Donald Trump's kingmaker status faces test in Ohio special election
Make America Great Again, a super PAC chaired by Trump's former campaign manager, quietly purchased US$300,000 in Ohio television advertising. The buy was intended to provide a late-stage boost to another Trump-backed candidate facing a crowded field of Republicans in a special election on Tuesday.
In other cases, Trump's decision to throw his weight behind candidates with baggage, including several running against GOP incumbents who crossed him by voting in favor of his second impeachment, has put him at odds with other party leaders. Some Republicans fear his moves could complicate efforts to win back majorities in the House and Senate next year.
“I said, `Listen, Mr. President, you've been somebody that supported a lot of political candidates over the course of your lifetime, and many of them let you down.' I said, `I'm kind of in the same boat - I mean, on a much smaller scale,”' Carey recalled. “After about an hour and 20 minutes, he said, `I'm all in. I'm going to endorse you and do whatever it takes to get you over the finish line.
But Trump has put great personal stock in his endorsements and frequently touts his record of wins. His formal backing remains highly coveted, with candidates making pilgrimages to Trump's homes in Florida and New Jersey to win his favor. Trump has since insisted the loss was really a win, telling Axios: “The big thing is, we had two very good people running that were both Republicans. That was the win.”
Trump has also met with candidates looking to oust Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., who has emerged as a top Trump critic. The former president backed Kelly Tshibaka in her bid to unseat Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a Republican who voted to convict Trump at his impeachment trial and who is facing reelection next year.