"Never Trump" Republicans arent giving up in their quest to find a conservative alternative to Donald Trump
.
Now that Trump has cleared the field of rivals to become the GOP's presumptive presidential nominee, anti-Trump conservatives have turned their attention to recruiting a candidate to challenge Trump and Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton
in the general election, either as an independent write-in candidate or as part of a third-party campaign.
Speaker Paul Ryan
Paul Ryan s (R-Wis.) decision Thursday to not endorse Trump will only give further oxygen to the furious efforts by some to find a Trump alternative
The Hill interviewed several operatives associated with the anti-Trump movement to ask who theyd like to see run
Heres who they hope to see on the ballot
Mitt Romney
The 2012 GOP nominee first declined to run for president in January of 2015.
Since then, hes consistently beat back pleas from panicked establishment Republicans to return to the fray and save the party from Trump.
The announcement Thursday from Ryan, Romneys 2012 running mate, that hes not ready to back Trump will surely fuel rumors that the former Massachusetts governor could get back in the ring.
In many ways, Romney would be the dream anti-Trump recruit.
He would have instant access to a national fundraising network and enough name ID to move quickly up the polls and make the debate stage.
Romneys entrance would attract a media frenzy, and hes the kind of center-right candidate that Republicans opposed to Trump could feel good about voting for.
Romney has thoroughly rebuked Trump and campaigned against him at every turn.
He has said that he will write a name in if his options are down Trump and Clinton. Could that be his name
Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.)
The 44-year-old freshman senator from Nebraska has been one of the most vocal opponents to Trump on Capitol Hill. Anti-Trump Republicans are holding out hope hell reconsider. Three different people mentioned his name to The Hill on Thursday. Rep. Justin Amash Former Sen. Tom Coburn The Kentucky GOP made it so that Paul could run for both president and reelection to the Senate simultaneously. But Paul's reelection bid is now in full-swing, and it would irritate many in the party if he were to distract himself from that with another long-shot presidential bid.
Poster Comment:
1) Paul Ryan 2) Mitt Romney 3) Sen. Ben Sasse 4) General John Kelly 5) Gary Johnson 6) Rep. Justin Amash 7) Tom Coburn 8) Marco Rubio 9) Nikki Haley 10) Rand Paul If Gary Johnson gets the Libertarian Party nomination, he'll have near 50 state ballot access.
On Thursday, Sasse penned an open letter on his Facebook page about why voters should not settle for either Trump or Clinton and outlined the qualities he wants to see in an independent or third-party candidate.
Why are we confined to these two terrible options? he wrote. This is America. If both choices stink, we reject them and go bigger. Thats what we do.
Unfortunately for anti-Trump conservatives, Sasse, who has a young family, says he wont run himself
General John Kelly
Anti-Trump conservatives spent months trying to convince Gen. James Mad Dog Mattis, a revered, straight-talking four-star retired Marine Corps general, to launch an independent bid.
Mattis officially took his name out of the running last week.
Now they have their eyes on another tell-it-like-it-is military man: Former U.S. Marine Corps Gen. John Kelly.
Kelly retired in January after more than four decades of service. He spent years in various leadership posts in Iraq and lost a son, former Marine Robert Kelly, to combat in Afghanistan.
Kelly has not spoken publicly about the presidential race, and a spokesperson did not return a request for comment about whether hed be interested.
Former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson
The Libertarian Party nominee is so far the only candidate other than Trump and Clinton who is likely to be on the ballot in all 50 states.
Johnson served two terms as the Republican governor of New Mexico beginning in 1995. He participated in one GOP presidential debate early in the 2012 cycle before running as a Libertarian and winning about 1.3 million votes in the general election.
Since 2012, Johnson has been working as president of a marijuana marketing firm. He left that position to run for president, winning the Libertarian nomination again in 2016.
One of the biggest challenges facing a new candidate will be hitting the threshold of 15 percent in national polls to qualify for the debates.
Johnson could be the answer: A Monmouth University survey from late March found him taking 11 percent in a hypothetical match-up against Trump and Clinton.
