Cline praises Trump’s leadership and achievements
U.S. Rep. Ben Cline, R-Botetourt County, has endorsed former President Donald Trump for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. Cline announced his endorsement on Thursday on X, a social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
Cline said that Trump’s presidency was better for Americans than Joe Biden’s, and that Trump’s successes prove he is the best candidate to get America back on track.
“After nearly four years of Joe Biden’s failures, it is clear that Americans were better off under the leadership of Donald Trump’s presidency. Our economy was strong, our borders were secure, and we saw peace through American leadership around the globe. The successes of his presidency prove Donald Trump is the best candidate to get America back on track, and I am pleased to endorse him for President in 2024,” Cline wrote.
Cline is the second of Virginia’s five Republican House members to endorse Trump, following Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Salem. Rep. Bob Good, R-Campbell County, has endorsed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, while Reps. Jen Kiggans, R-Virginia Beach, and Rob Wittman, R-Westmoreland County, have not made any endorsements yet.
Cline is a loyal supporter of Trump
Cline has been a loyal supporter of Trump since he was elected in 2016. He defended Trump during the impeachment trials, voted against certifying the 2020 election results, and opposed the investigation into the January 6 insurrection.
Cline also proudly announced Trump’s endorsement for his reelection in 2022. He said he was honored to have Trump’s support and that he would continue to fight for Trump’s agenda in Congress.
“I am honored to have the endorsement of our great President, Donald J. Trump. President Trump knows I will always stand up for our shared conservative values and fight to protect our constitutional rights. I look forward to working with him to ensure we take back the House in 2022 and restore America’s greatness,” Cline said in a statement in July 2021.
Cline represents the 6th District of Virginia, which covers parts of central and western Virginia. He was first elected in 2018, succeeding Bob Goodlatte, who retired after 26 years in office. Cline won reelection in 2020 with 66% of the vote, defeating Democrat Nicholas Betts.
Trump faces multiple challenges for 2024 bid
Trump has not officially announced his candidacy for 2024, but he has hinted at his intention to run again. He has also been holding rallies and endorsing candidates who support him.
However, Trump faces multiple challenges for his 2024 bid, including legal troubles, declining popularity, and a divided Republican Party.
Trump is facing 91 criminal charges in various states and jurisdictions, ranging from tax fraud to inciting violence. He is also being sued by several individuals and organizations for defamation, election interference, and civil rights violations.
Trump’s approval rating has also dropped since he left office, according to various polls. A recent survey by Quinnipiac University found that only 33% of Americans approve of Trump, while 60% disapprove. The same poll also found that 51% of Americans do not want Trump to run again, while 39% do.
Trump also faces competition from other potential Republican candidates, such as DeSantis, Haley, Christie, Ramaswamy, and Binkley. Some of these candidates have tried to distance themselves from Trump, while others have tried to appeal to his base.
Six candidates have qualified to be on the ballot for the Republican presidential primary in Virginia: Trump, DeSantis, Christie, Haley, Ramaswamy, and Binkley. Early voting for the Virginia primary begins Jan. 19; the day-of voting is March 5.
Nationwide, the first delegation selection begins Jan. 15 in the Iowa caucuses, followed by the New Hampshire primary on Jan. 23.
