- Michigan Representative Justin Amash leaves Republican Party.
- Amash considers entering 2020 Presidential election as an Independent.
- Rep. Amash and President Donald Trump are not big fans of one another.
WASHINGTON – After recently parting ways with the Republican party, Independent Rep. Justin Amash (Michigan) is considering throwing his hat in the presidential ring. While being interviewed during CNN’s “State of the Union”, Amash was asked whether or not he was planning to run for President as a member of the Independent party.
“I still wouldn’t rule anything like that out, I believe that I have to use my skills, my public influence, where it serves the country best,” he responded. “And I believe I have to defend the constitution in whatever way works best.”
What Would This Mean For President Trump’s Campaign?
While Democratic candidates have already started their campaign tours, Amash would be starting in the race late if he chooses to run at all. However, President Trump’s campaign has not added a third-party opponent to his campaign strategy. Granted, Amash has not yet confirmed that he will run in the 2020 Presidential election but if he tried to, he would have to go through a bunch of red tape to get on the ballot as an independent. He could almost automatically be named a candidate if he would have gone the Libertarian route.
Even then, only 4% of votes go towards those listed in the third-party category. The main reason why Amash would announce his candidacy would be to throw a wrench in the Trump campaign. They are clearly not fans of one another and running for President would give Amash a public platform to spout his views, all of his views as he sees himself as an aggressive critic of President Trump.
“Some of the president’s actions were inherently corrupt. Other actions were corrupt—and therefore impeachable—because the president took them to serve his own interests.” Amash tweeted in May.
Some of the president’s actions were inherently corrupt. Other actions were corrupt—and therefore impeachable—because the president took them to serve his own interests.
— Justin Amash (@justinamash) May 23, 2019
Once Amash announced that he would no longer be affiliated with the Republican party, President Trump tweeted:
“Great news for the Republican Party as one of the dumbest & most disloyal men in Congress is “quitting” the Party. No Collusion, No Obstruction! Knew he couldn’t get the nomination to run again in the Great State of Michigan. Already being challenged for his seat. A total loser!”
Great news for the Republican Party as one of the dumbest & most disloyal men in Congress is “quitting” the Party. No Collusion, No Obstruction! Knew he couldn’t get the nomination to run again in the Great State of Michigan. Already being challenged for his seat. A total loser!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 4, 2019
Clearly, ElectionOdds.com thinks these two men would make for some great debate banter if Representative Amash chooses to run in the 2020 Presidential election. Wagers on sportsbooks would become even more interesting between the two, prop bets especially. For now, the public will have to wait and see what move Amash decides to make next for his political future.