In a statement released Wednesday after Sen. Ted Cruz
(R-Texas) left the GOP race, Johnson put himself forward as the alternative to two of the most polarizing candidates in recent history.
With millions of Americans now feeling politically homeless, a two-term Governor who balanced budgets, cut taxes, cut regulations and truly reduced the size of government may offer the home they are seeking, Johnson said
The 36-year-old libertarian-leaning Michigan lawmaker says hell never support Trump and is furious with colleagues who have warmed to the likely nominee in recent weeks.
Amash, who first backed Sen. Rand Paul
(R-Ky.) in the primary and later Cruz, has thrived on Capitol Hill as a wildcard willing to buck GOP leaders.
He stoked speculation that a third-party run may be in the works with a cryptic tweet sent out late Tuesday night after Cruz suspended his campaign.
Amash did not return a request for comment
(R-Okla.)
Coburn served three terms in the House followed by two in the Senate, cutting his final stint short after being diagnosed with cancer.
Healthy now, Coburn is on the short list for most anti-Trump Republicans.
The Oklahoma Republican, who backed Sen. Marco Rubio
(R-Fla.) in the primary, told The New York Times earlier this year that hed back a third-party bid to stop Trump.
Coburn said he didnt expect that he would be that candidate, but he also declined to rule it out.
Coburn is well-known inside Washington from his frequent appearances on the cable news circuit. He's quotable and has a reputation as a pragmatic conservative.
But some believe he lacks the name recognition and a national fundraising network to get off the ground.
Nikki Haley
The South Carolina governor is one of the brightest young stars in the Republican Party.
Several anti-Trump conservatives have dropped her name, and the reasons are clear: As an Indian-American woman, she provides a double-shot of diversity. Shes also telegenic, charismatic and one of the most popular governors in the country.
Haley said Wednesday shed support the GOP nominee, but she could come under pressure to challenge him instead.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.)
The former most interesting man in politics could reclaim that title with a bold move back into the presidential race.
Hed likely find the press eager to cover his bid this time, giving him a platform to get out his message of expanding the party. That message was drowned out last year in the crowded GOP primary.
Conservative blogger Erick Erickson, a prominent Never Trump voice, told The Hill on Thursday that Paul would be a viable contender as a third-party or independent candidate
#34: A K A Stone To: Deckard (#31)
A K A Stone posted on 2016-05-06 21:34:58 Reply Private Reply
#35: Deckard To: Fred Mertz (#32)
Last time I was down that way visiting family in Jackson, Breathitt County was still dry.
Had to head up the road a piece to Campton in Wolfe County just to pick up a six pack.
Crazy way to run a state.
Going to the Derby Tomorrow?
I heard the General Admission is $371 to $415.
Is that correct?
Deckard posted on 2016-05-06 21:35:47 Reply Private Reply
#36: Deckard To: A K A Stone (#34)
It's spelled "Gary".
And yes, he's a libertarian who believes it should be left up to the states to decide.
Deckard posted on 2016-05-06 21:37:26 Reply Private Reply
#37: Fred Mertz To: Deckard (#35)
F**kers started charging $8 a beer this year. I'm taking some miniatures in and ordering a few Cokes. I hope I can afford Cokes.
Fred Mertz posted on 2016-05-06 21:40:19 Reply Private Reply
#38: buckeroo To: Fred Mertz, TLBSHOW (#37)
If that dirty rat bastard, TLBSHOW, would pay you back, not only could you have your beer and a Trump cap but also more able to increase the wager so you could go home with more winnings based on increased wagers.
buckeroo posted on 2016-05-06 21:52:41 Reply Private Reply
#39: Justified To: hondo68 (#33)
Justified posted on 2016-05-06 21:55:58 Reply Private Reply
#40: Hondo68 To: A K A Stone (#34)
But you voted for gay marriage license signing Mitt, the pedophile queer scouts advocate.
Gary Johnson left the Republican Party before they went full Mitt... gayer than Ted Kennedy.
