Why Donald Trump Did Not Endorse Kris Kobach in the Kansas GOP Senate Primary in 2020
Political Fears and the Republican Senate Majority
Donald Trump's decision not to endorse Kris Kobach in the Kansas GOP Senate primary in 2020 was influenced by broader concerns within the Republican Party. Trump and his fellow Republicans were wary of the potential outcomes if Kobach won the primary. The primary election in Kansas was seen as a critical opportunity to maintain the Republican Senate majority, which was at stake.
The fear was that if Kobach secured the nomination, it could jeopardize the GOP's stronghold in Kansas, a traditionally Republican state. Kobach's campaign was seen as risky because the general election in such a red state would likely favor a Democratic candidate, potentially leading to a Democratic victory and a loss of the Senate majority.
Previous Election Performance
Another factor in Trump's decision was Kobach's performance in previous elections. Just a few years earlier, in 2018, Kobach had lost his bid for governor against a Democrat. This loss was a clear indication of the fragility of the Republican position in Kansas and raised doubts about Kobach's ability to win in a more competitive Senate race.
Despite Kansas consistently favoring Republican candidates over the years, the 2018 gubernatorial race highlighted the fluid nature of political support and the potential for surprises. Kobach's loss in this race made it evident that his margin of victory would be narrow, and any significant defeat could tilt the votes towards a Democratic candidate.
The Issue of Voter Fraud
The rumors and allegations of voter fraud during the 2016 presidential election, particularly those surrounding suspicion over "illegal immigrants" and their alleged voting behavior, played a significant role in the decision-making process. Kris Kobach was initially perceived as a powerful figure in the fight against voter fraud. He was appointed to investigate and potentially "prove" that Hillary Clinton did not defeat Donald Trump in the election.
However, despite his assertion as a key proponent in the anti-fraud campaign, Kobach ultimately failed to substantiate any claims of significant voter fraud. His failure to deliver concrete evidence against alleged illegal voting practices led to a lack of credibility and trust within the Republican Party. When questioned about these claims, Kobach was unable to provide any substantial proof, failing to meet the standards expected of him as a leader in this issue.
Conclusion
Donald Trump's decision not to endorse Kris Kobach in the 2020 Kansas GOP Senate primary was a strategic move influenced by the political landscape and the concerns of maintaining the Republican Senate majority. Additionally, Kobach's past failures, particularly his loss in the 2018 gubernatorial race, and his inability to substantiate voter fraud allegations further complicated his candidacy.
This decision highlights the complex and often delicate nature of political endorsements and the importance of trust and reliability within a political party.
Keywords: Donald Trump, Kris Kobach, Kansas GOP Senate Primary