Justin Amash announces exploratory committee for president
April 28, 2020
Justin Amash, an independent congressman from Michigan, announced Tuesday that he is forming an exploratory committee for president as a Libertarian Party candidate.
Amash’s prospects, though dim, could nevertheless be significant in a close election between President Donald Trump and Joe Biden. Third-party candidates who gain even a fraction of the vote in swing states can affect the outcome in a close race.
“Americans are ready for practical approaches based in humility and trust of the people,” Amash said in a statement on social media. “We’re ready for a presidency that will restore respect for our Constitution and bring people together. I’m excited and honored to be taking these first steps toward serving Americans of every background as president.”
It is unclear if Amash, who left the Republican Party last year over his outspoken opposition to Trump, would do more damage to Biden or Trump. Before leaving the party, he was the lone Republican who supported impeaching the president.
But many Democrats believe the Green Party’s Jill Stein affected the results in some states Hillary Clinton narrowly lost to Trump in 2016. And on Tuesday, some supporters of Biden were already criticizing Amash.
“Giant ego. No judgment,” John Weaver, the chief strategist for John Kasich’s presidential campaign in 2016, said on Twitter.
Weaver, part of a group of conservatives working against Trump’s reelection, added, “Once an admirable figure, now simply a Jill Stein for the coward set.”
The filing deadline for Amash's House seat is May 8. If Amash does not seek re-election, his exit will open up a Republican-leaning district that both parties were prepared to contest, though Democrats would have had better odds with Amash in the race.
Trump carried the western Michigan-based district by 9 points. Three candidates, one Democrat and two Republicans, have posted serious fundraising. Republican Army veteran Peter Meijer has already raised over $1 million for his campaign, though that includes some self-funding.
Source: https://www.politico.com/
