JD Vance says skipping GOP convention may be better: "better if that guy’s out there raising money"
“We don’t need a congressman in a tight race to be there in all cases. Sometimes it might be better if that guy’s out there raising money. But I think people are going to make a determination: What is the best way for me to spend my time as a candidate?”
Reported September 7, 2026 by nationalmemo.com. Checked word for word against that report.
Several Republican members of Congress are bowing out of President Donald Trump’s two-day midterm convention, planned for later this week. Those in tough reelection fights have cited district obligations, family plans, and time on the campaign trail; even lawmakers in safer seats are staying away, with reasons including a scheduled hunting trip and the event’s high cost. Asked about the absentees, Vice President JD Vance said he was not troubled and suggested that each candidate must weigh how best to spend campaign time, adding that raising money can sometimes matter more than appearing at the gathering. The remarks carry weight because Republicans aim to preserve their narrow House and Senate majorities, and the convention is intended to help them do that.
- nationalmemo.com ↗︎07 SEP 2026