U. S. Representative Elizabeth Cheney is a deeply committed Republican from a deeply Republican state. Moreover, her mother, Lynne Cheney, and her father, Dick Cheney, were themselves stars of Wyoming’s Republican Party, both extremely prominent and successful political figures for decades.
But that was then. Last night’s great surprise was not that Liz Cheney paid for her fierce opposition to former President Donald Trump by losing the Republican primary for her House seat. Rather the surprise was the magnitude of her loss. Liz Cheney was defeated by Trump-backed Harriet Hageman by nearly 40 points. Ouch!
Cheney acknowledged her loss by delivering a prepared statement in which she signaled her career in American politics was not over. She referenced great political and military comebacks, notably those of President Abraham Lincoln and General Ulysses S. Grant. Additionally, anti-Trump Republicans and, of course, Democrats are spending this morning lionizing Cheney, and deciphering what they seem certain will be her splendid political future.
Trouble is that for years to come Liz Cheney will be unable use Wyoming as her base. Her parents are relics, and she is now without a political home. If Cheney is serious, therefore, if she really does decide her future lies in American electoral politics, the first thing she should do is get out. Pack her bags, leave Wyoming, and establish her primary residence in a state that will be reasonably hospitable – or at least not virulently antipathetic – to a Republican renegade such as she. If losing an election by almost 40 points does not signal you’re not wanted, I don’t know what does.