(The Slice): Football legend Herschel Walker once ran on the track, but now he is running a political campaign. Walker filed papers on Tuesday with the Federal Election Commission to seek the U.S. Senate seat in his native Georgia. Walker, 59 is a Republican who says he will run on conservative values. If chosen, he will challenge Rev. Raphael Wanock.
Like his potential incumbent Warnock, the former University of Georgia and NFL football star has roots in the Peach State. On his Website he expressed that he invisions smaller government and a strong military. A long-time Texas resident, the candidates now resides in Georgia where he registered to vote shortly before launcching his campaign. What the champion athlete lacks is any direct political experience. In recent years he has appeared in right wing media discussing his views and opnions but he has never served in a political role. It was not until earlier this year he started to show signs of wanting to become a political leader.
There may be some drawbacks that interfere with Walker's selection. He has been accused of domestic violence by his ex-wife who said he pointed a gun to her head, has personality disorder and is said to have been financially unstable. Also, many of his views do not align with progressive African Americans, a voting bloc that is crucial for winning; in particular, when speaking at a Repubican convention he stated that former Pres. Donald Trump, a persoanl friend is not racist, a belief generally held by frican Americans. Trump mutually admires Walker, a failed Apprentice contestant. With Trump's influence over the Republican based, their alliance automatically gives the athlete an edge.
Other Republican candidates that had the red flag of inexperience and controversy in their past went on to secure careers in politics including Trump and the late Pres. Ronald Reagan. The Heisman trophy winner's chances of being competititive or winning in politics will be tested during the midterms coming up next year. Earlier this year three otheres launched Republican Senate campaigns: Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black and lesser known military veterans Kelvin King and Latham Saddler.
“I think he’d win. I think it would be very, very hard to beat Herschel,” Trump said. He’s a great guy. He’s a patriot. And he’s a very loyal person, he’s a very strong person. They love him in Georgia, I’ll tell you,” Trump told the conservative radio show hosts Clay Travis and Buck Sexton.
South Carolina Senator Lindsay Graham also has tweeted that he supports Graham writing, "He's a solid conservative who fits Georgia like a glove."
The competition will not be a easy. As a freshman U.S. Senator, Rev. Warnock has made his mark on supporting bills that provide aid to farmers, voting rights, medicaid, racial disprities in veteran affairs and legislation for families. His efforts have also garnered national attention. Warnock earned his way to Washington by defeating former Senator Kelly Loeffler in a run-off election.
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