Daines Withdraws from Montana Senate Race to Block Dem Top Recruit
TL;DR
Sen. Steve Daines abruptly pulled out of Montana’s Senate race just minutes before the filing deadline to deny Democrats a chance to field a top recruit such as Jon Tester or Brian Schweitzer. Kurt Alme filed to replace him as Democrats would have faced a crowded primary; Trump publicly backed Alme, while critics accused Daines of coronating a successor and sidelining voters. The move echoes a similar tactic used by Democrat Chuy Garcia in Illinois last year.
- GOP Sen. Steve Daines’ last-minute withdrawal from Senate race was meant to block Democrats from fielding a top-tier recruit CNN
- As filings close, Republican Steve Daines withdraws from U.S. Senate race Montana Free Press
- Daines Drops Re-election Bid in Montana, Upending a Senate Race The New York Times
- Sen. Steve Daines announces he will not seek reelection Politico
- Republican senator announces retirement as part of a cynical gambit MS NOW
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