The Belgian GP weekend kicked off in earnest on Friday at a cool but dry Spa-Francorchamps.

Check out our gallery of pictures of the opening day of running at the legendary Ardennes circuit.

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Senate Democrats are nearly united in their opposition to Rep. Joe KennedyJoseph (Joe) Patrick KennedyMassachusetts Rep. Joe Kennedy says Patriots ‘should sign’ Kaepernick Markey touts past praise from Kennedy: ‘He does an incredible job’ Progressive Caucus co-chair endorses Kennedy in Massachusetts Senate primary MORE III (D-Mass.), the scion of their party’s most fabled family, in his bid to unseat Sen. Ed MarkeyEdward (Ed) John MarkeyEngel scrambles to fend off primary challenge from left Markey touts past praise from Kennedy: ‘He does an incredible job’ Progressive Caucus co-chair endorses Kennedy in Massachusetts Senate primary MORE (D).

Kennedy, a 39-year-old graduate of Harvard Law School, is putting his political career on the line by taking on a Democratic incumbent who has been a fixture in Congress since 1976. His campaign also marks the best hope of putting a Kennedy back in the Senate or White House in the foreseeable future.

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The Kennedy name has captivated Democrats going back 60 years, when John F. Kennedy ushered in the era of Camelot by winning the 1960 presidential election. 

But it seems that magic is starting to wear off 10 years after the last Kennedy to hold a Senate seat, Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.), died while in office. 

Senate Democrats, including those who may have been inspired by JFK when they launched their political careers, are standing by Markey, who they consider a loyal party soldier, even if he sometimes steals the spotlight or finds a way to horn in on their pet issues. 

Senate Minority Leader Charles SchumerChuck SchumerOvernight Health Care: US showing signs of retreat in battle against COVID-19 | Regeneron begins clinical trials of potential coronavirus antibody treatment | CMS warns nursing homes against seizing residents’ stimulus checks Schumer requests briefing with White House coronavirus task force as cases rise Schumer on Trump’s tweet about 75-year-old protester: He ‘should go back to hiding in the bunker’ MORE (D-N.Y.) and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) Chairwoman Catherine Cortez MastoCatherine Marie Cortez MastoOVERNIGHT ENERGY: Interior faces legal scrutiny for keeping controversial acting leaders in office | White House faces suit on order lifting endangered species protections | Lawmakers seek investigation of Park Police after clearing of protesters Senate advances deputy energy secretary nominee Senate Democratic campaign arm launches online hub ahead of November MORE (Nev.) are solidly behind Markey.

“We’ve endorsed him publicly. We will be there to work with him and his team to ensure that they have the resources they need to get his message out,” said Masto. “The state in general knows he’s a progressive and a fighter on so many issues. He’s taken a lead on net neutrality and climate change, on so many important issues that matter to his constituents.”

Masto said she didn’t want to “speculate” on how much the DSCC will spend to defend Markey from Kennedy’s challenge but declared “we are absolutely 100 percent behind him.” 

Markey later told The Hill, “Chuck SchumerChuck SchumerOvernight Health Care: US showing signs of retreat in battle against COVID-19 | Regeneron begins clinical trials of potential coronavirus antibody treatment | CMS warns nursing homes against seizing residents’ stimulus checks Schumer requests briefing with White House coronavirus task force as cases rise Schumer on Trump’s tweet about 75-year-old protester: He ‘should go back to hiding in the bunker’ MORE and Catherine are being absolutely great.”

“Chuck is all in,” he added. 

Some Democratic senators are indignant that Kennedy is wasting party resources on an internal fight and bristle at the thought that the only reason he dreamed of taking on a well-established Democratic incumbent is because of his famous name. 

Markey, by contrast, has earned the admiration of his colleagues for his dogged climb up the ladders of power since serving in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in the mid-1970s.

Colleagues who are backing Markey point out that he is the son of a milkman, a far more humble background than his opponent, the grandnephew of the 35th president of the United States.

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“Joe Kennedy is not running against him because they have policy disagreements. Markey gave up his seat in the House, where if he had stayed there he would have been chairman of one of the most powerful committees, Energy and Commerce,” said a Democratic senator who requested anonymity.

