Trump reiterates his support for Sen. Strange ahead of September runoff
WASHINGTON- President Donald Trump in a Wednesday Tweet reiterated his support for for Sen. Luther Strange (R-Ala.) following the incumbent’s ascension to a two-candidate primary runoff that will take place next month.
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/897833223501344769
Strange, who in January was appointed by then-Gov. Robert Bentley (R) to fill the Senate seat vacated by Attorney General Jeff Sessions, finished second in Tuesday’s three-way special primary race.
Former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore eclipsed Strange capturing 38.9 percent of the vote. Strange garnered 32.8 percent. Congressman Mo Brooks, an ardent Trump supporter who had sought the president’s endorsement, received 19.7 percent.
Both Moore and Brooks criticized Strange as a Washington-insider vis-a-vis the incumbent’s support from Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.).
McConnell has been on the receiving end of critical Trump Tweets since last month’s unsuccessful Senate vote to repeal Obamacare. Brooks along with several fellow House Freedom Caucus members have suggested that McConnell is insufficiently conservative and should step down from his leadership position.
Strange has tried to downplay his support from McConnell and instead emphasize the support he has received from the president.
The winner of the September 26 runoff will face Democrat Doug Jones in December’s general election contest.
This article is republished with permission from Talk Media News
Bryan is an award-winning political journalist who has extensive experience covering Congress and Maryland state government.
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