As Cortney wrote earlier this morning, Georgia Congressman Doug Collins (R-GA) has elected to throw his hat in the ring for Georgia’s 2020 Senate contest.
For months, I have given serious deliberation to the role I should serve that would best benefit GA, the country and @realDonaldTrump. Today, I have officially launched my campaign for Senate to do just that. I invite you to join our campaign here:https://t.co/xubaYUr5RP
— Doug Collins (@CollinsforGA) January 29, 2020
Collins’ decision, which was rumored for the past few weeks, gives a challenger to sitting Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R-GA), who was just appointed by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp. This stirs controversy in the Republican establishment, and many GOP voices are denouncing Congressman Collins’ decision. Although a great lawmaker and staunch ally for the president and the GOP as a whole, Collins’ bid for the upper chamber draws unnecessary attention toward a reliable GOP Senate seat, and does not depict unity within the party. The fight for the Senate majority in 2020 is already encompassed by tooth-and-nail races; the GOP does not need an internal fight in a safely red state, which will require resources. Sen. Loeffler has proven herself to be a force to be reckoned with, and a fierce ally for the Republican Party. A challenge this cycle from a fellow Republican, even if well-intentioned, is unnecessary.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) brought the heat this morning. The GOP Senate arm condemned Collins’ decision to run against Sen. Loeffler in a blistering rebuke:
NRSC Statement on Doug Collins announcement: "The NRSC stands firmly behind @kloeffler and urges anyone who wants to re-elect @realDonaldTrump, hold the GOP senate majority, and stop socialism to do the same.” Read full statement here ?? #GASen #gapolhttps://t.co/BgjEUn5Gz4
— The Senate Majority (@NRSC) January 29, 2020
The NRSC is absolutely correct to stand behind Sen. Loeffler. Unnecessary internal controversy within the GOP is not necessary in an election year as crucial as 2020, with so much at stake at the ballot box.
Sen. Loeffler also received support from a fellow GOP woman in the upper chamber, Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN):
Believe me, conservative women, like @kloeffler, are fully capable of doing a man’s job. Get out of the way and give them a chance.
— Marsha Blackburn (@VoteMarsha) January 28, 2020
Sen. Blackburn makes the point that few in the Republican Party are brave enough to unveil: the GOP has a deficit of female representation. The Republican Party is built on values that elevate women without government dependency; the GOP’s core values are inherently pro-women, but the party gets a lackluster reputation based on the lack of women in elected positions.
Women should not be simply handed elected office on the sole basis of gender. However, Sen. Loeffler has proved herself and broken through immense criticism from her own party. She has earned her place in the upper chamber, and served both the people of Georgia and the GOP well during her short time in the Senate.
Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AK) also expressed support for Sen. Loeffler:
.@SenatorLoeffler is a rock-solid supporter of @realDonaldTrump and she is helping fight this sham impeachment.
— Tom Cotton (@TomCottonAR) January 29, 2020
We need more conservative leaders like @SenatorLoeffler who has already become a close ally of mine.
I support Kelly 100% and will work to help her win.
President Trump even acknowledged Sen. Loeffler's success at the USMCA signing:
"Kelly Loeffler, congratulations Kelly, they already like you a lot. That's what the word is."
— Nathan Brand (@NathanBrandWA) January 29, 2020
- President @realDonaldTrump just now at the White House pic.twitter.com/rL6pwCEBaF
Georgia’s Senate contest will take place on Nov. 3, before a run-off election.