“The only reason Kennedy has the ability to run and be a serious contender is because his last name is Kennedy,” the senator added. “It’s offensive to have someone work to displace him not on principle but because he can and because he has an organization paving his path to run for the presidency and thinks this is a step in that process.” 

Publicly, Democratic senators are more restrained in their views on the primary race, though they express disappointment that Kennedy is trying to knock off Markey now instead of waiting perhaps for Sen. Elizabeth WarrenElizabeth WarrenWarren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases OVERNIGHT DEFENSE: Joint Chiefs chairman says he regrets participating in Trump photo-op | GOP senators back Joint Chiefs chairman who voiced regret over Trump photo-op | Senate panel approves 0B defense policy bill Trump on collision course with Congress over bases with Confederate names MORE (D-Mass.) to win the White House.

Sen. Jeanne ShaheenCynthia (Jeanne) Jeanne ShaheenWarren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Mnuchin indicates openness to more PPP loans in next COVID-19 relief bill On The Money: GOP turning against new round of ,200 rebate checks | Millions of Americans frustrated by delayed unemployment checks | Senate votes to give coronavirus relief program more flexibility MORE (D-N.H.), who represents a neighboring state, called Kennedy’s decision to challenge Markey “too bad.” She’s backing Markey and noted they’ve “served on the Foreign Relations Committee together.”

Emily Kaufman, a spokeswoman for Kennedy’s campaign, said her boss is more focused on connecting with voters in Massachusetts than senators in Washington.

“Congressman Kennedy has been spent the last six weeks traveling to every corner of the Commonwealth. He is focused on earning the support of voters across Massachusetts, as this election will be decided by them — and them alone,” she said.

Democratic senators say they expect Markey to run a hard campaign to defend his seat. A Suffolk University Political Research Center poll showed Kennedy leading the five-candidate field by 9 percentage points. The same survey showed him winning a head-to-head match-up with Markey by 14 points. 

A late August poll by Change Research, a San Francisco survey firm, showed Kennedy with 42 percent support among Democratic voters compared to 25 percent support for Markey.

Markey’s defenders note that he has a 51 percent approval rating in Massachusetts, with just a 25 percent disapproval rating, according to a recent Morning Consult poll.

One Democratic lobbyist who is friends with Markey predicted the incumbent senator will consider dropping out of the race and announcing his retirement instead of ending an illustrious career in defeat.

But if Markey is thinking about going that route, he’s given no indication of it.

Democratic senators say that Markey has courted them aggressively behind the scenes, hoping to secure their endorsements and fundraising muscle to match Kennedy dollar-for-dollar on the airwaves.

Sen. Jack ReedJohn (Jack) Francis ReedWarren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases OVERNIGHT DEFENSE: Joint Chiefs chairman says he regrets participating in Trump photo-op | GOP senators back Joint Chiefs chairman who voiced regret over Trump photo-op | Senate panel approves 0B defense policy bill Trump on collision course with Congress over bases with Confederate names MORE, the ranking Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, and Sen. Sheldon WhitehouseSheldon WhitehouseKey Democrat accuses Labor head of ‘misleading’ testimony on jobless benefits Sheldon Whitehouse leads Democrats into battle against Trump judiciary Bill aims to help farmers sell carbon credits MORE, both from neighboring Rhode Island, have already done a fundraiser for Markey, with other events in the works, according to his campaign.

Warren, Massachusetts’s most high-profile politician who is also at the front of the Democratic presidential primary, has already endorsed Markey, though she says she likes Kennedy, too.

Kennedy, meanwhile, has endorsed Warren for president, making the relationship between the two political stars even more awkward.

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Markey told The Hill that his colleagues have been very enthusiastic to his entreaties and expressed strong optimism despite the worrisome poll numbers. 

“People are being great,” he said. “The response I’m getting is just overwhelmingly positive. First the whole state, everyday, where I go. So I’m very much enthused by the level of support.”

