney general's office related to these allegations.
The registrar of voters for Clark County, which accounts for the vast majority of votes cast in the state, has said that his office has received some reports of fraud (such as two instances of dead people voting in the election) and that he would send the complaints to the Nevada secretary of state, Republican Barbara Cegavske.
But Cegavske's office said in a statement on Monday that while it "continues to investigate all credible allegations of fraud related to the 2020 general election" and will refer anyone found to have violated election law for prosecution, it can't quantify how many reports of have been received.
The office explained that "the term voter fraud is extremely broad" and can include activities that the public does not normally think of as voter fraud.
"A single complaint or single investigation may include multiple allegations of fraud or multiple suspects. A focus simply on the number of complaints received or active investigations runs the risk of masking the true scope of a complaint or investigation," the statement from the secretary of state's office read. "Many voter fraud complaints lack any evidence and are more complaints about process or policy."
Nevada is still completing post-election processes of vote count reconciliation and audits of the voting system, which might uncover "instances of actual or attempted fraud."
"If so, these instances will be thoroughly investigated,” the secretary of state's office said.
Presumptive president-elect Democrat Joe Biden leads Trump in Nevada by about 36,200 votes.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-11-10--Republican Beth Van Duyne, former mayor who pushed anti-Sharia laws, wins open Texas House seat

Beth Van Duyne won the race for Texas ’ s open 24th Congressional District , keeping the seat in Republican control .
As of Tuesday , Van Duyne had 48.8 % of the vote and a 4,606-vote lead over Valenzuela , who had 47.5 % .
Valenzuela conceded the race on Tuesday , a week after Election Day .
`` Now that nearly all the votes have been counted and there is no longer a path , we are conceding .
I want to congratulate Beth Van Duyne on her victory , '' Valenzuela said in a statement .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we put the issues of working families first . ''
Van Duyne had previously claimed victory on election night , with her campaign arguing that its analysis of uncounted votes left no path to victory for Valenzuela .
Texas ’ s 24th District encompasses much of the suburban area between Fort Worth and Dallas .
Republican Rep. Kenny Marchant has held the seat since 2005 , but he is retiring at the end of his term .
President Trump won the district by 6 points in 2016 .
Valenzuela ’ s embrace by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ empowered Van Duyne to run on a message cautioning about Democrats trending toward socialism .
Van Duyne gained a bit of national attention during her mayoral term for the state legislature to adopt `` anti-sharia '' laws that state that foreign codes , such as sharia law , can not supersede U.S. laws .
The move came after a 2015 Breitbart article that reported on a makeshift sharia court in her city .
In contrast to Van Duyne , a longtime figure in Republican politics , Valenzuela is a political outsider who connected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detailing temporary homelessness at the age of 3 when her mother fled an abusive situation and a car accident that left her with chronic back problems and medical debt .
In the primary , Valenzuela faced Air Force veteran Kim Olson , an early favorite among the Democratic establishment who seemed like a tailor-made candidate recruit .
But and national left-wing support for Valenzuela late in a primary runoff , including endorsements from Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren , EMILY ’ s List , and the Progressive Change Campaign Committee , pushed her to @ @

Beth Van Duyne won the race for Texas’s open 24th Congressional District, keeping the seat in Republican control.
The former Irving, Texas, mayor defeated Democrat Candace Valenzuela, a school board trustee.
As of Tuesday, Van Duyne had 48.8% of the vote and a 4,606-vote lead over Valenzuela, who had 47.5%.
Valenzuela conceded the race on Tuesday, a week after Election Day.
"Now that nearly all the votes have been counted and there is no longer a path, we are conceding. I want to congratulate Beth Van Duyne on her victory," Valenzuela said in a statement. "North Texans responded to our campaign because we put the issues of working families first."
Van Duyne had previously claimed victory on election night, with her campaign arguing that its analysis of uncounted votes left no path to victory for Valenzuela.
Texas’s 24th District encompasses much of the suburban area between Fort Worth and Dallas. Republican Rep. Kenny Marchant has held the seat since 2005, but he is retiring at the end of his term. President Trump won the district by 6 points in 2016.
Valenzuela’s embrace by the far-left wing of the Democratic Party empowered Van Duyne to run on a message cautioning about Democrats trending toward socialism.
Van Duyne gained a bit of national attention during her mayoral term for pushing the state legislature to adopt "anti-sharia" laws that state that foreign codes, such as sharia law, cannot supersede U.S. laws. The move came after a 2015 Breitbart article that reported on a makeshift sharia court in her city.
In contrast to Van Duyne, a longtime figure in Republican politics, Valenzuela is a political outsider who connected with voters by telling her story, detailing temporary homelessness at the age of 3 when her mother fled an abusive situation and a car accident that left her with chronic back problems and medical debt.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-11-10--Marco Rubio prepares for 2022 reelection bid

Sen. Marco Rubio is gearing up to seek a third term in 2022 after coming under attack from Democrats just days after the conclusion of this year ’ s general election .
