The Inconvenient Truth About The Republican Party’s Dark-Horse Candidates For President

More signs that it’s the summer before a presidential election season: another story about other candidates who might jump into the GOP race because the main contenders look weak or downright doomed.

As with previous editions of this line of wish casting, the prime contenders to run are Virginia Gov. Glen Youngkin and Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp. Also in common with previous episodes: those making the case for these would-be candidates are self-described GOP wise men, strategists, observers, etc. (RELATED: Tucker Carlson To Host Republican Presidential Forum Without Trump)

Not the would-be candidates themselves. A sampling of the narrative being peddled:

Former New Hampshire Sen. Judd Gregg (R) said it’s not too late for Youngkin or Kemp to enter the race and win the New Hampshire primary, which will take place a week after the Iowa caucuses next year.

“I don’t think it’s too late at all. Nobody’s getting traction,” said Gregg, who argued Trump’s lead is superficial and based on name recognition. Gregg did acknowledge Trump’s base, which GOP strategists estimate comprises a solid 30 percent of the Republican primary electorate, remains solidly behind him. 

“If somebody wanted to get into this race and come to New Hampshire once a week for the next 16 weeks, they would be a force if they connected with people,” he said. “Youngkin seems to be a very strong guy.”

That’s swell, Judd. But that only works if we ignore the major item on Youngkin’s political plate this November – that is, trying to help Republicans retain control of the House of Delegates and win majority control of the state Senate. Mr. Gregg may not know it, but that is no small task in a state that is closely divided between Team Red and Team Blue. If Mr. Youngkin suddenly decided to shuttle to New Hampshire each week rather than campaign for Republicans in his own state, that wouldn’t just look bad for him, it would likely hamstring his party’s efforts to take full control of the General Assembly.

But let’s skylark a bit with Gregg and his fellows GOP nabobs. Trips to New Hampshire are fun and games in a presidential contest. But New Hampshire doesn’t determine the nominee – never mind a serious, long-haul presidential contender. (RELATED: Legacy Media Turns Its Attention To The Bidens – Why Now?)

That requires a campaign getting organized right now to do the difficult and extremely unsexy work of getting on the ballot in as many state primaries as possible.

It’s not just a matter of writing a check to the state or local party, either. Consider Youngkin’s own Virginia. According to the state Board of Elections, candidates must submit 5,000 signatures from registered voters no later than Dec. 14. That figure includes 200 signatures from each of the state’s 11 congressional districts.

That’s no small accomplishment in Virginia, which has one of the highest ballot access requirements in the country. Meeting it requires organization, time and money. It can’t just be phoned in. Other states have signature requirements too (a listing can be found here).

The bottom line for all the GOP wish caster out there: Unless and until Youngkin starts gathering those petition signatures, his would-be White House bid is so much hot, summertime air.

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of American Liberty News.

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