Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) is still largely expected to win reelection against Evan McMullin, who has claimed he's an Independent, despite his support from the Utah Democratic Party, which Lee has made reference to before. Nevertheless, every little bit helps, which is why it was such a stunning move that Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT) refused to endorse Lee, claiming both candidates were his friends. On Wednesday, however, former President Donald Trump released a statement which even referred to his opponent as "McMuffin," and doubled down on his endorsement for Lee. Trump had weighed in last month as well, to offer his endorsement previously, as well as call out Romney and McMullin.
TRUMP: "The Great People of Utah have a gem in Mike Lee. He will never let you down, whereas his opponent, McMuffin, will only let you down. Mike has long had my Complete and Total Endorsement, and even more strongly now!" pic.twitter.com/FtHAnbBWMR
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) November 2, 2022
McMullin has waged a rather ugly campaign against Lee. During last month's debate, he claimed the senator had a role in trying to convince the Trump White House to overturn the 2020 presidential election, claiming "that was the most egregious betrayal of our nation's constitution in its history by a U.S. Senator," adding "it will be your legacy." Even the audience reacted strongly against McMullin's claims, as they booed him.
Evan McMullin gets booed after calling @SenMikeLee a traitor to the Constitution.
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) October 18, 2022
LEE: "You know that's not true. You sir, owe me an apology." pic.twitter.com/3v2c7TUEJi
Lee handled the charge implying that he betrayed the Constitution, just as he did when McMullin claimed what he did "was a betrayal of the American republic," in reference to "when the barbarians were at the gate, you were happy to let them in" in reference to January 6.
In addition to vehemently denying such an insistence from McMullin, which Lee referred to as being done "with a cavalier disregard for the truth," though he acknowledged when addressing his opponent it was "entirely consistent with your adopted political party." As Lee reminded, McMullin has "sought for, actively courted, and obtained the endorsement of the Democratic Party," highlighting how he raised millions over Act Blue and has spent millions "feeding the Democratic industrial complex."
"It's not surprising to me that you would come here today and spout not only lies, but lies that are specific to the leftist cause, lies that are specific to the Democratic Party, and lies that are certainly not applicable to me."
Mike Lee just eviscerated Evan McMullin after McMullin says "when the barbarians were at the gate, you were happy to let them in."
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) October 18, 2022
"It's not surprising to me that you would come here today and spout not only lies, but lies that are specific to the leftist cause." pic.twitter.com/Du5fLPjsAI
McMullin ran for president in 2016. He actually came in a third in his own state, with 21.5 percent of the vote, behind Hillary Clinton's 27.5 percent and Donald Trump's 45.5 percent.
This 2022 Senate race, now less than a week away, is regarded by many forecasters as "Likely Republican," which means Lee has a high chance, though it's one step down from "Solid Republican" or "Safe Republican." Decision Desk HQ nevertheless does have the race as "Solid Republican" though, a rating that has been consistently throughout the election.
Other boosts for Lee have come in the form of a healthy lead in multiple polls against McMullin.
𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐏𝐎𝐋𝐋: Mike Lee holds 19 POINT lead over Evan McMullin in Utah Senate Race
— InteractivePolls (@IAPolls2022) November 1, 2022
With leaners:
(R) Mike Lee 53% (+19)
(I) Evan McMullin 34%
⦿ @OHPredictive | 600 LV | 10/25-27https://t.co/9R3855Kp24 pic.twitter.com/CxmnSb20Pa
UTAH POLL: @MikeLeeforUtah 49%@EvanMcMullin 39%
— Emerson College Polling (@EmersonPolling) October 31, 2022
Someone else 4%
Undecided 4%https://t.co/FkTpMqlwE3 pic.twitter.com/xwfdntZy1L
Join the conversation as a VIP Member