The Florida Republican has made no formal announcement , but after Democratic operatives in the Sunshine State unveiled retirerubio.org and activated the Twitter account @ retirerubio , the senator issued a fundraising appeal in an email to grassroots supporters and began taking steps to mount a campaign for reelection , knowledgeable GOP sources said Tuesday .
At the moment , Rubio is focused on helping Republicans win two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ January , that will decide which party controls the Senate majority in the next Congress .
He is set to stump for Sens .
David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler on Wednesday in Marietta , Georgia , an Atlanta suburb .
Although on track to lose reelection to presumptive President-elect Joe Biden , President Trump won Florida comfortably — 51.2 % to 47.8 % .
But that does not appear to have discouraged Democrats looking ahead to 2022 , likely to be Biden ’ s first midterm elections .
“ Retire Rubio ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laser on Little Marco ’ s failures and to ultimately defeat him in 2022 , ” Ben Pollara , a Democratic strategist behind the effort , told Florida Politics , which first reported the news of this effort .
Rubio ran for president in 2016 and had planned to retire from the Senate after a single term .
But after Trump defeated Rubio in the GOP presidential primary and his colleagues lobbied the senator to run for reelection , he reversed course , winning a second term that November .
Rubio has not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2024 .

Sen. Marco Rubio is gearing up to seek a third term in 2022 after coming under attack from Democrats just days after the conclusion of this year’s general election.
The Florida Republican has made no formal announcement, but after Democratic operatives in the Sunshine State unveiled retirerubio.org and activated the Twitter account @retirerubio, the senator issued a fundraising appeal in an email to grassroots supporters and began taking steps to mount a campaign for reelection, knowledgeable GOP sources said Tuesday.
At the moment, Rubio is focused on helping Republicans win two runoff campaigns in Georgia, set for January, that will decide which party controls the Senate majority in the next Congress. He is set to stump for Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler on Wednesday in Marietta, Georgia, an Atlanta suburb.
Although on track to lose reelection to presumptive President-elect Joe Biden, President Trump won Florida comfortably — 51.2% to 47.8%. But that does not appear to have discouraged Democrats looking ahead to 2022, likely to be Biden’s first midterm elections.
“Retire Rubio’s chief objective is to focus like a laser on Little Marco’s failures and to ultimately defeat him in 2022,” Ben Pollara, a Democratic strategist behind the effort, told Florida Politics, which first reported the news of this effort.
Rubio ran for president in 2016 and had planned to retire from the Senate after a single term. But after Trump defeated Rubio in the GOP presidential primary and his colleagues lobbied the senator to run for reelection, he reversed course, winning a second term that November. Rubio has not ruled out running for president again in 2024.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-11-10--Tapper slammed for 'smug' tweet telling Trump supporters to worry 'how any future employers might se

Tapper slammed for 'smug' tweet telling Trump supporters to worry 'how any future employers might see your character'

CNN ’ s Jake Tapper was slammed for saying supporters of President Trump should worry “ how any future employers might see your character defined during adversity.
” “ I truly sympathize with those dealing with losing — it ’ s not easy — but at a certain point one has to think not only about what ’ s best for the nation ( peaceful transfer of power ) but how any future employers might see your character defined during adversity , ” Tapper tweeted Monday .
“ I mean , I don ’ t expect the ride-or-die crew to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he added .
“ ‘ So , it says here on your resume that you drove a sex offender to testify at Four Seasons Total Landscaping , north of the Tacony-Palmyra bridge.
’ ” The tweets set off a storm of pundits and others slamming the CNN anchor , with some pointing to CNN reporting on the Russian collusion narrative during Trump 's administration and one calling the tweet “ smug and repellant.
” “ Employee of network that lied to Americans for years about RUSSIAAAAAA !
!
!
!
!
!
!
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a solid presidential contender , and features Jennifer Rubin in a non-ironic way , lectures about character , ” lawyer Harmeet K. Dhillon tweeted .
Fourth Watch editor Steve Krakauer pointed out that what Tapper said “ is true , ” but he didn ’ t see that behavior from Stacey Abrams just this past weekend regarding her own election .
“ This is true — and yet I don ’ t remember this sort of sentiment when we had Stacey Abrams , on Tapper ’ s Sunday show yesterday , still refusing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who still maintain Trump cheated in 2016 over Hillary Clinton , ” Krakauer wrote .
“ One does n't have to endorse every errant claim of voter fraud to find this attitude smug and repellant , especially coming from a man who is directly responsible for injecting the Russia dossier into the national conversation , ” journalist Mark Hemingway said .
“ Well well well , look who ’ s joined The Squad in threatening conservatives , ” commentator John Cardillo said .
“ I like how this goes immediately to a world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employees for their political views , ” Federalist contributor Benjamin Weingarten said .
“ CNN ’ s Jake Tapper suggests here that Trump supporters may / should get turned down by future employers for contesting the 2020 presidential race , ” political strategist Bryan Dean Wright wrote .
Meanwhile , election lawsuits remain outstanding and Trump has yet to concede .
Welcome to American Journalism.
