'I don't think people are afraid': Leader of GOP's governors shrugs off Trump threat

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has managed to strike a balance between warring factions in his state's Republican Party, according to Politico.

Lee, who is an evangelical who has appeased right-wingers with legislation targeting abortion and LGBTQ rights, has also stood up against his state’s GOP supermajority in regards to issues like refugee resettlement and prevention of mass shootings.

"Lee’s brand is neither MAGA-fied nor Trump-averse," wrote Politico's Natalie Allison

"It’s perhaps a useful trait, as he tackles his next big task: Earlier this month, he was tapped to lead the Republican Governors Association ahead of a contentious election year as the party looks to keep its narrow majority of state executive offices."

Also read: 'We get the government we want and deserve': Voters get stern telling off from WaPo writer

In an interview with Politico, Lee said that Trump's attacks, particularly on social media, that often target various GOP governors aren't that big of a deal.

"Recently, DeSantis and Reynolds were in his line of fire. Previously it was governors like Brian Kemp, Doug Ducey, Chris Sununu, Larry Hogan and so on," Politico told him.

When asked if he had a word of advice for governors who find themselves target by Trump, Lee said, "I don’t think people are afraid as much as they are just making decisions for themselves that they think are in the best interest of their own career and their own constituents."

Lee told Politico that he thinks the 2024 presidential race is winnable for Republicans as long as they stick to the "fundamentals."

Read the full report over at Politico.