Over the coming months, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will have to decide whether to stay as one of President Donald Trump’s most trusted advisers or run for a Senate seat in Kansas that could pave the way for a presidential run of his own, Politico reported on Tuesday.
Pompeo, who represented a Kansas district as a member of the House for six years until 2017, told NBC in February that he has ruled out running for the Senate next year and would like to remain as secretary as state as long as Trump continues to give him the opportunity.
However, several of his confidants told Politico that Pompeo has not made up his mind and is quietly considering his next steps.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell would like to see Pompeo run in Kansas, because he is the best bet to keep the seat Republican with the retirement of Sen. Pat Roberts.
For Pompeo, a spot in the Senate would also keep him politically relevant, even if Trump loses reelection in 2020.
But for many Republicans the chaos of Patrick Shanahan withdrawing his nomination for Defense secretary has only emphasized the importance of Pompeo remaining as secretary of State and providing stability to a key position amid Trump administration turmoil.
This is especially so as the Shanahan episode came in the midst of heightened tensions with Iran.
In any case, Pompeo still has time to make a decision, as the filing deadline for the Senate primary is June 2020.
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