(UnitedVoice.com) – The Republican primary is in full swing. But what started out as a crowded field of candidates is down to just three: former President Donald Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley. While the latter two are still campaigning, it’s looking less and less likely that they will win the nomination.
Although Trump has not technically won the primary, the rumors are swirling about who he might pick to be his running mate if (when) he does.
2016 Choice
When Trump ran in 2016, he listened to party insiders and chose former Indiana Governor Mike Pence (R) to run with him. Pence wasn’t an exciting choice, but he was someone who could pull in the evangelical Christians, a demographic the billionaire needed to win. Pence was also a political insider. He was a former congressman and party leader who knew the ins and outs of Congress.
The relationship between the two seemed to be okay, but it eventually soured. Pence will not be on the ticket the next time around, but the rumor is that Trump is eyeing another powerful Republican insider.
Who Will He Choose?
According to an NBC report, former President Trump hosted a dinner with Mar-a-Lago members in December and asked his guests who he should choose as a running mate. During the conversation, someone brought up Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), the number three Republican in the House.
Guests at the dinner applauded Stefanik for the way she took on university presidents just weeks before during a congressional hearing. Trump responded: “She’s a killer.”
Since then, Trump’s allies have reportedly started vetting Stefanik as a possible running mate. The 39-year-old congresswoman is a popular figure in the Republican Party, and she’s been very loyal to him. Steve Bannon, one of the former president’s close allies, said the congresswoman is “at the top.”
Stefanik is campaigning with Trump in New Hampshire but has kept mum about her potential prospects, telling NBC she is focused on Congress. The GOP leader isn’t the only person on the former president’s VP radar, though.
Former Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who is currently serving as Arkansas’ governor, is also on the list. She was a fierce press secretary when she worked for Trump and never allowed reporters to ruffle her feathers. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and even former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley are on the list.
Although it’s not clear who he will pick, there does seem to be a pattern. All of the alleged top choices are strong, capable, conservative women.
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