A Republican running for Congress in Florida has turned down an invitation to co-host a rally with President Donald Trump, citing the commander in chief’s unpredictability, Politico reports.
Michael Waltz, who is running to represent Florida’s 6th Congressional District, declined an invitation to appear with Trump in public. One GOP pollster familiar with Waltz' thinking suggested to Politico that the candidate was concerned about Trump's penchant for off-color remarks. Waltz reportedly pushed for Trump to host a private fundraiser instead, but this never materialized.
“Michael Waltz proudly supports the many successes President Trump has achieved on behalf of the American people and has said EXACTLY THAT in dozens of interviews on FOX News, on the campaign trail and in campaign ads,” Waltz’ campaign wrote in a statement to Politico. “Michael Waltz is determined to make his case directly to the voters of this district based on his own experience as a decorated combat veteran and small business owner who’s dedicated his entire adult life to serving this country.”
Waltz is running in a district that Trump won by 17 percentage points in 2016, causing some to question his reluctance to appear with the president.
“The president won [the 6th Congressional] District overwhelmingly. There’s no way a rally could hurt Waltz,” said an unnamed source with knowledge of the discussions. “But they’re worried about independents and Trump coming unplugged at a rally. So there’s no point.”
Politico notes that the White House declined to comment.
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