Katie Barnett’s candidacy for the Senate failed on Tuesday, appearing to be in third place after Trump-backed Dr. Oz and hedge fund chief executive Dave McCormick.
Between the lines: The Oz-McCormick race was too close to be announced at 23:00 ET on Tuesday.
Why it matters: The Long Candidate has grown in the last weeks of the campaign with his fascinating life story – which has yet to face in-depth research – while winning recognition from some Trumpworld figures for his “ultra-MAGA” beliefs.
- Barnett’s past fanatical statements have come to light in recent weeks, including attacks on gays and Islam. She also refused to acknowledge her race for the US House of Representatives in 2020, repeating baseless allegations of fraud in her own election and presidential race, and attended a rally on January 6 in Washington.
Status of the game: The sudden rise of Barnet panicked Republican operatives by launching a savage struggle to wipe out her chances in the final leg of the campaign, according to Jonathan Swann, Lachlan Markay and Axios’ Andrew Solender.
- Former President Trump himself entered the battle last week, saying Barnett would not be able to win the general election because “she has many things in her past that have not been properly explained or verified.”
- Trump has promised to “be behind her all the way” if she can explain the discrepancies in her background.
Background: The race to replace retired Republican Sen. Pat Toomie is one of the most closely watched in the nation and could decide control of the hall.
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