Markey’s senior campaign director, John Walsh, told The Hill: “Sen. Markey is grateful to have the support of his Democratic colleagues as he continues to criss-cross the state to fight on the frontlines for the issues that matter to the people of Massachusetts.”

Markey raised $1.1 million in the third quarter of 2019, compared to Kennedy’s $650,000. But Kennedy didn’t formally enter the race until Sept. 21.

Markey had $4.4 million in the bank heading into the fourth quarter, while Kennedy had $4.2 million.

Sen. Chris Van HollenChristopher (Chris) Van HollenDemocrats introduce bill to rein in Trump’s power under Insurrection Act Democratic senators kneel during moment of silence for George Floyd Hillicon Valley: Twitter flags Trump tweet for ‘glorifying violence’ | Cruz calls for criminal investigation into Twitter over alleged sanctions violations | Senators urge FTC to investigate TikTok child privacy issues MORE (D-Md.), who served as DSCC chairman during the 2018 election cycle, said much of the conference is already behind Markey, including himself. 

“I, like a lot of members of the caucus, have told him we’ll be with him this election,” he said.

Senate Minority Whip Dick DurbinRichard (Dick) Joseph DurbinOVERNIGHT DEFENSE: Joint Chiefs chairman says he regrets participating in Trump photo-op | GOP senators back Joint Chiefs chairman who voiced regret over Trump photo-op | Senate panel approves 0B defense policy bill Trump on collision course with Congress over bases with Confederate names Tim Scott to introduce GOP police reform bill next week MORE (Ill.), the No. 2 Senate Democrat, told The Hill he’s also backing Markey.

Only Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), a former classmate of Kennedy’s in the House who often skips the weekly Senate Democratic lunches and is happy to play the role of stylish rebel in the caucus, has publicly endorsed the challenger. 

Several Senate Democrats have fumed to their colleagues about the DSCC having to spending potentially significant money to defend Markey from a fellow Democrat when they are trying to wrestle back control of the Senate majority from Republicans in 2020.

A second Democratic senator who said colleagues grumble about “wasted resources” nevertheless said Kennedy has a right to run for higher office and that fellow Democratic senators shouldn’t be spared from competition just because they represent deep-blue states.

“I know that people say that it’s a waste of resources, but we all only have one life,” the lawmaker said. “If you’re more fulfilled advocating for things you care about at a different level, everyone has the right to make a run for office.”

Sen. Bernie SandersBernie SandersThe Hill’s 12:30 Report: Milley apologizes for church photo-op Harris grapples with defund the police movement amid veep talk Biden courts younger voters — who have been a weakness MORE (I-Vt.), a 2020 White House hopeful, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-CortezAlexandria Ocasio-CortezAttorney says 75-year-old man shoved by Buffalo police suffered brain injury How language is bringing down Donald Trump Highest-circulation Kentucky newspaper endorses Charles Booker in Senate race MORE (D-N.Y.) said in Iowa on Saturday that they see “class solidarity” in a report that Amazon founder Jeff BezosJeffrey (Jeff) Preston BezosTwitter to honor Juneteenth as company holiday Hillicon Valley: Chinese tech groups caught in rising US-China tensions | Senator questions controversial facial recognition group on use during protests | Study finds vulnerabilities in online voting system used by several states Bezos says he’s ‘happy to lose’ customers over his Black Lives Matter support MORE urged former New York City Mayor Michael BloombergMichael BloombergEngel scrambles to fend off primary challenge from left It’s as if a Trump operative infiltrated the Democratic primary process Liberals embrace super PACs they once shunned MORE to run for president.

According to the Des Moines Register, Sanders initially laughed when he was asked about the report during an interview while Ocasio-Cortez responded: “They’ve got class solidarity. The billionaires are looking out for each other. They’re willing to transcend difference and background and even politics.”

“The fact that Bill Gates seems more willing to vote for Donald TrumpDonald John TrumpSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote Warren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Esper orders ‘After Action Review’ of National Guard’s role in protests MORE than anyone else tells you everything you need to know about how far they’re willing to go to protect their excess, at the cost to everyday Americans,” the progressive first-term lawmaker, who was in Iowa to campaign for Sanders, added.