” Security expert Chris Vickery responded to Tapper that his tweet was an “ understandable take , ” but not a “ healthy ” one , prompting Tapper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Jake , this is an understandable take and perhaps even wise words for many impressionable types .
But it ’ s not a healthy take .
It ’ s not an ideal take .
In the best future society , the lawful , political actions taken in private life will not be accessible nor relevant to employment , ” Vickery wrote .
Tapper responded , ” I agree with that 100 % .
But read the next tweet in the thread — I ’ m talking about professional actions that go well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due diligence and into the land of the wild and unhinged .
”

CNN’s Jake Tapper was slammed for saying supporters of President Trump should worry “how any future employers might see your character defined during adversity.”
“I truly sympathize with those dealing with losing — it’s not easy — but at a certain point one has to think not only about what’s best for the nation (peaceful transfer of power) but how any future employers might see your character defined during adversity,” Tapper tweeted Monday.
“I mean, I don’t expect the ride-or-die crew to listen to me, but,” he added. “‘So, it says here on your resume that you drove a sex offender to testify at Four Seasons Total Landscaping, north of the Tacony-Palmyra bridge.’”
2/ I mean, I don’t expect the ride-or-die crew to listen to me, but ...
“So, it says here on your resume that you drove a sex offender to testify at Four Seasons Total Landscaping, north of the Tacony-Palmyra bridge...” — Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) November 9, 2020
The tweets set off a storm of pundits and others slamming the CNN anchor, with some pointing to CNN reporting on the Russian collusion narrative during Trump's administration and one calling the tweet “smug and repellant.”
“Employee of network that lied to Americans for years about RUSSIAAAAAA!!!!!!!!, told us Michael Avenatti was a solid presidential contender, and features Jennifer Rubin in a non-ironic way, lectures about character,” lawyer Harmeet K. Dhillon tweeted.
Employee of network that lied to Americans for years about RUSSIAAAAAA!!!!!!!!, told us Michael Avenatti was a solid presidential contender, and features Jennifer Rubin in a non-ironic way, lectures about character.... https://t.co/qlEyp1Dvl8 — Harmeet K. Dhillon (@pnjaban) November 10, 2020
Fourth Watch editor Steve Krakauer pointed out that what Tapper said “is true,” but he didn’t see that behavior from Stacey Abrams just this past weekend regarding her own election.
“This is true — and yet I don’t remember this sort of sentiment when we had Stacey Abrams, on Tapper’s Sunday show yesterday, still refusing to concede her election. Or those who still maintain Trump cheated in 2016 over Hillary Clinton,” Krakauer wrote.
This is true - and yet I don’t remember this sort of sentiment when we had Stacey Abrams, on Tapper’s Sunday show yesterday, still refusing to concede her election. Or those who still maintain Trump cheated in 2016 over Hillary Clinton. https://t.co/mQrEE80y3Q — Steve Krakauer (@SteveKrak) November 9, 2020
“One doesn't have to endorse every errant claim of voter fraud to find this attitude smug and repellant, especially coming from a man who is directly responsible for injecting the Russia dossier into the national conversation,” journalist Mark Hemingway said.
One doesn't have to endorse every errant claim of voter fraud to find this attitude smug and repellant, especially coming from a man who is directly responsible for injecting the Russia dossier into the national conversation. https://t.co/aEn34zMVM9 — Mark Hemingway (@Heminator) November 9, 2020
“Well well well, look who’s joined The Squad in threatening conservatives,” commentator John Cardillo said.
Well well well, look who’s joined The Squad in threatening conservatives https://t.co/lGC5cN4slR — John Cardillo (@johncardillo) November 9, 2020
“I like how this goes immediately to a world in which businesses threaten to discriminate against employees for their political views,” Federalist contributor Benjamin Weingarten said.
I like how this goes immediately to a world in which businesses threaten to discriminate against employees for their political views https://t.co/1KBr815sei — Benjamin Weingarten (@bhweingarten) November 9, 2020
“CNN’s Jake Tapper suggests here that Trump supporters may / should get turned down by future employers for contesting the 2020 presidential race,” political strategist Bryan Dean Wright wrote. Meanwhile, election lawsuits remain outstanding and Trump has yet to concede. Welcome to American Journalism.”
CNN’s Jake Tapper suggests here that Trump supporters may / should get turned down by future employers for contesting the 2020 presidential race.
Meanwhile, election lawsuits remain outstanding and Trump has yet to concede.
Welcome to American Journalism. https://t.co/eOXyqDnCDE — BDW (@BryanDeanWright) November 9, 2020
Security expert Chris Vickery responded to Tapper that his tweet was an “understandable take,” but not a “healthy” one, prompting Tapper to respond and clarify his remarks.
“Jake, this is an understandable take and perhaps even wise words for many impressionable types. But it’s not a healthy take. It’s not an ideal take. In the best future society, the lawful, political actions taken in private life will not be accessible nor relevant to employment,” Vickery wrote.
