Economy talker Larry Kudlow is nearing a decision to jump into the Connecticut Senate race, and a top Republican campaign strategist said there’s no rush because “getting in late is good.”
The head of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, Mississippi Sen. Roger Wicker, said his team has had “conversations” with Kudlow, but “don’t have a commitment” yet.
Ward Baker, left, executive director of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, and committee head Sen. Roger Wicker. Michael Bonfigli/Christian Science Monitor
Ward Baker, NRSC’s executive director, said, “We’ve talked to him. I think he’s going through the process and the steps.”
Mr. Baker said that “the people of Connecticut are not happy with Sen. [Richard] Blumenthal,” though polls show that a majority believe he deserves reelection.
Kudlow, who lives in Connecticut, has the advantage of name recognition and an identifiable issue: the economy and Wall Street. That might come in handy if the stock market continues to tank. He has been talking about a Senate bid for months.
Baker also said that Kudlow can stretch out his decision if he wants. “I believe getting in late is good. I believe the old school way of getting in early is a bad decision just because you get in late, this new super PAC world, there’s plenty of time for negative ads. Before you get in, you need to get prepared,” said Baker.
“Larry Kudlow is a good man. He is someone I’ve always admired, he’s been very helpful to us,” he added at a media breakfast roundtable sponsored by the Christian Science Monitor.
Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner’s “Washington Secrets” columnist, can be contacted at [email protected].