Hondo68 posted on 2016-05-06 21:58:37 Reply Private Reply
#41: Fred Mertz To: hondo68 (#40)
Fred Mertz posted on 2016-05-06 22:14:35 Reply Private Reply
#42: misterwhite To: ConservingFreedom (#26)
misterwhite posted on 2016-05-07 09:38:30 Reply Private Reply
#43: ConservingFreedom To: misterwhite (#42)
Then allow me to elaborate: I don't trust Trump because he has long been a crony capitalist voicing support for liberal positions while lining the pockets of liberal politicians - he's played "conservative" for no longer than he's had serious presidential ambitions.
ConservingFreedom posted on 2016-05-07 10:03:31 Reply Private Reply
#44: misterwhite To: ConservingFreedom (#43)
No need to elaborate. You've already said you don't trust Trump. I believe you.
But I trust Trump because he has such strong and bold positions. It's one thing for a candidate to say, "I'm going to enforce our immigration laws and completely reform our immigration policy." Heard it before.
Versus Trump who says, "I'm going to build a wall and Mexico will pay for it. And I'm going to deport the 11 million illegals who are already here. And I'm going to halt Muslim relocation.
Whoa! Hard to backtrack on that. And that's what scares the GOPe.
misterwhite posted on 2016-05-07 10:25:48 Reply Private Reply
#45: Stoner To: sneakypete (#11)
You know Pete, I don't remember that either. I did have some strong disagreements with some family members, and some local party members about that though.
Stoner posted on 2016-05-07 15:48:16 Reply Private Reply
#46: sneakypete To: Justified (#19)
I thought about the same thing,and came to the conclusion I could never support Trump because he SEEMS to be doing the right thing,but for the wrong reasons. People that do things for the wrong reasons usually tend to be even worse than the ones they replaced if they do gain power.
And that is just assuming he doesn't drop out,which I still think he will do.
sneakypete posted on 2016-05-07 18:31:52 Reply Private Reply
#47: Justified To: sneakypete (#46)
He is a narcissist so you really never know what is on his mind.
My choice will be Hillary which makes sticking my head in a fire ant pile enjoyable or a so called anti establishment candidate. Trump is not my first choice but he will probably do the least amount of damage over any candidate that even has a smidgen of a chance to win even one state. He might even surprise us all? Plus I do not think I can take 4 more years of anti small business, anti white man, anti freedom lover and anti American! I would fold my company and take medical retirement due to my crap back.
Besides is it not worth a vote for Trump to watch Neoclowns and progressives heads explode?
Justified posted on 2016-05-07 20:30:14 Reply Private Reply
#48: A K A Stone To: ConservingFreedom (#43)
A K A Stone posted on 2016-05-07 20:44:44 Reply Private Reply
#49: sneakypete To: Justified (#47)
Ok. I guess we will find out who is right pretty soon,unless he drops out.
Besides is it not worth a vote for Trump to watch Neoclowns and progressives heads explode?
No. I have to live with myself,and I have nothing but contempt for the typical Trump supporter. It was asshats like this that got us Poppy,Boy Jorge,McLunatic,and Romney.
sneakypete posted on 2016-05-07 23:49:10 Reply Private Reply
#50: sneakypete To: A K A Stone (#48)
Don't blame me if you don't know that they are nothing but fascists,or if you don't know what a fascist is.
Do you wet the bed?
More homo-erotic questions? What is it with you and the constant barrage of homo-erotic questions? Why do you want to know? Are you interested in licking the sheets? If so,I suggest you PM Fire Island.
sneakypete posted on 2016-05-07 23:52:45 Reply Private Reply
#51: A K A Stone To: sneakypete (#50)
A K A Stone posted on 2016-05-07 23:54:27 Reply Private Reply
#52: A K A Stone To: sneakypete (#49)
He's not going to drop you senile geezer.