Tapper responded, ”I agree with that 100%. But read the next tweet in the thread — I’m talking about professional actions that go well beyond reasonable legal challenges or actions or due diligence and into the land of the wild and unhinged.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-11-11--GOP group to spend $10M in Georgia to 'save' Senate majority

The Club for Growth is investing $ 10 million in Georgia to preserve the Republican Party 's Senate majority , with plans to boost GOP candidates in two Jan. 5 runoff elections that will determine the balance of power on Capitol Hill for the next two years .
Besides spending $ 10 million or more on a robust advertising campaign , the Club for Growth is collaborating with five conservative groups and about one dozen Republican senators and senators-elect to push Sen. David Purdue past Democratic challenger Jon Ossoff and help Sen. Kelly Loeffler hold off Democratic challenger Raphael Warnock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take the White House on Jan. 20 , Senate Republicans can afford to lose just one of the two Georgia seats and still retain their majority .
“ The Georgia run-off elections are about more than two Senate seats , the races are about control of the Senate and preventing an increasingly radical Democratic Party from undoing every American institution and instituting socialism , ” Club for Growth Action President David McIntosh said in a statement provided to the Washington Examiner late Tuesday .
“ We are bringing together organizations and leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' McIntosh added .
Participating in what the Club for Growth is dubbing the `` Save America Coalition '' are conservative groups For America , FreedomWorks , Heritage Action for America , the Susan B. Anthony List , and Tea Party Patriots .
The Republican lawmakers involved include Sens .
Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee ; Ted Cruz of Texas ; Steve Daines of Montana ; Josh Hawley of Missouri ; Ron Johnson of Wisconsin ; Mike Lee of Utah ; Marco Rubio of Florida ; and Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania and GOP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuberville of Alabama .
Ex-South Carolina Sen. Jim DeMint also plans to join former colleagues as they stump across Georgia , sometimes via a bus tour being organized by the Club for Growth .
Perdue came in first against Ossoff in last week 's general election , 49.7 % to 48 % , but was forced into a runoff after falling short of 50 % of the vote .
Loeffler , appointed to the Senate late last year by Republican Gov .
Brian Kemp , had to fend off Republican Rep. Doug Collins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election held the same day .
She finished behind Warnock in that contest , 33 % to 26 % .
Georgia was a reliably red state for decades .
But Biden was leading President Trump with most precincts reporting , and he is expected to win the state 's 16 Electoral College votes , causing Senate Republicans and their supporters to take the threat of defeat in the runoff elections seriously .
Georgia has slowly evolved into a swing state as Democrats have gained strength in the Atlanta suburbs and other areas of @ @ @

The Club for Growth is investing $10 million in Georgia to preserve the Republican Party's Senate majority, with plans to boost GOP candidates in two Jan. 5 runoff elections that will determine the balance of power on Capitol Hill for the next two years.
Besides spending $10 million or more on a robust advertising campaign, the Club for Growth is collaborating with five conservative groups and about one dozen Republican senators and senators-elect to push Sen. David Purdue past Democratic challenger Jon Ossoff and help Sen. Kelly Loeffler hold off Democratic challenger Raphael Warnock. With presumptive President-elect Joe Biden poised to take the White House on Jan. 20, Senate Republicans can afford to lose just one of the two Georgia seats and still retain their majority.
“The Georgia run-off elections are about more than two Senate seats, the races are about control of the Senate and preventing an increasingly radical Democratic Party from undoing every American institution and instituting socialism,” Club for Growth Action President David McIntosh said in a statement provided to the Washington Examiner late Tuesday.
“We are bringing together organizations and leaders to support and engage conservatives in Georgia," McIntosh added.
Participating in what the Club for Growth is dubbing the "Save America Coalition" are conservative groups For America, FreedomWorks, Heritage Action for America, the Susan B. Anthony List, and Tea Party Patriots.
The Republican lawmakers involved include Sens. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee; Ted Cruz of Texas; Steve Daines of Montana; Josh Hawley of Missouri; Ron Johnson of Wisconsin; Mike Lee of Utah; Marco Rubio of Florida; and Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania and GOP Sens.-elect Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming and Tommy Tuberville of Alabama. Ex-South Carolina Sen. Jim DeMint also plans to join former colleagues as they stump across Georgia, sometimes via a bus tour being organized by the Club for Growth.
Perdue came in first against Ossoff in last week's general election, 49.7% to 48%, but was forced into a runoff after falling short of 50% of the vote. Loeffler, appointed to the Senate late last year by Republican Gov. Brian Kemp, had to fend off Republican Rep. Doug Collins and multiple Democratic candidates in a special election held the same day. She finished behind Warnock in that contest, 33% to 26%.
Georgia was a reliably red state for decades. But Biden was leading President Trump with most precincts reporting, and he is expected to win the state's 16 Electoral College votes, causing Senate Republicans and their supporters to take the threat of defeat in the runoff elections seriously. Georgia has slowly evolved into a swing state as Democrats have gained strength in the Atlanta suburbs and other areas of the state.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-11-11--With a Biden presidency, Trump would top 2024 Republican field

Jockeying for the Republican nomination in 2024 has been quietly underway for a couple of years .
