CNN says Flake’s seat one of 10 that could flip to other party in 2018
Aug 10, 2017, 10:00 AM | Updated: 11:14 am
FILE - In this Jan. 28, 2015 file photo, Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., listens during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington.(AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
(AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
PHOENIX — An Arizona seat in the U.S. Senate held by Jeff Flake could be at risk of being taken by Democrats in the 2018 general election.
According to CNN, Flake’s seat was one of 10 that could be claimed by the opposing party next year.
The news channel said Flake will likely face a tough primary that could see Arizona Treasurer Jeff DeWit and former Arizona Republican Party Chairman Robert Graham run against him.
There was also the chance that President Donald Trump could follow through on a threat to spend $10 million of his own money to oust the senator during the primary.
Should he make it to the November vote, CNN said Flake should expect to be contrasted with his colleague, Sen. John McCain. Both senators have criticized the president, which could endear them to moderate voters, but Flake has voted in support of a majority of Trump-backed legislation.
However, the news channel said the Democrats have yet to put forth a heavy-hitter that could potentially win in a traditionally Republican state.
CNN said the most common Democrat names to challenge for the Senate were Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton and U.S. Rep. Kyrsten Sinema.
Stanton has filed paperwork to explore a run for secretary of state, while Sinema said she planned to seek another term in the U.S. House.
Of the 10 seats CNN said could be flipped, only two were Republican: Flake’s and that of Nevada Sen. Dean Heller.
