Jeff Flakes anti-Trump manifesto could cost him his job

[Judi Lynn]

The Senate race in Arizona heats up
Democracy in America
Oct 19th 2017by J.D.| PHOENIX, ARIZONA

EVEN if Donald Trump had not become president, Senator Jeff Flake of Arizona would probably still be facing a challenge in the Republican Senate primary in 2018. Grassroots conservatives in Arizona have long distrusted him for his perceived apostasy, especially his support for immigration reform. But Mr Trump is the president, and Mr Flake has cast himself as a voice of intraparty opposition to him, transforming his bid for a second term into a battle for the soul of the Republican Party.

Alabama provides a glimpse of what may be in store. On September 26th, Roy Moore, a populist conservative jurist, defeated Senator Luther Strange, the incumbent, in the state’s Republican primary. Though Mr Strange had the support of the president, it was Mr Moore who carried the banner for those who want to “drain the swamp,” as Mr Trump is fond of saying. Mr Strange’s defeat was a loss for the establishment, and political prognosticators now look to other states, Arizona included, to see if the far-right rebellion will spread.

Mr Flake did not endorse or support Mr Trump in 2016, even after he won the Republican nomination. This year, he ratcheted up his opposition, writing “Conscience of a Conservative,” a book that excoriated Mr Trump and his effect on the Republican Party. Mr Trump has taken notice, and wants Mr Flake ousted.

Kelli Ward, an osteopathic physician and former state senator, hopes to be the candidate who helps the president with that. Mrs Ward unsuccessfully challenged John McCain, Arizona’s other senator, in 2016, and now seeks to unseat Mr Flake. She has made Mr Flake’s animosity toward the president a cornerstone of her campaign, and hailed Mr Moore’s win in Alabama as evidence that voters want senators who will help Mr Trump advance his “America First” agenda. On October 17th, Steve Bannon, who has said that he is “declaring war on the Republican establishment” appeared alongside Mrs Ward at a campaign event. "It's an open revolt and it should be," he told that gathering. "These people hold you in total contempt".

More:
https://www.economist.com/blogs/democracyinamerica/2017/10/perils-conscience

[Cicada]

1. He can always become a hi paid lobbyist working only 40 hours per week

I don’t understand why more members of Congress don’t quit. The work hours are crushing, constant plane trips back home, people constantly angry with you.

I guess the fame, the fawning adoration, the ability to sometimes make a difference, the challenge of the political game are valuable.