And more than a week past Election Day 2020 , a crowded field of contenders is beginning to crystallize , with presumptive President-elect Joe Biden appearing to have ousted President Trump .
The primary fight is still two-and-a-half years off .
But several candidates are deep in the campaign planning stages for their bid to claim Trump ’ s throne .
Other Republicans , also eyeing a White House run since early in the Trump presidency but waiting for his reelection bid to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pace of their march toward 2024 .
Chief among this group could be Trump himself .
The president is not conceding defeat , claiming Biden ’ s victory was built on voter fraud and other electoral malfeasance .
But Trump ’ s odds of overturning the results are thin at best , and the Republican chief executive has indicated to confidants for months that he would consider running again if Biden managed to beat him .
Following is a list of 2024 Republicans , starting with the president himself .
Trump : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 71.5 million votes in the 2020 general election , the second-most in history for a White House candidate behind Biden ’ s expected 76.5 million-plus .
Those are a lot of Republican voters — proof Trump is as popular as ever with a GOP base that tends to dominate in presidential primaries despite losing after just one term .
Especially if grassroots Republicans continue to agree with Trump ’ s claims that Democrats stole the election , he could be tough to beat in 2024 if he mounts a third campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s eldest son has been discussed as the heir to the Trump legacy and a potential candidate for the White House .
The talk doesn ’ t emanate from him .
Chants of “ 2024 ” have broken out at rallies , and some supporters have adorned his appearances with homemade “ Donald Trump Jr. 2024 ” signs .
Recently , Trump Jr. flexed his muscles by calling out potential 2024 Republicans by accusing them of abandoning the president ’ s legal challenges to the 2020 results .
With five young children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if Trump Jr. will run , but he could be a force in the primary if he did .
Vice President Mike Pence : The vice president is a loyal soldier .
He accepted Trump ’ s assignment to lead the coronavirus task force and functioned in the critical role of go-between with the nation ’ s governors , many of whom have rocky relationships with Trump .
Pence has been Trump ’ s bridge to traditional Republicans — voters and wealthy establishment donors — unsettled by his provocative behavior , putting his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president and reassure skeptics .
But is that enough for the mild-mannered Pence to win over GOP primary voters smitten with Trump ’ s combativeness ?
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo : Despite beginning 2016 a virulent Trump critic , Pompeo ’ s relationship with the president has only grown since he first joined the administration as Central Intelligence Agency director .
Their strong connection — the fact that Pompeo was among the few high-ranking administration officials that the president did not fire or resign because of major policy disagreements — gives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pompeo was hedging on Tuesday when he predicted “ a smooth transition to a second Trump administration.
” His challenge is staying relevant between now and then .
Pompeo is betting yes , having passed on a Kansas Senate seat that would have guaranteed him a platform to run for president .
Nikki Haley : Trump ’ s former United Nations ambassador is another savvy Republican figure who managed to turn criticism of the president in 2016 into a cabinet position and high praise from the commander in chief during his presidency .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ good terms ) , she launched a political organization , began building an army of small-dollar grassroots contributors , and traveled the country stumping for GOP congressional candidates .
As a charismatic woman , her candidacy appeals to Republicans who believe the party must do more to attract voters who are not white men — at least without Trump on the ticket .
The question most Republicans have is not if the former South Carolina governor will run , but when she will make her campaign official .
Sen. Ted Cruz : The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to run again .
Cruz would begin 2024 with key advantages : name identification , a robust email list of grassroots campaign contributors , and the experience of running before — long a prerequisite for winning GOP primaries pre-Trump .
The Texas senator also has the advantage of having few , if any , policy blemishes on his record on key issues such as immigration .
Still undetermined is whether his initially rocky relationship with Trump , long-since smoothed over , will be used against him .
The two talk regularly .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speech to party delegates in Cleveland four years ago , Cruz was not invited to speak at this year ’ s gathering .
Sen. Marco Rubio : The Florida Republican has not been as politically active on the 2024 front as others .
But he has spent four years since Trump was elected exploring the socio-political causes behind the president ’ s surprising 2016 victory and updating his governing agenda to account for so many Americans , particularly working-class voters in the heartland , felt left behind and ignored by the country ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That has manifested in the form of “ common good capitalism , ” an economic philosophy that acknowledges there is a role for government in the market .
Job No .
1 for Rubio is winning reelection to a third Senate term in 2022 .
He could pivot to a 2024 presidential bid thereafter .
Sen. Tom Cotton : The Arkansas Republican has been among the most aggressive in preparing for a 2024 bid .
What Cotton lacks in personal magnetism and political celebrity , he makes up for with relentless drive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a political organization from scratch , methodically cultivating relationships with influential donors , building his email list , and forging connections with key GOP operations in early primary states .
Additionally , and perhaps critically : Cotton boasts a populist record on problems such as immigration and trade that is in alignment with Trump , whom he chats with often .
The only thing that is likely to keep Cotton from the next GOP primary is a prominent position in the president ’ s cabinet .
That no longer appears to be an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South Dakota ’ s chief executive emerged as the rising star of the 2020 election cycle .