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“Jeff Bezos, worth $150 billion, supporting Mike Bloomberg, whose worth only $50 billion, that’s real class solidarity,” Sanders said after composing himself, according to the newspaper.

“I’m impressed by that grassroots movement. We on the other hand have had over a million people contribute to our campaign … So a little bit different approach to politics.”

Vox reported Saturday that Bezos called Bloomberg in February and asked if he’d consider joining the 2020 race. Bloomberg said no at the time, a source told the news outlet, which added that a spokesman for the former mayor confirmed the conversation but Amazon did not respond to requests for comment.

Bloomberg officially filed as a candidate for the Alabama Democratic presidential primary on Friday as part of a possible White House run that could shake up the crowded 2020 field.

The billionaire businessman, who built a financial data and media empire, has a personal war chest estimated at more than $50 billion.

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He has not yet made a final decision on whether to run for president, a person familiar with his thinking told The Hill late last week.

Th Register noted that Sanders also ripped Bloomberg’s potential run during the Iowa interview. 

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“He’s deciding because he is worth $50 billion, he’s going to run for president of the United States,” Sanders said.

“He doesn’t have to worry about coming into Iowa, he doesn’t have to worry about going to New Hampshire or Nevada or South Carolina,” he said. “He’s just going to spend, I suspect, hundreds of millions of dollars in media in California because he’s a billionaire,” he added. “So that’s the corruption of the political system based on the kind of massive wealth inequality that exists right now.”

Former New York City Mayor Michael BloombergMichael BloombergEngel scrambles to fend off primary challenge from left It’s as if a Trump operative infiltrated the Democratic primary process Liberals embrace super PACs they once shunned MORE did not file to run in New Hampshire’s first-in-the-nation presidential primary before Friday’s 5 p.m. deadline. 

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The decision to not file in the Granite State’s Feb. 11 primary reinforces his expected strategy of not contesting the first four nominating races in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina to focus instead on the slate of more than a dozen states competing in Super Tuesday on March 3.

Bloomberg’s name did not appear on a list of declared candidates on the New Hampshire Secretary of State’s website after the deadline. The department did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Hill.

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He has thus far filed to run in the Democratic primaries in Alabama and Arkansas.

Skipping the four early states could be a big gamble for Bloomberg. Rudy GiulianiRudy GiulianiSunday shows preview: Protests against George Floyd’s death, police brutality rock the nation for a second week Piers Morgan, Rudy Giuliani in furious debate over Trump: ‘You sound completely barking mad’ Rudy Giuliani calls on Cuomo to remove Bill de Blasio MORE, his mayoral predecessor, adopted the same tactic during his 2008 bid for the Republican presidential nomination, only to drop out of the race before the end of January.

Yet Bloomberg, a billionaire businessman who built a financial data and media empire, still threatens to upend the 2020 primary race should he ultimately decide to formally launch a White House bid.

His behemoth war chest and centrist views could put him on a collision course with former Vice President Joe BidenJoe BidenHillicon Valley: Biden calls on Facebook to change political speech rules | Dems demand hearings after Georgia election chaos | Microsoft stops selling facial recognition tech to police Trump finalizing executive order calling on police to use ‘force with compassion’ The Hill’s Campaign Report: Biden campaign goes on offensive against Facebook MORE and South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete ButtigiegPete ButtigiegScaled-back Pride Month poses challenges for fundraising, outreach Biden hopes to pick VP by Aug. 1 It’s as if a Trump operative infiltrated the Democratic primary process MORE, the leading moderates in the Democratic race, even as his wealth could also make him the target of claims from progressives that he is trying to buy his way into the election. 

Bloomberg had previously said in March that he would not run for president, but speculation began to swirl that he would reconsider after Biden stumbled in a handful of polls and fell short of other front-runners in fundraising.

“We now need to finish the job and ensure that Trump is defeated — but Mike is increasingly concerned that the current field of candidates is not well positioned to do that,” Howard Wolfson, a close adviser to Bloomberg, said earlier this month.

