“Back in the day, it used to be very hierarchical and top-down, and now it’s flat,” Ryan said in an interview Thursday, speaking of the revolution that social media has caused in national politics. “That gives every candidate an opportunity to build up millions of low-dollar donors that can keep you in the game.”
Ryan and the three other sitting House members eyeing 2020 bids face a field already crowded with a half-dozen senators, as well as several former colleagues like O’Rourke — who’d been a backbench lawmaker, too, just two years ago.
“I think there’s a sense, especially after Trump, that lightning can strike anybody,” said Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.). “And here’s an opportunity to broaden your platform and see what happens.”
And if they don’t win, they could grow their influence, leading to a Cabinet position, a state-wide run, or even a career as a TV pundit.
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