Noem hosted Trump in her state in July for a major speech on American values at Mount Rushmore , traveled the country extensively to campaign for his reelection , and delivered a well-received speech at the Republican convention in August .
But perhaps the most important factor in Noem ’ s burgeoning popularity has been her defiant refusal since the earliest days of the coronavirus pandemic to implement economic lockdowns and other restrictions on gathering — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Counted among Noem ’ s advisers is Trump confidant Corey Lewandowski , another reason why Republicans are expecting her to mount a presidential bid .
In 2024 , the list of potential Republican presidential candidates could run as long as it did four years ago in a 17-person field .
Other names to watch include : Gov .
Larry Hogan : The Marylander considered challenging Trump in the 2020 Republican presidential primary but demurred after concluding there was no market for an alternative to the incumbent among GOP voters .
But look for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another look in 2024 .
Sen. Josh Hawley : The telegenic Missouri senator has impressed grassroots Republicans and wealthy GOP donors alike .
He has focused on developing a bold populist agenda that appeals to blue-collar voters but offers his plans with the welcoming personality that might help Republicans regain ground lost in the suburbs under Trump .
Sen. Rick Scott : Elected chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee by his peers , the Floridian is charged with defending the party ’ s Senate majority in 2022 — or reclaiming it , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elections in Georgia in January .
Look for him to pivot to a 2024 presidential bid thereafter .
[ Disclaimer : The writer 's wife counts Scott as a client . ]
Sen. Tim Scott : The South Carolina Republican received high praise for the speech he delivered on Trump ’ s behalf at the president ’ s renomination celebration in August .
He has already said that his 2022 reelection bid will be his last to the Senate and is mulling a White House bid two years later .
Sen. Ben Sasse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highly of Trump , as was made apparent in a leaked conversation he had with a constituent during a tele-town hall meeting he convened in October .
That could be a detriment to any White House aspirations he might have , unless the party goes in a different direction four years hence .
Chris Christie : The former governor of New Jersey has managed to maintain a close relationship with Trump while keeping one foot inside the traditional GOP establishment .
That could be a valuable commodity in 2024 .
Christie ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ undermined in part on a controversy concerning a bridge closure while he was governor .
Gov .
Greg Abbott : The Texas Republican is either very interested in running for president in 2024 , or not interested at all , depending on who you ask .
He still has the 2022 election to navigate ahead of any presidential bid , and Texas is more competitive than in years past , although the Democrats struck out in 2020 .
Gov .
Ron DeSantis : He could be one of three Florida Republicans in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Running from Florida offers healthy access to Republican donors , political strategists , and nominating delegates .
The only question is what happens if DeSantis has to split all of that two or three ways .
His close relationship with the Trump family could prove advantageous .
Gov .
Doug Ducey : The Arizonan is taking over as chairman of the Republican Governors Association , a group that affords GOP chiefs executive access to some of the party ’ s most influential donors and top political operatives .
If he ran , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a governor used the RGA as a platform to launch a presidential bid .
Gov .
Pete Ricketts : The easy-going Nebraskan has not enjoyed the attention bestowed on fellow small-state governor Noem .
But Ricketts is from a wealthy Republican family that has donated generously to Trump and other party causes , with his brother , Todd , spending the last couple of years as finance chairman of the Republican National Committee .

Jockeying for the Republican nomination in 2024 has been quietly underway for a couple of years. And more than a week past Election Day 2020, a crowded field of contenders is beginning to crystallize, with presumptive President-elect Joe Biden appearing to have ousted President Trump.
The primary fight is still two-and-a-half years off. But several candidates are deep in the campaign planning stages for their bid to claim Trump’s throne. Other Republicans, also eyeing a White House run since early in the Trump presidency but waiting for his reelection bid to pass, are poised to step up the pace of their march toward 2024. Chief among this group could be Trump himself.
The president is not conceding defeat, claiming Biden’s victory was built on voter fraud and other electoral malfeasance. But Trump’s odds of overturning the results are thin at best, and the Republican chief executive has indicated to confidants for months that he would consider running again if Biden managed to beat him. Following is a list of 2024 Republicans, starting with the president himself.
Trump: The president is on track to earn more than 71.5 million votes in the 2020 general election, the second-most in history for a White House candidate behind Biden’s expected 76.5 million-plus. Those are a lot of Republican voters — proof Trump is as popular as ever with a GOP base that tends to dominate in presidential primaries despite losing after just one term. Especially if grassroots Republicans continue to agree with Trump’s claims that Democrats stole the election, he could be tough to beat in 2024 if he mounts a third campaign.
Donald Trump Jr.: The president’s eldest son has been discussed as the heir to the Trump legacy and a potential candidate for the White House. The talk doesn’t emanate from him. Chants of “2024” have broken out at rallies, and some supporters have adorned his appearances with homemade “Donald Trump Jr. 2024” signs. Recently, Trump Jr. flexed his muscles by calling out potential 2024 Republicans by accusing them of abandoning the president’s legal challenges to the 2020 results. With five young children to raise, it’s unclear if Trump Jr. will run, but he could be a force in the primary if he did.
