A Republican strategist expressed surprise about President Donald Trump's relative lack of involvement in a key congressional race.
Republican Matt Van Epps is facing a surprisingly strong challenge from Democratic state Rep. Aftyn Behn in Tennessee's seventh congressional district, which is holding a special election Tuesday. The president won by more than 20 points last year, and GOP strategist Doug Heye told "CNN News Central" that Trump could have done more for the candidate he endorsed.
"If this is insingle digits, it's a bigwarning sign for Republicansmoving to the midtermelections," Heye said. "We do overrate this,but if it is that close, it'sgoing to be a big deal, and oneof the things when you get to Election Day that campaigns sayto themselves, this is true, Republican or Democrat ... you ask yourself,did we leave everything on thefield?"
Heye faulted the president's efforts and wondered why he had basically stayed on the sidelines.
"My fear for Republicans on this one is, they didn't leaveeverything on the field, and Isay that not about Mike Johnsonand the [National Republican Senatorial Committee]," Heye added. "They have lefteverything on the field. But Donald Trump should have gone onthe ground. Donald Trump used tolove doing political rallies.I'm surprised he didn't do ithere. We saw him phone it in,but that's exactly what he did.He phoned it in."
"If Donald Trumphad gone on the ground inTennessee and done a big rallyfor this, he would have beenable to claim credit, if Republicans win tonight, abouthow he brought this race home," Heye added.
"That, to me, is a surprise."
Host Kate Bolduan highlighted Heye's remark, pointing out that Trump made a phone call to an event rather than making a personal appearance, as he had in the past.
"Literally phoned it in –Doug really means it," Bolduan said. "Heliterally was put onspeakerphone yesterday."