Amash decides against Libertarian campaign for president | TheHill – The Hill

Rep. Justin AmashJustin AmashThe Hill's Campaign Report: DOJ, intel to be major issues in 2020 Amash decides against Libertarian campaign for president The Hill's Morning Report - Presented by Facebook - In reversal, Trump says he won't disband coronavirus task force MORE (L-Mich.) announced Saturday he will not run for president as a Libertarian, saying the circumstances do not lend themselves toward a successful third-party campaign.

Ive spent nearly three weeks assessing the race, appearing in media, talking to delegates and donors, watching the Libertarian Partys convention plan unfold, and gathering feedback from family, friends, and other advisers, Amash tweeted. After much reflection, Ive concluded that circumstances dont lend themselves to my success as a candidate for president this year, and therefore I will not be a candidate.

After much reflection, Ive concluded that circumstances dont lend themselves to my success as a candidate for president this year, and therefore I will not be a candidate.

Amash maintained that a third-party candidate could contribute a fresh outlook on politics for American voters, but said the intensely partisan atmosphere surrounding the 2020 race would hinder a successful Libertarian campaign.

I continue to believe that a candidate from outside the old parties, offering a vision of government grounded in liberty and equality, can break through in the right environment. But this environment presents extraordinary challenges, Amash said. Polarization is near an all-time high. Electoral success requires an audience willing to consider alternatives, but both social media and traditional media are dominated by voices strongly averse to the political risks posed by a viable third candidate.

Amash teased a third-party campaign late last month when he launched an exploratory committee to seek the Libertarian Partys presidential nomination. The Michigan lawmaker, who formerly belonged to the Republican Party, had been toying for months with the prospect of launching a third-party White House bid.

Known as a conservative with an independent streak, Amash began souring on the GOP after President TrumpDonald John TrumpTrump slams Fox after hydroxychloroquine warning: 'Looking for a new outlet' Trump threatens permanent freeze on WHO funding without 'major' reforms within 30 days Schumer: Trump's statements on hydroxychloroquine 'is reckless, reckless, reckless' MOREs inauguration, accusing the party of abandoning fiscal conservatism and turning a blind eye to misbehavior to appease the president.

His national profile steadily rose with his increasingly vocal barbs against the president and some of his House colleagues, which came to a head when he said hewould back Democratsin their impeachment effort and formally left the Republican Party.

This president will be in power for only a short time, but excusing his misbehavior will forever tarnish your name. To my Republican colleagues: Step outside your media and social bubble. History will not look kindly on disingenuous, frivolous, and false defenses of this man, Amash said before supporting the Houses impeachment resolution in October.

If he had run, Amash easily would have been the highest-profile third-party candidate in the race, with no candidate thus far this cycleenjoying the name recognition of the Green Partys Jill Stein or the Libertarian Partys Gary JohnsonGary Earl JohnsonAmash decides against Libertarian campaign for president The Hill's Campaign Report: Amash moves toward Libertarian presidential bid Amash launches exploratory committee for Libertarian presidential run MORE in 2016.

Amash expressed concerns over the Libertarian Partys organizational footing in the 2020 race, citing struggles to get on the ballot in all 50 states in November and unity around an ultimate nominee. However, he said he was optimistic about Libertarian candidates chances down the ballot and said he will help the party make electoral gains.

Ive been speaking directly to delegates about this opportunity for only a short time, but these conversations have solidified my belief that the Libertarian Party is well positioned to become a major and consistent contender to win elections at all levels of government, he said. I remain invested in helping the party realize these possibilities and look forward to the successes ahead.

Amashs decision frees him up to focus on reelection in his Michigan House district, which the GOP is eager to flip. The Cook Political Report, a nonpartisan election handicapper, rates Amashs seat as Lean Republican.

Updated at 2:36 p.m.

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Amash decides against Libertarian campaign for president | TheHill - The Hill