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Lott: Cruz, Paul, Rubio, Portman Won’t Win 2016 GOP Nomination

Lott doesn't think Paul or his Senate colleagues are heading to the White House. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
Lott doesn't think Paul or his Senate colleagues are heading to the White House. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)

Former Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott, R-Miss., doesn’t believe that any of his Senate colleagues stand much of a chance in the 2016 GOP presidential primary and he said he gives the edge to the nation’s Republican governors.  

“Clearly governors over senators,” Lott said when asked his preference.  

His comments come as GOP Sens. Rob Portman of Ohio, Ted Cruz of Texas, Rand Paul of Kentucky and Marco Rubio of Florida — and possibly others — could seek the nomination.  

“I think the American people really will be looking for a governor,” Lott said. “I don’t think any of our senators are really going to be that viable in 2016, partially because you vote every day and your record can be twisted around your neck every day.” “Governors … are executives, they make decisions, they make things happen,” Lott said. “You talk to former governors who are now in the Senate and ask them which one is a better place to be. You make a decision as a governor, a whole apparatus moves, things happen. You make a decision as a senator and you get to go to a subcommittee and see if you can be heard. Good luck.”  

Lott mentioned as possible Republican contenders Govs. John R. Kasich of Ohio, Mike Pence of Indiana and Rick Perry of Texas.  

“I want to win,” Lott continued. “We’ve got some really good candidates. I talked to John Kasich, the re-elected governor of Ohio who won by 31 points. He’s got blue-collar background; he’s got a good message, good man. I like Pence of Indiana; I like the governor of Texas, as a matter of fact.”  


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