(Dan Tri) – Former President Donald Trump can choose some of his Republican primary opponents as vice presidential candidates or cabinet members if he is elected next November.
Former President Donald Trump and congresswoman Elise Stefanik at a campaign event in Concord, New Hampshire (Photo: AP).
When giving a speech to a crowd of volunteers and media in the important state of New Hampshire over the weekend, New York congresswoman Elise Stefanik received cheers of welcome.
While vice presidential candidates are typically not chosen until a candidate has locked in the nomination, Trump’s decisive victory in the Iowa caucuses last week and the state’s decision to withdraw
Many Republicans hope to receive this `deputy general` nomination to create for themselves a rare opportunity to take on an important senior role in their political career.
That interest is growing despite the reality of the fate of Mr. Trump’s first vice president, Mike Pence.
During the four years that Mr. Trump was in power, Mr. Pence was the most loyal defender and always supported his President.
His role in certifying the results of the 2020 election not only threatened his life when the Capitol was besieged and destroyed by protesters supporting President Trump, but also put his political career aside.
Mr. Pence ended his presidential bid in October 2023 after receiving no attention.
Mr. Trump’s campaign team held a number of events in both Iowa and New Hampshire with the participation of high-ranking party representatives.
Mr. Trump and Republican member Kari Lake (Photo: AP).
Congresswoman Stefanik appeared with Mr. Trump at a campaign rally on the evening of January 19 in New Hampshire and stopped by the former President’s campaign headquarters the next morning to thank the volunteers.
In both appearances, she emphasized that she was the first member of Congress to support former President Trump’s comeback effort.
When asked if she would consider becoming Mr. Trump’s running mate, Ms. Stefanik said: `Of course, I would be honored, I’ve said it for the past year, to serve in the administration.`
Other prominent Republican lawmakers who also appeared in Iowa and New Hampshire to support Mr. Trump included Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, Arizona Senate candidate Kari Lake and Ms.
In particular, Ms. Lake was present at an election campaign on the evening of January 21 to take photos with supporters and hold a baby in the crowd.
And at the same election where Ms. Stefanik spoke, Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, Mr. Trump’s former opponent in the presidential race, strongly announced his support for the former president.
`I already know who it will be`
Mr. Trump himself also sparked speculation when he declared in a recent Fox News town hall meeting: `I already know who that person (vice presidential candidate) will be.`
Mr. Jason Miller, senior adviser to Mr. Trump’s election campaign, refused to talk about the possibility of becoming `deputy general` or speculation about potential candidates.
Former President Trump discussed potential `deputy` options long before officially launching his campaign, according to sources.
Many experts also believe that choosing a female candidate is a good idea, but warn Mr. Trump not to choose Ms. Nikki Haley, former US Ambassador to the United Nations, currently Mr. Trump’s last remaining major rival.
Mr. Trump himself has also effectively excluded Ms. Haley from this list.
Other potential candidates mentioned by Trump allies include Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, his former press secretary, Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum,
