Asa Hutchinson, an American attorney, businessman, and politician, has been deeply involved in politics for many years. He was Governor of Arkansas for eight years, two consecutive terms, from 2015 to 2023. This role showed his strong commitment to serving the public and his skill in handling the complex duties of state leadership. Hutchinson is known for his extensive understanding and participation in different areas of government work, which has made him a respected figure in political leadership.
He decided to run for the Republican nomination for President in 2024, hoping to use his vast political experience on a bigger platform. Despite his hard work and background, his campaign didn’t catch on with voters, leading him to end his campaign early.
Hutchinson’s short campaign was notable for his direct criticism of former President Donald Trump, but it didn’t progress as he hoped. He has later endorsed ex-South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, currently the only serious Trump’s challenger for the nomination.
Hutchinson says Trump wants to wrap-up the nomination as quickly as possible
The former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) mentioned on Sunday that he believes former President Trump is eager to quickly secure the nomination because he’s spotting some red flags that might jeopardize his chance at becoming the candidate.
In an interview with MSNBC’s Jonathan Capehart, Hutchinson pointed out a few issues that could trouble Trump, including several legal battles, the need to pay financial penalties and charges, and the fact that close to 40 percent of GOP voters in South Carolina chose Haley instead of Trump.
“I think what Donald Trump is trying to do is to wrap this nomination up very quickly because he knows the storm clouds are gathering over him with the multiple court cases, with the financial judgments against him, and with 40 percent of the Republican base saying we want an alternative,” Hutchinson said.
Hutchinson says he won’t support ‘a convicted felon’
Hutchinson, who had earlier decided to halt his own bid for the presidency last month and threw his support behind Haley, mentioned the upcoming party convention as a pivotal moment where a different candidate might come to the forefront.
In a situation where Haley might withdraw from the race, when questioned on whether he would then support Trump, Hutchinson expressed a firm stance, stating, “Well, I’m not going to support a convicted felon.”
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“And of course that remains to be seen. So let’s see who comes out of the Republican convention. It’s not done until it’s done,” Hutchinson responded, adding later, “Let’s wait and see who comes out of the convention. I’m not going to support a convicted felon.”
Hutchinson might not support Trump even if he emerges as the nominee without a conviction
Hutchinson did not explicitly commit to supporting Trump if he emerges as the nominee without a conviction in the criminal indictments he currently faces—two at the federal level and two at the state level.
Hutchinson said that decision is difficult, as a longtime Republican who still believes in the party.
“I’ve always supported the Republican nominee. It’s sort of a big deal to move a different direction. And I have still hope for the Republican Party,” Hutchinson said. “It’s challenged because I see the direction and the challenge that Nikki Haley has in front of her, but we’re going to work hard to see if we can change them between now and the convention.”
In response to Hutchinson’s cautious and conditional statements, a spokesperson for Trump sharply dismissed his influence and relevance, stating, “Nobody cares what Asa Hutchinson has to say. He can go crawl back under whatever rock he slithered out from.”