Vice President Mike Pence: The vice president is a loyal soldier. He accepted Trump’s assignment to lead the coronavirus task force and functioned in the critical role of go-between with the nation’s governors, many of whom have rocky relationships with Trump. Pence has been Trump’s bridge to traditional Republicans — voters and wealthy establishment donors — unsettled by his provocative behavior, putting his character on the line to vouch for the president and reassure skeptics. But is that enough for the mild-mannered Pence to win over GOP primary voters smitten with Trump’s combativeness?
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo: Despite beginning 2016 a virulent Trump critic, Pompeo’s relationship with the president has only grown since he first joined the administration as Central Intelligence Agency director. Their strong connection — the fact that Pompeo was among the few high-ranking administration officials that the president did not fire or resign because of major policy disagreements — gives him bragging rights in 2024. Perhaps Pompeo was hedging on Tuesday when he predicted “a smooth transition to a second Trump administration.” His challenge is staying relevant between now and then. Pompeo is betting yes, having passed on a Kansas Senate seat that would have guaranteed him a platform to run for president.
Nikki Haley: Trump’s former United Nations ambassador is another savvy Republican figure who managed to turn criticism of the president in 2016 into a cabinet position and high praise from the commander in chief during his presidency. After Haley left the administration (on good terms), she launched a political organization, began building an army of small-dollar grassroots contributors, and traveled the country stumping for GOP congressional candidates. As a charismatic woman, her candidacy appeals to Republicans who believe the party must do more to attract voters who are not white men — at least without Trump on the ticket. The question most Republicans have is not if the former South Carolina governor will run, but when she will make her campaign official.
Sen. Ted Cruz: The runner-up to Trump in 2016 is likely to run again. Cruz would begin 2024 with key advantages: name identification, a robust email list of grassroots campaign contributors, and the experience of running before — long a prerequisite for winning GOP primaries pre-Trump. The Texas senator also has the advantage of having few, if any, policy blemishes on his record on key issues such as immigration. Still undetermined is whether his initially rocky relationship with Trump, long-since smoothed over, will be used against him. The two talk regularly. But after declining to endorse Trump during his speech to party delegates in Cleveland four years ago, Cruz was not invited to speak at this year’s gathering.
Sen. Marco Rubio: The Florida Republican has not been as politically active on the 2024 front as others. But he has spent four years since Trump was elected exploring the socio-political causes behind the president’s surprising 2016 victory and updating his governing agenda to account for so many Americans, particularly working-class voters in the heartland, felt left behind and ignored by the country’s political, cultural and governing elites. That has manifested in the form of “common good capitalism,” an economic philosophy that acknowledges there is a role for government in the market. Job No. 1 for Rubio is winning reelection to a third Senate term in 2022. He could pivot to a 2024 presidential bid thereafter.
Sen. Tom Cotton: The Arkansas Republican has been among the most aggressive in preparing for a 2024 bid. What Cotton lacks in personal magnetism and political celebrity, he makes up for with relentless drive and focus. The senator has built a political organization from scratch, methodically cultivating relationships with influential donors, building his email list, and forging connections with key GOP operations in early primary states. Additionally, and perhaps critically: Cotton boasts a populist record on problems such as immigration and trade that is in alignment with Trump, whom he chats with often. The only thing that is likely to keep Cotton from the next GOP primary is a prominent position in the president’s cabinet. That no longer appears to be an option.
Gov. Kristi Noem: South Dakota’s chief executive emerged as the rising star of the 2020 election cycle. Noem hosted Trump in her state in July for a major speech on American values at Mount Rushmore, traveled the country extensively to campaign for his reelection, and delivered a well-received speech at the Republican convention in August. But perhaps the most important factor in Noem’s burgeoning popularity has been her defiant refusal since the earliest days of the coronavirus pandemic to implement economic lockdowns and other restrictions on gathering — even amid periodic spikes of infections. Counted among Noem’s advisers is Trump confidant Corey Lewandowski, another reason why Republicans are expecting her to mount a presidential bid.
In 2024, the list of potential Republican presidential candidates could run as long as it did four years ago in a 17-person field. Other names to watch include:
Gov. Larry Hogan: The Marylander considered challenging Trump in the 2020 Republican presidential primary but demurred after concluding there was no market for an alternative to the incumbent among GOP voters. But look for him to give a White House bid another look in 2024.
Sen. Josh Hawley: The telegenic Missouri senator has impressed grassroots Republicans and wealthy GOP donors alike. He has focused on developing a bold populist agenda that appeals to blue-collar voters but offers his plans with the welcoming personality that might help Republicans regain ground lost in the suburbs under Trump.
Sen. Rick Scott: Elected chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee by his peers, the Floridian is charged with defending the party’s Senate majority in 2022 — or reclaiming it, depending on the outcome of two runoff elections in Georgia in January. Look for him to pivot to a 2024 presidential bid thereafter. [Disclaimer: The writer's wife counts Scott as a client.]
