Very soon, many of the 20+ Democrats running for president will follow John Hickenlooper and realize their chances of winning the nomination are slim to none. So, what should these failed presidential candidates do next? Run for US Senate, that’s what!
Politics
Currently, Democrats across the country are deeply focused on beating Donald Trump in 2020. However, taking over the US Senate and giving Mitch McConnell his walking papers should be just as much of a priority as the presidency. After all, gaining control of The White House, the House of Representatives and the Senate could provide Democrats with the steamroller they need to enact gun control, a change to current immigration policy, and more.
That’s where some failing Democratic presidential candidates come in.
Former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper announced last Thursday that his efforts might best be served by challenging freshman GOP Sen. Cory Gardner for Senate rather than remaining in the presidential contest. Now, imagine Beto O’Rourke doing the same and stealing the US Senate seat from Republican Sen. John Cornyn in Texas. Consider the impact of popular Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock handing Democrats the Senate seat from Montana. After all, 34 Senate seats are up for grabs in 2020. Democrats only need a net gain of 4 seats to retake control.
A DAY OF RECKONING
None of the aforementioned men have ever been within striking distance of being a top tier Democratic presidential contender. However, the remaining candidates each have until December to recognize that all is not lost if the presidency is not in the cards for them this time around.
Fortunately, Hickenlooper recognized his fate early. In a video statement ending his presidential run, the former governor spoke glowingly of his future options.
“People want to know what comes next for me. I’ve heard from so many Coloradans who want me to run for the United States Senate. They remind me how much is at stake for our country. And our state,” he said. “I intend to give that some serious thought. I’ve been a geologist, a small businessman, a mayor, a governor and a candidate for president of the United States. At each step, I’ve always looked forward with hope. And I always will.”
As for Beto O’Rourke, he has yet to reach the acceptance stage that Hickenlooper did. Although he has consistently polled at 3%, the Texas Democrat made it known recently he wishes people would stop asking him when he’s going to drop out.
Still, that didn’t stop The Houston Chronicle from looking past his pleas and issuing a public statement for Beto to come back home and consider the Senate instead of the Oval Office.
“So Beto, if you’re listening: Come home. Drop out of the race for president and come back to Texas to run for senator. The chances of winning the race you’re in now are vanishingly small. And Texas needs you,” a recent editorial begged.
The funds Hickenlooper, Beto, and Bullock raised could easily transfer to a Senate race. Also, each man could end up playing a substantial role in shaping policy and creating a dominant Democratic party.
They can’t all be president — but they could all be powerful.
John Hickenlooper gets it and will be a very formidable candidate for the US Senate. Now, Beto and Bullock… you’re on the clock!
John Hickenlooper gets it and will be a very formidable candidate for the US Senate. Now, Beto and Bullock… you’re on the clock! […]
Hear! Hear!..DJ.
Kudos to Hickenlooper for recognizing the obvious and ending a losing campaign sooner rather than later. I do hope he decides to run for that Senate seat.
And I certainly hope that Beto and Bullock will do the same with their respective races.