As the Democratic presidential primary continues to rage on, an unlikely voice has made an impressive bet on the frontrunners in the race competition. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) has reportedly raised more than $500,000 for Iowa senate ceremonies and has redirected staff from his home state of South Carolina to the Hawkeye State.
This investment speaks volumes about the commitment Senator Scott has for his chosen candidate and for the process of electing the President of the United States. The large sum of money raised for this effort speaks to the Senator’s deep-rooted belief that Iowa is an important bellwether for 2020’s national elections. His desk at the U.S. Senate has been held for 6 years and has recently announced he is not running for reelection in 2020.
Despite being a vocal critic of President Donald Trump, upon announcing his departure from the Senate in June of 2019, Scott did highlight the commonality between Republican policy under the current administration. The senator also praised the president’s work to strengthen foreign policy in an op-ed in The Atlantic in the same month.
With his support for Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell confirmed, Scott appears to have placed a sizable bet on the potential of dumping Trump come November. Despite the fact that achieving the Republican vote requires both the popular vote and the Electoral College, Scott’s bet may have a huge impact on determining the future of the United States.
Unfortunately for McConnell and the GOP leadership, the primary race is narrowing with no clear favorite emerging as the likely nominee. Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders remain the top-two contenders, and any depiction of Iowa as pivotal in the primary is premature at this juncture.
Whether Senator Scott’s bet on Iowa yields rewards or not, his scheme is a commentary on the Republican Party’s shift to become a party that values fair and free elections. Through his dedication to action and determination of campaigning, Scott has shown that he is an invested proponent for free and fair elections. Considering his long track record of public service, his bet on Iowa is one that many people should keep a watchful eye on.