Sen. Tim Scott: The South Carolina Republican received high praise for the speech he delivered on Trump’s behalf at the president’s renomination celebration in August. He has already said that his 2022 reelection bid will be his last to the Senate and is mulling a White House bid two years later.
Sen. Ben Sasse: The Nebraska Republican does not think highly of Trump, as was made apparent in a leaked conversation he had with a constituent during a tele-town hall meeting he convened in October. That could be a detriment to any White House aspirations he might have, unless the party goes in a different direction four years hence.
Chris Christie: The former governor of New Jersey has managed to maintain a close relationship with Trump while keeping one foot inside the traditional GOP establishment. That could be a valuable commodity in 2024. Christie’s presidential bid fell short in 2016, undermined in part on a controversy concerning a bridge closure while he was governor.
Gov. Greg Abbott: The Texas Republican is either very interested in running for president in 2024, or not interested at all, depending on who you ask. He still has the 2022 election to navigate ahead of any presidential bid, and Texas is more competitive than in years past, although the Democrats struck out in 2020.
Gov. Ron DeSantis: He could be one of three Florida Republicans in the field of GOP primary contenders in 2024. Running from Florida offers healthy access to Republican donors, political strategists, and nominating delegates. The only question is what happens if DeSantis has to split all of that two or three ways. His close relationship with the Trump family could prove advantageous.
Gov. Doug Ducey: The Arizonan is taking over as chairman of the Republican Governors Association, a group that affords GOP chiefs executive access to some of the party’s most influential donors and top political operatives. If he ran, it would not be the first time a governor used the RGA as a platform to launch a presidential bid.
Gov. Pete Ricketts: The easy-going Nebraskan has not enjoyed the attention bestowed on fellow small-state governor Noem. But Ricketts is from a wealthy Republican family that has donated generously to Trump and other party causes, with his brother, Todd, spending the last couple of years as finance chairman of the Republican National Committee.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-11-11--Pennsylvania received 10,000 mail-in ballots after polls closed on Election Day

PHILADELPHIA — Pennsylvania Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar revealed on Tuesday that roughly 10,000 mail-in ballots were received between when the polls closed on Nov. 3 at 8 p.m. and Friday at 5 p.m. , the time window considered a grace period after a controversial state Supreme Court ruling .
Many of the 94,000 provisional ballots also mentioned by the Democratic official are still being counted , according to PennLive.com , and 49,000 ballots cast by mail and arrived before polls closed have yet to be tallied .
“ The counties have done an impressive job counting a record number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the provisional ballots , each of which must be considered individually , ” Boockvar said in a statement .
“ Millions of Pennsylvanians voted and made their voices heard in a free , fair and open election last week .
I am so proud of the election officials and poll workers who worked tirelessly , amid a pandemic , so voters could decide this election.
” President Trump 's legal team is challenging whether those votes should be counted , claiming Pennsylvania 's Supreme Court overstepped its boundaries by saying votes received after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden , the presumptive president-elect after media outlets called Pennsylvania and its 20 electoral votes for him on Saturday , currently leads Trump in the state , with 3,376,367 votes , compared to the president 's 3,328,801 votes , a difference of about 47,500 votes .
In October , the Supreme Court declined to hear an emergency request from the state GOP demanding that no ballots received after 8 p.m. on Election Day be counted .
In a dissent , however , Justice Samuel Alito suggested the court could revisit the case .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to block the certification of Pennsylvania 's election results , citing irregularities in the process and alleged incidents of fraud .

PHILADELPHIA — Pennsylvania Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar revealed on Tuesday that roughly 10,000 mail-in ballots were received between when the polls closed on Nov. 3 at 8 p.m. and Friday at 5 p.m., the time window considered a grace period after a controversial state Supreme Court ruling.
Many of the 94,000 provisional ballots also mentioned by the Democratic official are still being counted, according to PennLive.com, and 49,000 ballots cast by mail and arrived before polls closed have yet to be tallied.
“The counties have done an impressive job counting a record number of mail ballots and now are canvassing the provisional ballots, each of which must be considered individually,” Boockvar said in a statement. “Millions of Pennsylvanians voted and made their voices heard in a free, fair and open election last week. I am so proud of the election officials and poll workers who worked tirelessly, amid a pandemic, so voters could decide this election.”
President Trump's legal team is challenging whether those votes should be counted, claiming Pennsylvania's Supreme Court overstepped its boundaries by saying votes received after Election Day must be counted.
Joe Biden, the presumptive president-elect after media outlets called Pennsylvania and its 20 electoral votes for him on Saturday, currently leads Trump in the state, with 3,376,367 votes, compared to the president's 3,328,801 votes, a difference of about 47,500 votes.
In October, the Supreme Court declined to hear an emergency request from the state GOP demanding that no ballots received after 8 p.m. on Election Day be counted. In a dissent, however, Justice Samuel Alito suggested the court could revisit the case.
On Monday, the Trump campaign sued to block the certification of Pennsylvania's election results, citing irregularities in the process and alleged incidents of fraud.