Notes from the Campaign Trail: Boozman, Cotton mutually endorse each other for re-election

U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., is on the ballot this November, despite losing his Democratic opponent, Josh Mahony, who dropped out shortly after filing period closed.

Cotton faces Libertarian Ricky Dale Harrington and possibly Independent candidate Daniel Whitfield. Despite his strong odds for re-election, Cotton received Republican Sen. John Boozman’s endorsement on Tuesday (Feb. 25), but there seemed to be another endorsement of notable interest.

“I can’t think of a better partner in the Senate than Tom Cotton,” said Boozman. “A leader of the conservative movement, Tom stands for Arkansas values and fights for the needs of every Arkansan. He is committed to ensuring America’s military remains strong, our communities remain safe, and our economy continues to grow and create opportunities for hardworking Arkansans. I am pleased to endorse Tom and look forward to building on all we have accomplished together in the U.S. Senate.”

Cotton countered with his glowing approval of Boozman.

“I’m thankful to have John Boozman’s support. He’s been a critical ally and close friend since my earliest days in politics. I’m lucky to have John as my colleague and Arkansas is lucky to have him as our senator and soon as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture. I thank John for his support and look forward to helping him win his re-election in 2022 so we can keep serving Arkansas together.”

The interesting point of Cotton’s response is that he’s strongly endorsing Boozman for re-election in the next big political cycle. Boozman has said he plans to run again in 2022, but there has been speculation that other Republican officeholders who are term-limited – namely Gov. Asa Hutchinson – could eye a challenge for U.S. Senate. Cotton seems to be putting himself in the position to be on Team Boozman early and often.

As a footnote, with the “first in the nation” New Hampshire primary behind us, Sen. Cotton is making a foray into the Granite State. He is the keynote speaker at the Hillsborough County Republican Committee Annual Lincoln Reagan Dinner on May 1. Last week, Cotton launched an initiative aimed at electing conservative veterans. In New Hampshire, he’ll be supporting General Don Bolduc, the Republican challenging incumbent Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen. In 2014, Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen won her election by less than three percentage points.

AMY, BLOOMBERG IN ARKANSAS
With Super Tuesday around the corner, Arkansas’ 31 delegates (36, if you count potential delegates at a convention) are starting to garner attention by the Democratic Presidential candidates.

Minnesota U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar visited central Arkansas last Sunday to gin up support. She’s reportedly focusing on a smaller-state strategy that includes good showings in Minnesota, North Dakota, Oklahoma and Arkansas.

Michael Bloomberg will be in Northwest Arkansas on Thursday. The former New York mayor will be at The Record in Bentonville to deliver remarks at an early voting rally.

Bloomberg, who held a small lead in a Talk Business & Politics-Hendrix College Poll two weeks ago, has put all of his efforts into a Super Tuesday strategy to collect delegates, especially in delegate-rich California and Texas.

Ahead of Saturday’s South Carolina primary, the delegate count stands as follows:
Sanders – 45
Buttigieg – 25
Biden – 15
Warren – 8
Klobuchar – 7
All others – 0

There will be 1,671 Democratic delegates up for grabs on Super Tuesday. The eventual Democratic nominee will need 1,901 delegate to clinch the nomination.

TRUMP NOT UNOPPOSED
Unlike several states, Arkansas Republicans will have a contested race for the GOP Presidential nomination next week. Trump faces two challengers in Arkansas, but is expected to breeze to victory.

Former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld qualified for the Arkansas ballot as did California businessman Roque “Rocky” De La Fuente.

De La Fuente is a successful car dealer and he’s also running for Congress in the 21st district of California, which state law allows. His son, Ricardo “Ricky” De La Fuente is also running for Congress… in the 21st district… as a Democrat. Go figure.