Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Confirmation Hearings Begin Wednesday, Ex-Running Mate Threatens to Fund Primary Challengers
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s confirmation hearings to be the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) begin on Wednesday. His former running mate, Nicole Shanahan, has threatened to "personally fund" primary challenges against senators who vote against his nomination.
Shanahan, a Silicon Valley lawyer with a net worth exceeding a billion dollars, served as Kennedy's running mate and contributed nearly $19 million to his campaign. Kennedy ended his independent presidential bid in August to endorse Donald Trump, who subsequently nominated him to lead the HHS in November.
In a video released on Monday, Shanahan declared, "This is a bipartisan message, and it comes directly from me. While Bobby may be willing to play nice, I won't." She further stated, "If you vote against him, I will personally fund challengers to primary you in your next election, and I will enlist hundreds of thousands to join me."
Republicans: Susan Collins (ME), Lisa Murkowski (AK), Rand Paul (KY), Rob Portman (OH), Mitt Romney (UT), Pat Toomey (PA), and John Thune (SD)
Joe Manchin (WV), Claire McCaskill (MO), Heidi Heitkamp (ND), Joe Donnelly (IN), Tammy Baldwin (WI), and Jon Tester (MT)
Some of the Republicans listed are considered less supportive of Kennedy, while several Democrats have been speculated to be potentially swayed. Notably, Bernie Sanders previously offered cautious praise for Kennedy's ideas on processed foods and his "Making America Healthy Again" initiative.
"When Kennedy talks about an unhealthy society, he's right," Sanders stated. "The amount of chronic illness that we have is just extraordinary.
6 Comments
Karamba
Sanders is right about Kennedy's ideas. We need someone who is willing to take on the powerful food industry and fight for our health.
Matzomaster
This is a brilliant strategy by Shanahan. It's time for these senators to start listening to the people they're supposed to represent.
Rotfront
This is a clear case of abuse of power. Shanahan needs to be held accountable for her actions.
Matzomaster
This is exactly the kind of bold action we need to shake things up in Washington. The old way of doing things isn't working.
Karamba
I have faith in Kennedy and his vision. He's the right person to lead the HHS and make a real difference in people's lives.
BuggaBoom
It's about time someone took a stand against these corrupt politicians! Kennedy deserves a fair chance, and Shanahan is making sure he gets it.