Despite his virtually endless resources, Bloomberg would still face an uphill battle to clinch the Democratic Party’s nomination — his competitors have been canvassing and organizing across the country for months and national polling shows him in the low single digits.

Former Vice President Joe BidenJoe BidenHillicon Valley: Biden calls on Facebook to change political speech rules | Dems demand hearings after Georgia election chaos | Microsoft stops selling facial recognition tech to police Trump finalizing executive order calling on police to use ‘force with compassion’ The Hill’s Campaign Report: Biden campaign goes on offensive against Facebook MORE and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) are leading the Democratic presidential primary field in a new national poll, with Sen. Elizabeth WarrenElizabeth WarrenWarren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases OVERNIGHT DEFENSE: Joint Chiefs chairman says he regrets participating in Trump photo-op | GOP senators back Joint Chiefs chairman who voiced regret over Trump photo-op | Senate panel approves 0B defense policy bill Trump on collision course with Congress over bases with Confederate names MORE (D-Mass.) following in third place.

The Emerson poll released Thursday found Biden and Sanders each with the support of 27 percent of Democratic primary voters, with Warren following at 20 percent support. No other candidate received double-digit support in the poll.

South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete ButtigiegPete ButtigiegScaled-back Pride Month poses challenges for fundraising, outreach Biden hopes to pick VP by Aug. 1 It’s as if a Trump operative infiltrated the Democratic primary process MORE (D) was supported by 7 percent of registered voters in the poll, and entrepreneur Andrew YangAndrew YangGeorge Floyd protests show corporations must support racial and economic equality Andrew Yang discusses his universal basic income pilot program Andrew Yang on the George Floyd protests in Minneapolis MORE was supported by 4 percent.

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Sanders’s support increased by 2 percentage points since October in the poll, and Warren’s support decreased by 1 percentage point, while Biden’s remained steady.

“Biden and Sanders continue to hold their bases, which should concern Warren, as she has waited for one of the front runners to slip these past few months — yet, their support seems to be crystalizing,” Emerson Polling Director Spencer Kimball said in a statement.

Sanders in recent weeks has secured key endorsements from progressives including Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-CortezAlexandria Ocasio-CortezAttorney says 75-year-old man shoved by Buffalo police suffered brain injury How language is bringing down Donald Trump Highest-circulation Kentucky newspaper endorses Charles Booker in Senate race MORE (D-N.Y.), Ilhan OmarIlhan OmarHow language is bringing down Donald Trump Biden, Democrats seek to shut down calls to defund police McEnany, Ocasio-Cortez tangle over ‘Biden adviser’ label MORE (D-Minn.) and Rashida TlaibRashida Harbi TlaibHow language is bringing down Donald Trump Defunding the police: Put it to a vote McEnany, Ocasio-Cortez tangle over ‘Biden adviser’ label MORE (D-Mich.). Rep. Ayanna PressleyAyanna PressleyHow language is bringing down Donald Trump Over 1,400 pro athletes, coaches call on Congress to back bill ending qualified immunity Biden’s right, we need policing reform now – the House should quickly take up his call to action MORE (D-Mass.) broke from the group of freshman lawmakers to endorse Warren.

Researchers surveyed 468 Democratic primary voters Nov. 17–20. The results have a margin of error of 4.5 percentage points.

More than a dozen people are vying for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination.

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Sen. Cory BookerCory Anthony BookerRand Paul introduces bill to end no-knock warrants Black lawmakers unveil bill to remove Confederate statues from Capitol Harris grapples with defund the police movement amid veep talk MORE (D-N.J.) launched his presidential campaign’s first digital ad on Sunday as the senator looks to break through in the crowded primary field and secure a spot on the December debate stage. 

Booker’s ad is part of a six-figure buy and focuses on the New Jersey Democrat’s message of fighting hate and bigotry with unity and “Love.” 

“I’m here today because of love. A heroic love that pushed people to march, knowing they could be beaten, and board buses, knowing they could be bombed. From Seneca Falls to Selma to Stonewall, the truth of America is that we win when we come together and show the best of who we are against the worst that we face,” Booker narrates in the 30-second ad. 

