Flake’s open seat named again as one of most likely to flip in November
Jan 3, 2018, 9:13 AM | Updated: 2:27 pm
(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)
(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)
PHOENIX — The Senate seat that will be left vacant by Republican Jeff Flake has again been identified as one of the most likely to flip in November’s general election.
For the second time, CNN specified his seat in a Wednesday piece that named the seats that are most likely to be claimed by the opposing party.
The network originally said his seat was at risk in August, but much has changed in terms of who is running since then.
The first prediction was made before Flake announced he would leave politics and the Democrats had put forth a challenger.
The second came after he said he was leaving and Democrat Kyrsten Sinema declared her intent to run.
The network said the seat’s fate could be determined by what happens in the August Republican primary. Former state Sen. Kelli Ward has already entered the race and will likely be backed by President Donald Trump’s supporters, though he has not endorsed her run.
However, the anticipated entry of Rep. Martha McSally into the race could complicate Ward’s run. CNN said she would likely have the best chance to topple Sinema in the general vote.
But there is a snag to the theory: McSally has yet to officially toss her hat into the ring after reportedly telling colleagues she planned to run two months ago.