A K A Stone posted on 2016-05-07 23:57:01 Reply Private Reply
#53: sneakypete To: A K A Stone (#52)
Seems like you have a lot of emotional investment in his campaign. I suspect you are going to be in deep,deep emotional trouble when he drops out or is defeated by Bubbette!.
sneakypete posted on 2016-05-08 01:14:33 Reply Private Reply
#54: Roscoe To: sneakypete (#53)
projection
Roscoe posted on 2016-05-08 05:17:15 Reply Private Reply
#55: A K A Stone To: sneakypete (#53)
A K A Stone posted on 2016-05-08 08:35:13 Reply Private Reply
#56: A K A Stone To: sneakypete (#53)
A K A Stone posted on 2016-05-08 08:39:53 Reply Private Reply
#57: sneakypete To: A K A Stone (#55)
Yup,murdering more Americans that disagree with your superstitious beliefs is exactly what this country needs to get back on a moral footing and become great again!
Good call!
BTW,what do you call a Christian Jihad,a Crusade?
sneakypete posted on 2016-05-08 08:48:42 Reply Private Reply
#58: A K A Stone To: sneakypete (#57)
You're delusional.
A K A Stone posted on 2016-05-08 08:57:40 Reply Private Reply
#59: ConservingFreedom To: A K A Stone (#48)
So everyone who ever criticized 0bama as a crony capitalist for bankrolling that solar energy company or electric car company is really a "libtard"? Educate yourself.
ConservingFreedom posted on 2016-05-08 09:55:24 Reply Private Reply
#60: A K A Stone To: ConservingFreedom (#59)
A K A Stone posted on 2016-05-08 11:00:32 Reply Private Reply
#61: Roscoe To: A K A Stone (#58)
Roscoe posted on 2016-05-08 11:03:40 Reply Private Reply
#62: A K A Stone To: sneakypete (#57)
You're an old dying man that helped fuck this country. You hate freedom of religion just like Obama. You want faggots mascurading as married just like that cunt running for President.
Go shrivel up prune face.
A K A Stone posted on 2016-05-08 11:06:29 Reply Private Reply
#63: A K A Stone To: ConservingFreedom (#59)
A K A Stone posted on 2016-05-08 11:16:27 Reply Private Reply
#64: buckeroo To: A K A Stone (#62)
buckeroo posted on 2016-05-08 11:26:46 Reply Private Reply
#65: A K A Stone To: buckeroo (#64)
A K A Stone posted on 2016-05-08 11:27:52 Reply Private Reply
#66: buckeroo To: A K A Stone, sneakypete (#65)
buckeroo posted on 2016-05-08 11:30:57 Reply Private Reply
#67: ConservingFreedom To: A K A Stone (#60)
Here's one example: https://www.conservativereview.com/commentary/2016/01/daily-mark-up-01-20-16
Your turn: how am I a globalist?
ConservingFreedom posted on 2016-05-08 11:34:29 Reply Private Reply
#68: A K A Stone To: ConservingFreedom (#67)
Put something out there in your own words and I will respond.
You're a globalist because you think Hillary would be ok. You're a globalist because you support the globalist Ted Cruz.
A K A Stone posted on 2016-05-08 11:42:32 Reply Private Reply
#69: A K A Stone To: buckeroo (#66)
A K A Stone posted on 2016-05-08 11:43:20 Reply Private Reply
#70: A K A Stone To: buckeroo (#66)
But when they support the faggot agenda then lie and say it is conservative. They are worthless to me.
A K A Stone posted on 2016-05-08 11:44:04 Reply Private Reply
#71: Roscoe To: A K A Stone (#63)
Roscoe posted on 2016-05-08 11:46:48 Reply Private Reply
#72: sneakypete To: buckeroo (#66)
Don't give him facts,it only confuses him.
He thinks that the only people who have rights are the people who he likes or who agree with him on every issue.
Either that or he doesn't understand what the word "rights" means.
sneakypete posted on 2016-05-08 18:40:22 Reply Private Reply
#73: sneakypete To: A K A Stone (#69)
No,the BILL OF RIGHTS AND THE US SUPREME COURT think two men,or two women have a RIGHT to marry if that is what they want to do.
sneakypete posted on 2016-05-08 18:41:55 Reply Private Reply
#74: sneakypete To: A K A Stone (#70)
So,to clarify matters,YOU think the Bill of Rights only applies to the people you approve of?
