The horse race among those hoping to be named Trump’s running mate continued this week, with names widely considered to be on the shortlist circulating in the media and on public occasions congratulating the former president, including GOP House Conference Speaker Elise. Stefanik from New York, who, according to some, has a certain “appeal” to the role.
“Stefanik’s position as the fourth member of the House leadership provides valuable data on how to navigate Capitol Hill, something Trump likes. Historically, Capitol Hill has served as fertile ground for vice presidential candidates,” Republican strategist Erine Perrine told Fox. Digital. News.
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From left to right: House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott (Getty Images)
Perrine praised Stefanik as “a prolific fundraiser,” which she said could bolster the campaign’s monetary position heading into the final stretch of the race, and argued that his loyalty to the former president would ensure team spirit among Republicans.
“Stefanik’s presence also mitigates the Democrats’ attacks on women’s issues,” he said, alluding to Democrats’ attempts to make abortion a top issue in the race. “Their variety would bring a young, dynamic symbol to the Republican Party and help their ticket. “
“Stefanik has earned a reputation for strength in committee hearings, as evidenced recently by her questions to university presidents. This gives him credibility and effectiveness as an activist,” he added.
Republican strategist David Polyansky agrees, noting that Stefanik, during his tenure as speaker of the House of Representatives, has fought a number of critical battles, despite the turmoil surrounding the role of speaker of the House of Representatives.
“He’s done a very effective job of raising his profile, which is hard to do, not only from the standpoint of the House, but even from the standpoint of the House leadership,” he said. “I think it would be ‘I’d be interested in some of the larger donor groups, who would possibly be hesitant in terms of the amount of money they invest. ‘
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“I think the selection of a woman as vice president would be exciting for the party, exciting for donors, exciting from a narrative standpoint. Outside of her gender, she’s a very strong conservative leader, so I think the genuine price for Trump,” he added.
A source close to Trump’s crusade also said that Stefanik being a woman would be “positive” and that it was “important” to the former president that she be a “strong supporter. “
House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik speaks at a press conference at the U. S. Capitol on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images).
“I think it would be a very attractive choice. I think it would be very effective for the election campaign. I think it would be clearly positive for the campaign,” the source said.
Eric Koch, a Democratic strategist, gave a more detailed look at Stefanik’s strengths for the Republican nomination.
“The silver lining that Elise Stefanik brings to the Trump price tag is obvious: She is willing to say and do anything to protect Donald Trump, no matter how absurd, ridiculous or embarrassing it may be,” he said.
“There’s literally no point that’s too low for her, and that’s a quality that Donald Trump not only needs, but also demands of his vice president. Stefanik, thankfully, will stoop in any and every way imaginable to help Trump. “
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Koch said Stefanik’s election had two drawbacks, in addition to his party’s long-standing complaint that she is “ultra MAGA,” meaning that she had “almost no accomplishments” and that she “broke down in debates and interviews” when pressed on issues.
One such case occurred last week on Fox News when Stefanik pressed host Shannon Bream about a New York Times report that questioned her loyalty to Trump over the years.
Rep. Elise Stefanik walks at the U. S. Capitol on Dec. 12, 2023, in Washington (AP Photo/Alex Brandon).
“If Trump wanted to win over average voters, he would hardly choose anything worse than Stefanik, who supports the most excessive elements of House Republicans,” Koch said.
Perrine, like Koch, said liberal and other left-wing media would likely call her a “MAGA extremist,” but she also noted the “limited” effect her diversity could have on the electoral map, given that she comes from deep in New York.
“Losing his role as leader in the House can upset the team spirit of the Republican Party,” Perrine added.
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Polyansky argued that elevating someone directly from the House to first-person prestige in the presidential line of succession is “a bit of an exaggeration. “He also argued that the popularity of his call may simply be problematic.
“She’s not known, not even in the base of the Republican Party, so I don’t know if there would be a massive surprise effect, which could just be primary for Trump. I’m not sure she necessarily provides him with that. “
The source close to Trump’s crusade claimed it would be “hard” to detect that Stefanik’s call would bring a big profit, but said it could add up over time.
Stefanik’s office declined to comment on the story, but a source close to her told Fox that her ouster and arrest of a New York City district once controlled by Democrats was part of her appeal over other potential names on Trump’s shortlist.
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The source noted that Stefanik has more experience on Capitol Hill than Vice President Kamala Harris and could have a quick impact on the implementation of Trump’s legislative calendar if she is selected.
They also argued that, as a young mother, she was a strong supporter of IVF and the 15-week abortion ban, rather than the 6-week ban advocated by other Republicans, which goes directly against the Democrats’ approach to abortion.
From left to right: Ohio Senator J. D. Vance, Florida Senator Marco Rubio, Arkansas Governor Sarah Sanders and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum (Getty Images)
Other big names have also been invited to sign up to endorse Trump on the Republican ticket, including South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Sanders, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and South Dakota Gov. Kristi. Noem, Ohio Sen. J. D. Vance and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio.
Trump, who has spent most of his week on trial in a New York City courtroom while President Biden and Harris are free to embark on the election campaign, is still weighing his running mate’s options. Earlier this month he advised that it also wait until the July elections. Republican National Convention in Milwaukee to announce his election.
Get the latest updates, interviews, and more about the 2024 election campaign at our Fox News Digital election center.
Brandon Gillespie is an editor at Fox News. Follow him on X on @BGillespieAL.