Maryland My Christmas Tree

Inside the secret Republican plot to take down Trump in 2020 Renegade Republicans determined to eject President Trump from the White House in 2020 share a commitment to the cause but are split on strategy and realistic about their long-shot prospects. Former John McCain aides, members of Evan McMullin's independent 2016 presidential campaign, disgruntled neocons, and establishment GOPers — the only thing they agree on is a loathing of Trump. No primary challenger has yet come forward. John Kasich, former Ohio governor, has said he couldn't beat Trump. Jeff Flake, who stepped down as a senator for Arizona when it became clear he would be beaten by pro-Trump forces in his primary, has taken himself out of the running. The brightest hope right now is Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, who last year became the first Republican governor to be re-elected in the deep-blue state, with a 13-point margin.* Mostly based in Washington, the "Never Trump" crowd comes in roughly three factions. First is those convinced fielding a primary challenger is the most viable game plan. Second is those inclined to back an independent candidate. A third group advocates for a unifying center-left Democrat — similar to the sort of centrist who captured suburban Republican voters in the midterm elections. [Full] *  Hogan was just reelected to a second term as Maryland's Governor.  The first since Theodore Roosevelt McKeldin in 1959.  So, Republicans do not get a second term in Maryland.  Ahem.

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