General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: VP Harris has promised to have a republican in her cabinet. Who do you think it would be and for what position? [View all]jmowreader
(51,256 posts)Newhouse has five advantages here.
1. He's a moderate Republican who has beaten MAGAts.
2. He voted in favor of impeaching Trump after the Capitol attack. He also voted aye on the Respect for Marriage Act.
3. He's a good choice for Secretary of Agriculture because he has a degree in Agricultural Economics from Washington State University and he runs a successful 600-acre farm. He grows hops, tree fruit and alfalfa.
4. There's no risk of people claiming President Harris is trying to subvert the balance of power in the House because Washington's 4th Congressional District, which he represents, is so far to the right there have been two Republicans on the general election ballot more than once. (Just so you know: Washington uses a "jungle primary" system for all offices except president where the top two in the primary, regardless of party, advance to the general election.) If Rep. Newhouse is made Secretary of Agriculture, WA-4 WILL send another Republican to replace him in Congress.
5. While very competent as an elected official, he keeps a very low profile. Most people haven't heard of him. He doesn't go on TV and spew extraneous bullshit like, say, Marjorie Taylor Greene does. He goes to work, does the people's bidding and returns home. This is why he may not want to do it - he doesn't seem like the kinda guy who wants to do the Sunday-morning talk shows.