A meeting President Trump
Donald Trump The Hill’s Morning Report – Biden assigns Harris to the border; press conference today Democrats face questions about agenda Democrats divided over gun control strategy MORE held with four hopefuls vying for Ohio’s open Senate seat during a fundraiser at his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida, things quickly got tense on Wednesday night, Politico said.
Trump held the fundraiser in favor of Max Miller, a candidate he is backing in an upcoming Ohio House race in hopes of ousting a sitting Republican who backed his impeachment.
But he reportedly took the opportunity to convene a group of candidates who wish to fill the seat appointed by Sen. Rob Portman
Robert (Rob) Jones Portman Democrats split over gun control strategy Trump allies line up for possible bruising for primaries Vivek Murthy confirmed as surgeon general MORE (R), who is not seeking reelection in 2022.
Before the dinner got underway, Trump met former treasurer Josh Mandel in a back room, according to Politico; former state GOP chairman Jane Timken; technical director Bernie Moreno; and investment banker Mike Gibbons to discuss the Senate race.
Mandel and Timken have already announced their bids for the seat, while Moreno and Gibbons are expected to step in soon.
The meeting, which reportedly lasted 15 minutes, was described to Politico by one source as the “Hunger Games” and a surprising, uncomfortable confrontation for the Senate hopefuls.
According to sources cited by Politico, the group covered everything from the candidates’ support for Trump and opposition to his impeachment, previous approvals and donations, and early polls in the race.
At the meeting, Trump noted that at one point, Timken told Rep. Anthony GonzalezAnthony Gonzalez Moderate Democrats Warn Leaders Against Iowa Interference (Ohio), the Republican who supported the former president’s impeachment, Politico said.
A source close to one of the candidates told The Hill that Trump asked Mandel why he planned his campaign against Sen. Sherrod Brown
Sherrod Campbell Brown Ambitious House Lawmakers Seek Promotions On The Money: IRS Chief Says Unemployment Recipients Should Not File Amended Tax Returns | GOP Senator Blocks Bill To Prevent Private Debt Collection Agencies From Grabbing Stimulus Checks OVERNIGHT ENERGY: EPA Restores Climate Web Page Removed Under Trump | Senate panel shocked by financial regulators’ climate agenda | Environmental group, community activists petition EPA to block wood pellet plant in Georgia MORE (D-Ohio). Mandel dropped out in January of that year because he had to spend more time with his family.
Trump named Timken in his subsequent speech supporting Max Miller as the only Senate candidate to receive a mention.
Sources told Politico that Mandel and Timken seemed to be trying to resolve each other in the meeting. The Hill has contacted representatives for both candidates.
Trump has not yet formally endorsed a candidate in the Senate race, although the reported meeting reflects how valuable his approval is to ambitious Republicans looking to win seats in Congress.
A potential candidate who was not present at the meeting was Rep. Steve Stivers
Steven (Steve) Ernst StiversMandel gets Club for Growth nod in Ohio Senate primary Republican Ohio Senate nominee calls on GOP representative to step down over impeachment vote. House panel strains on GameStop frenzy, app trading MORE (R-Ohio), who responded to Politico’s article by retweet along with a gif from a talk show host Stephen Colbert
Stephen Tyrone Colbert Colbert calls out ‘idiot’ Kennedy for Boulder comments Democrats plan to squeeze GOP over filibuster Meet the Make the Senate Great Again caucus MORE sit back and eat popcorn.