Two days after limping to a 2nd place finish in the special election for Georgia’s 6th Congressional District, former Secretary of State Karen Handel made clear she’d welcome President Donald Trump’s support, declaring in no uncertain terms that “Of course I’ll be seen with him.”
Yet nearly a week later, Handel has still not announced whether she will appear with Trump at the National Rifle Association’s (NRA) annual convention in Atlanta, even as the Republican president raises money for her campaign and promotes her candidacy.
Notably, multiple Republicans running for office next year, such as Texas Senator Ted Cruz, and Florida Governor Rick Scott (rumored to be running for Senate) are slated to appear at the event.
It raises the question: Why won’t Handel appear with President Trump?
“A week ago, Secretary Handel couldn’t wait to campaign with President Trump, yet with his visit steadily approaching she’s whistling a very different tune,” said DCCC Spokesman Evan Lukaske. “Handel has avoided announcing if she’ll appear with Trump long enough. Is she willing to take the stage with the Republican president of the United States? Or will she refuse and add another sad chapter to her long history of political calculation?”