If they can form a new Republican Party out of the ashes of the present failure, Republicans must begin to think about the 2020 election. Whether Hillary Clinton prevails over a despicable Donald Trump, or the citizens of our nation lose their collective mind and hand the presidency to a totally unqualified and disreputable despot, they will need to offer the American people an outstanding candidate in 2020.

It’s obvious if Hillary wins in November; Republican Party leaders will attempt to make her a one-term president. Of course we must remember that Mitch McConnell led an effort to restrict President Obama to one-term beginning in 2009, and we know how well that worked.

It may be even more important for the future of the GOP to find a man or woman to oppose Trump if he succeeds in November. This individual cannot be one of the 16 failed passengers in the clown car this season, it must be someone who is more moderate, fluent on the issues, represents all of the American people, and is an excellent campaigner with exceptional oratory skills.

This was the problem in the 2016 primary season. No one stood above the rest. None were talented, and none had accomplishments to offer the voting public.

At present there is no one in Washington who fits all of the requirements I listed.

If you read me, you know that I am a proud Independent. Therefore, I have a suggestion. I believe the governor of my state, Nevada, would be an excellent candidate for the presidency in 2020.

Brian Sandoval is a Republican who is moderate, intelligent, and, rare for a politician, kept his promises to the people of our state.

He has labored to bring thousands of new jobs into both Northern and Southern Nevada. He has raised our educational system to a new level. When he took office only Mississippi had a worse record on education.

Sandoval is of Hispanic heritage, handsome, well-spoken, and dedicated to those he serves.

Most importantly, I believe that he would be interested. He declined to enter the campaign for Harry Reid’s seat in the Senate, choosing instead to continue his efforts for our state. Most Americans do not know him, but if he runs they will quickly realize that he has a “Reaganesque” quality. Most importantly, he is not an extremist, and works well with Democrats in Nevada.

Of course this idea is mine alone, at least for now. I believe that we need real Republicans to return to the party. We must rid the GOP of the extremists and obstructionists who now occupy seats in Congress and do nothing but collect their salaries and benefits.

Whoever the GOP chooses to remove either Clinton or Trump in 2020, he or she must be exceptional, not an embarrassment like those offered in 2016.

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

Photo Courtesy of Nevada

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