That's about as "conservative" as Mussolini,Hitler,the DNC,and the ACLU.
sneakypete posted on 2016-05-08 18:44:05 Reply Private Reply
#75: A K A Stone To: sneakypete (#74)
Pete that is why I criticize you. Because you are a liar. Faggots getting pretending to be married are not in the Bill of Rights. You really are that stupid and immoral aren't you.
Where in the Bill of Rights you fucking idiot piece of crap?
A K A Stone posted on 2016-05-09 07:12:18 Reply Private Reply
#76: A K A Stone To: All (#75)
You're like diarrhea in a toilet bowl. You can't be clarified. You have to flush.
A K A Stone posted on 2016-05-09 07:14:01 Reply Private Reply
#77: paraclete To: A K A Stone (#70)
paraclete posted on 2016-05-09 07:26:49 Reply Private Reply
#78: sneakypete To: A K A Stone (#75)
It's called "equal treatment under the law. Guess what,Bubba? If homosexuals don't have the right to marry,neither do you.
The reason you get so hysterical over this is you KNOW I am right,but don't can't face the truth because you KNOW in your heart what you want is a religious dictatorship.
With YOUR cult the head cult,that is. You damn sure don't want to live in a country ran by a religion that isn't your own ideal of a fascist police state.
sneakypete posted on 2016-05-09 08:11:55 Reply Private Reply
#79: sneakypete To: paraclete (#77)
You don't believe our government has a mandate to treat us all equally when it comes to legal matters and rights?
Which do you prefer,communism or fascism,because those are your only other options. We are either all free to live our lives in peace,or none of us are free.
sneakypete posted on 2016-05-09 08:14:45 Reply Private Reply
#80: A K A Stone To: sneakypete (#78)
A K A Stone posted on 2016-05-09 10:53:39 Reply Private Reply
#81: ConservingFreedom To: A K A Stone (#68)
You never tire of making false claims about me.
ConservingFreedom posted on 2016-05-09 13:07:11 Reply Private Reply
#82: VxH To: A K A Stone, ConservingFreedom (#60)
Which end of the Soros / Sachs turd is the clean end again?
=======================================
Mnuchin started his career in the early 1980s at Salomon Brothers. He moved to Goldman Sachs in 1985. Mnuchin was one of the instrumental people in the promotion of financial instruments like Collateralized Debt Obligations (CDO) and Credit Default Swaps (CDS).
Mnuchin spent 17 years at Goldman Sachs Group Inc., becoming partner and head of the mortgage department before working with Hank Paulson in 1999 as the firm’s Chief Information Officer.
Mnuchin cashed in on the Goldman Sachs’ IPO in 2002 and left to join Lampert’s ESL Investments hedge fund as vice chairman — he knew Eddie Lampert (whose equity firm owns Sears Holdings and K-Mart) from his time at Yale, where they were roommates.
In 2003 he started new fund with $1 billion from George Soros. In 2004, with two other ex-Goldman Sachs partners, he combined his fund holdings to form hedge fund Dune Capital Management, which led a group (which also included George Soros) that in 2009 raised $1.55 billion to acquire what was left of collapsed mortgage loan bank IndyMac from the FDIC receivership — it was renamed OneWest Bank, and in 2015 acquired by CIT Group for $3.4B.
Partly due to this purchase he was subjected to 2011 protests on the lawn of his Bel Air mansion by foreclosed homeowners.
Mnuchin’s father, Robert Mnuchin, was a partner at Goldman Sachs in the 1960s.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/3427812/posts? page=288#288
VxH posted on 2016-05-09 13:11:21 Reply Private Reply
#83: ConservingFreedom To: sneakypete, A K A Stone (#78)
The word "equal" appears nowhere in the Bill of Rights.
A homosexual has the same right as I do to marry a member of the opposite sex.
ConservingFreedom posted on 2016-05-09 13:12:11 Reply Private Reply