Republican retirements raise questions about GOP optimism in 2020
The recent string of House Republican retirements — even those from ruby-red districts — have raised new questions about whether GOP lawmakers are pessimistic about winning back the House in 2020.
Some Republican political operatives were split on what the recent retirements say about lawmakers’ political calculations, and whether they’re heading for the exits at the prospect of spending a few more years in the minority.
National Republican Congressional Committee spokesman Chris Pack noted retirements happen every cycle, and that the recent exits weren’t raising concerns.
“This is nothing out of the ordinary,” Pack said.
“If anyone thinks they can accurately predict what’s going to happen politically 14 months from now, let alone 14 days from now, I think they’re sadly mistaken,” said Rob Simms, a former NRCC executive director. “So I wouldn’t read too much into many of these retirements.”
But not everyone agreed.
“I think it speaks to a broader trend that people don’t feel confident that Republicans are going to take back the House,” said one GOP strategist, who noted more retirements could fuel pessimism among lawmakers about winning the majority.
https://www.rollcall.com/news/campaigns/republican-retirements-raise-questions-gop-optimism-2020
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