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“That’s how we’ve beaten demagogues and bigots before, that’s how we’ll beat Donald TrumpDonald John TrumpSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote Warren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Esper orders ‘After Action Review’ of National Guard’s role in protests MORE. And that’s how I’ll lead as your president,” he continues. 

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The ad release follows the campaign’s Tuesday announcement that it would focus on persuasive ads as Booker looks to qualify for the December debate in Los Angeles. Booker reached the donor threshold after the November debate, but he has yet to meet the polling requirements. 

To make the stage, candidates need to register support of 4 percent or more in four qualifying polls or 6 percent in two approved early voting state polls in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada or South Carolina. 

Candidates have until Dec. 12 to meet the requirements. Six have qualified so far, including former Vice President Joe BidenJoe BidenHillicon Valley: Biden calls on Facebook to change political speech rules | Dems demand hearings after Georgia election chaos | Microsoft stops selling facial recognition tech to police Trump finalizing executive order calling on police to use ‘force with compassion’ The Hill’s Campaign Report: Biden campaign goes on offensive against Facebook MORE, South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete ButtigiegPete ButtigiegScaled-back Pride Month poses challenges for fundraising, outreach Biden hopes to pick VP by Aug. 1 It’s as if a Trump operative infiltrated the Democratic primary process MORE, Sen. Kamala HarrisKamala Devi HarrisRand Paul introduces bill to end no-knock warrants The Hill’s Campaign Report: Biden campaign goes on offensive against Facebook McEnany says Juneteenth is a very ‘meaningful’ day to Trump MORE (D-Calif.), Sen. Amy KlobucharAmy KlobucharHillicon Valley: Biden calls on Facebook to change political speech rules | Dems demand hearings after Georgia election chaos | Microsoft stops selling facial recognition tech to police Democrats demand Republican leaders examine election challenges after Georgia voting chaos Harris grapples with defund the police movement amid veep talk MORE (D-Minn.), Sen. Elizabeth WarrenElizabeth WarrenWarren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases OVERNIGHT DEFENSE: Joint Chiefs chairman says he regrets participating in Trump photo-op | GOP senators back Joint Chiefs chairman who voiced regret over Trump photo-op | Senate panel approves 0B defense policy bill Trump on collision course with Congress over bases with Confederate names MORE (D-Mass.) and Sen. Bernie SandersBernie SandersThe Hill’s 12:30 Report: Milley apologizes for church photo-op Harris grapples with defund the police movement amid veep talk Biden courts younger voters — who have been a weakness MORE (I-Vt.).

Rep. Doug CollinsDouglas (Doug) Allen CollinsKoch-backed group launches ad campaign to support four vulnerable GOP senators Jon Ossoff to challenge David Perdue after winning Georgia Democratic primary The Hill’s Campaign Report: Bad polling data is piling up for Trump MORE (R-Ga.) said on Thursday that he hasn’t ruled out a campaign for retiring Sen. Johnny IsaksonJohnny IsaksonJon Ossoff to challenge David Perdue after winning Georgia Democratic primary Candidates headed to runoffs in Georgia House race to replace Doug Collins Justice Department closing stock investigations into Loeffler, Inhofe, Feinstein MORE’s (R) seat in 2020, raising the possibility of a challenge to incoming Sen. Kelly LoefflerKelly LoefflerKoch-backed group launches ad campaign to support four vulnerable GOP senators Jon Ossoff to challenge David Perdue after winning Georgia Democratic primary Candidates headed to runoffs in Georgia House race to replace Doug Collins MORE (R). 

Loeffler, a wealthy finance executive and Republican mega-donor, was tapped by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) this week to replace Isakson in the Senate when he steps down at the end of the year.

But that appointment amounts to an 11-month stint in the chamber, and she’ll face a special election next year to decide who will finish out the rest of Isakson’s term, which expires in 2022.

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President TrumpDonald John TrumpSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote Warren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Esper orders ‘After Action Review’ of National Guard’s role in protests MORE and his allies had pressed Kemp for weeks to appoint Collins to Isakson’s Senate seat. Kemp ultimately bucked the president’s wishes, however, opting instead to choose Loeffler, a political outsider who Kemp and his allies believed could help the GOP reclaim suburban voters, especially women, who have fled the party in recent years.

