Tea Party Circles the Wagons Around Justin Amash

[jct74]

Tea Party Circles the Wagons Around Justin Amash

By Abby Livingston
July 25, 2014

No House Republican enrages the business-friendly wing of the GOP more than Justin Amash. But members and operatives who hoped to end his political career are running out of time and moxie before Michigan’s Aug. 5 primary.

So far, many of Amash’s cash-flush critics have passed on investing substantial resources in his GOP rival, former East Grand Rapids School Trustee Brian Ellis. At the same time, Amash allies such as the Club for Growth and Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, have tangibly backed the libertarian sophomore’s re-election in the 3rd District.

Amash rankles House GOP leadership and rank-and-file members over issues ranging from national security to parochial legislation. He’s often at odds with much of his conference, and privately, many members and their aides say their capacity to govern would be easier if he was no longer in Congress.

But on Capitol Hill, it’s still taboo to try to oust a fellow member — even someone who frustrates GOP Leadership as much as Amash. As a result, almost no one in Congress will publicly challenge his re-election.

For example, Ellis’ sole donor in the Michigan delegation is House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Rogers — and he’s retiring this year.

“Brian will be an effective advocate in Washington, not an ineffective, celebrity politician who works against the Republican party at every turn,” Rogers press secretary Kelsey Knight added in a statement.

...

read more:
http://atr.rollcall.com/justin-amash...llis-michigan/

[nayjevin]

[jct74]

Justin needs to win by as large a margin as possible, otherwise he might get challenged again next election.

But if Amash wins the GOP primary next week — as most Republicans expect — his Hill adversaries will watch his margin. If his wins by less than 10 percent, and he continues to aggravate his own conference, things might be different next cycle.

[Brett85]

It's kind of surprising that Cruz is supporting Amash, when you consider the disagreements they would have on foreign policy issues.

[EBounding]

Justin is going to win, but the margin is the question like the story mentions. I think Justin needs at least 20% to ward off a future challenger because Ellis is such a terrible candidate. I don't think it would be hard for them to find someone less terrible than Ellis in the future.

Ellis is pretty much self funding though. Despite the big endorsements, none of them have contributed to his campaign.

[Mr.NoSmile]

Justin needs to win by as large a margin as possible, otherwise he might get challenged again next.

Precisely. I mean, what would it matter about him winning if it's only by a small margin?

[Brian4Liberty]

It's kind of surprising that Cruz is supporting Amash, when you consider the disagreements they would have on foreign policy issues.

Yeah, but they are allies when it comes to most spending cuts and government shutdowns...

[Vanguard101]

It's kind of surprising that Cruz is supporting Amash, when you consider the disagreements they would have on foreign policy issues.

Not really...

[Anti-Neocon]

It's kind of surprising that Cruz is supporting Amash, when you consider the disagreements they would have on foreign policy issues.

Cruz seemingly gets his entire platform from idiotic talk show hosts like Mark Levin. Levin is supporting Amash, so it's no surprise that Cruz is too.

[lakerssuck92]

It's kind of surprising that Cruz is supporting Amash, when you consider the disagreements they would have on foreign policy issues.

Not at all, Amash gave money to (through his PAC) and endorsed Cruz during the primary down here in Texas.