Various other “Trump alternatives” have attempted to make this case, including those who implicitly tout their fealty to “the Trump agenda.” What’s distinct about Hogan among non-Trump Republicans is that he is devoting real effort to trying to hasten the neutering of the 800-pound gorilla. He has campaigned and raised money for the likes of DeWine, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and a selection of Republican House members whose willingness to defy the former president (by voting to impeach or other such blasphemies) has landed them in the MAGA crosshairs.

In addition to helping with the mechanics of campaigning and fundraising, Hogan can at least model brave behavior, his allies say. “I think people get caught up in the bad things that happen to Republicans who Trump decides to go after,” says Michael Steele, a former lieutenant governor of Maryland and Republican National Committee chair who has become a vocal Trump critic, and has known Hogan for 30 years. “Larry can send a message to the other people who are scared of the bully.”

Hogan invokes similar language, envisioning himself as a kind of political bodyguard. “I’m just saying, ‘Hey, stop trying to steal their lunch money,’” he told me. At minimum, Hogan is hoping to make the Republican Party a safer schoolyard. “I think we’re coming closer to a time where a Republican attacking Trump is no longer seen as a kiss of death,” Hogan said. “Once his candidates lose a bunch of races this year, I think more Republicans will suddenly get up a dose of courage.”