In an interview with NPR’s “All Things Considered” on Thursday, Collins said he was too consumed with the ongoing impeachment inquiry in the House to think about a 2020 Senate run. But he added that he hadn’t ruled it out and would “deal with that” after the impeachment process is wrapped up.

“We’ll make a statement or we’ll deal with that after the fact. I’m not … ruling it out,” Collins said.

“I’m just simply stating a fact of where we’re at right now,” he added. “For my constituents, the state of Georgia and the country, I’m in a position right now that has historical lights on it. I cannot be distracted from whatever I have to do up here to anything else.”

It wasn’t the first time Collins has suggested that he may run for Isakson’s seat in 2020. Even before the formal announcement of Loeffler’s appointment on Wednesday, Collins had said that he was “strongly” considering a bid for the seat if he wasn’t appointed by Kemp.

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But his comments on Thursday were his most explicit since Loeffler was named as Isakson’s replacement. In a statement on Wednesday, Collins said he respected Kemp’s decision and would focus for the time being on “defending our president against partisan impeachment attacks.”

Loeffler’s appointment has sparked frustration among Trump’s allies and the Republican grassroots, who have questioned her conservative bonafides and believe Collins should have been chosen to replace Isakson. That frustration has opened up something of a rift in Georgia’s Republican coalition that Democrats are hoping to capitalize on in 2020. 

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Still, Loeffler will enter the 2020 special election with several advantages. She has the full backing of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnellAddison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote GOP senator to try to reverse requirement that Pentagon remove Confederate names from bases No, ‘blue states’ do not bail out ‘red states’ MORE (R-Ky.) and the National Republican Senatorial Committee. She’s also planning to spend $20 million of her personal fortune on her campaign. 

Unlike a regularly scheduled election, there will be no primary to choose the Democratic and Republican nominees for the Senate seat. Instead, candidates of all parties will appear on a single ballot in November. If no candidate manages to win a majority in that election, the two top finishers will face each other in a run-off election tentatively set for January 2021.

Former Massachusetts Gov. Bill WeldWilliam (Bill) WeldVermont governor, running for reelection, won’t campaign or raise money The Hill’s Campaign Report: Amash moves toward Libertarian presidential bid Libertarians view Amash as potential 2020 game changer for party MORE (R) said Thursday that as many as a half-dozen GOP senators are privately in favor of voting to convict President TrumpDonald John TrumpSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote Warren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Esper orders ‘After Action Review’ of National Guard’s role in protests MORE at a likely impeachment trial.

“I know most of the senior Republicans in the Senate,” Weld, a long-shot candidate for the GOP presidential nomination, said in an interview at The Hill’s offices in Washington. “They’re picking their words carefully when they talk to me, of all people, even though we are friends.”

“I wouldn’t want to get quoted,” he added. “I don’t even like to ask someone to do something which is not in their political self-interest. But yeah, I would say they’re four to six votes for removal right now.”

