Democrats are said to be preparing to face Vice President Mike Pence as a presidential candidate in 2020.
Earlier this month, Mr Pence vehemently denied a report that he was positioning himself to run for president, saying the assertion was “categorically false” and represented “just the latest attempt by the media to divide this administration.”
But the Democratic National Committee confirmed to Politico that it is conducting full-scale opposition research on Mr Pence and other Republicans it believes could challenge Donald Trump for the presidency – or would run in case the President does not seek reelection.
“With Trump’s tumultuous presidency in complete chaos, we are prepared for all scenarios,” DNC research director Lauren Dillon told the news outlet.
The DNC is also researching Mr Trump’s United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse and Ohio Governor John Kasich, among others. Mr Kasich ran against Mr Trump in the 2016 Republican primaries and has loudly criticised the President.
Mr Trump already appears to be working on his 2020 reelection bid as he continues to endure low approval ratings and criticism from other Republicans. The President is heading to Arizona on Tuesday for a campaign-style rally organised by his political operation.
Kellyanne Conway, Mr Trump’s counselor, told George Stephanopoulos on ABC’s “This Week” that Mr Trump “plans on being a two-term president”.
“The president says privately and publicly often, George, that he’ll be there for seven and a half more years,” Ms Conway said. “It is absolutely true that the vice president is getting ready for 2020, for re-election as vice president.”
Mr Stephanopoulos asked if there was any concern that Mr Pence was running a shadow campaign. “Zero concern,” Ms Conway replied.
“That is complete fiction. That is complete fabrication. And I know that his advisors who had comments attributed to them have pushed back strongly, as has the vice president. And as am I right now unequivocally.”
She added: “Vice President Pence is a very loyal, very dutiful, but also incredibly effective vice president, and active vice president, with this president.
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