Weld added that House Republicans who remain steadfast in their defense of the president will come to “regret” their decision to vote against impeachment.
With his impeachment all but certain in the House, Trump and his allies have come to view the GOP-controlled Senate as something of a political fail-safe. Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the chamber and no GOP senator has said publicly they would vote to convict the president in an impeachment trial.
But Weld suggested that, privately, some Republican senators are still on the fence about whether Trump should be removed from office for his efforts to pressure Ukrainian officials to investigate a key political rival and subsequently stonewall the congressional inquiry into his actions. Sixty-seven votes are required to convict and remove a president from office.
He also said that House Republicans, who have aggressively defended the president and accused Democrats of shirking norms in the impeachment process, would pay a political price for their actions.
“I’m very happy to be the canary in the coal mine or the Cassandra who points out that this could be a self-defeating succumbing,” Weld said. “This could result in electoral defeat for the Republicans, in addition to be based on shaky morality.”
In the roughly 40-minute interview, Weld said his prospects in the Republican presidential race have improved amid the impeachment proceedings, which began in late September. The pace of his fundraising “is a little brisker,” he said, and he’s received warmer receptions at campaign events, adding that he plans to begin airing television ads in New Hampshire this month ahead of the state’s Feb. 11 primary.
“My experience around the country … people are just simply exhausted. They really don’t want to hear that much about Mr. Trump and they don’t want to pronounce his name and they don’t want you to pronounce his name either. But they don’t mind saying: ‘Can’t you get him out of there?’”
Weld is focusing his efforts primarily in New Hampshire, the first state to hold presidential primary elections and one where the former Massachusetts governor enjoys something of a neighbor status. He said he’s confident he will “outperform expectations” in the Granite State, insisting that a win there is possible.
“I think if I could win the New Hampshire primary, I think that would give Trump a real shove toward deciding that maybe he doesn’t want to do this, because he does not want to lose that election,” Weld said.
But he also acknowledged the intense political polarization in the country, predicting that if Trump loses his reelection bid, there are going to be calls for armed conflict. Weld noted that Trump himself has mentioned the prospect of a “civil war” — an apparent reference to a tweet in which the president quoted a prominent Baptist pastor who said that Trump’s potential removal from office would “cause a civil war like fracture in this nation.”
“He’s now threatening civil war. Let’s say he’s not reelected in 2020. My God, you’re going to have threats of marches on Washington — people with bayonets,” Weld said. “That may sound like an exaggeration, but he has said ‘Civil War.’ Capital ‘C,’ capital ‘W.’”
Weld said he’s “clear-eyed” about his political prospects. A handful of state Republican parties have taken steps to ensure Trump will be the only candidate on their primary ballots — a result of the “fear” Trump has used to maintain a grip on the GOP, Weld said.
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Weld acknowledged that a poor performance in the New Hampshire primary or on Super Tuesday would likely trigger the end of his White House bid. Asked whether he would consider running as an independent or under a third party if he fails to win the Republican nomination, Weld quickly ruled out either scenario.
“No, I would not run as an independent,” Weld said. “Depending who the Democratic nominee was, I could either support the Democrat or conceivably the libertarian.”
Weld declined to say if there was a particular Democratic presidential candidate he hoped would win the nomination. But he pointed to former Vice President Joe BidenJoe BidenHillicon Valley: Biden calls on Facebook to change political speech rules | Dems demand hearings after Georgia election chaos | Microsoft stops selling facial recognition tech to police Trump finalizing executive order calling on police to use ‘force with compassion’ The Hill’s Campaign Report: Biden campaign goes on offensive against Facebook MORE as the Democrat most likely to attract disaffected Republican voters in a general election matchup against Trump.
Regarding Sen. Elizabeth WarrenElizabeth WarrenWarren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases OVERNIGHT DEFENSE: Joint Chiefs chairman says he regrets participating in Trump photo-op | GOP senators back Joint Chiefs chairman who voiced regret over Trump photo-op | Senate panel approves 0B defense policy bill Trump on collision course with Congress over bases with Confederate names MORE (D-Mass.), a fellow Bay Stater and one of the leading liberals in the Democratic primary race, Weld said he “can’t judge” her chances of becoming the Democratic nominee in 2020, but predicted that she would face a tough path to victory in the general election because of her eagerness to lean into progressive policy proposals.
“I think she’d have an uphill battle in the final election because she’s really dug into this position that all jobs in the United States are created by government, they’re created by the public sector,” Weld said.

Democratic presidential hopefuls Sen. Amy KlobucharAmy KlobucharHillicon Valley: Biden calls on Facebook to change political speech rules | Dems demand hearings after Georgia election chaos | Microsoft stops selling facial recognition tech to police Democrats demand Republican leaders examine election challenges after Georgia voting chaos Harris grapples with defund the police movement amid veep talk MORE (D-Minn.) and businessman Tom SteyerTom SteyerBloomberg wages war on COVID-19, but will he abandon his war on coal? Overnight Energy: 600K clean energy jobs lost during pandemic, report finds | Democrats target diseases spread by wildlife | Energy Dept. to buy 1M barrels of oil Ocasio-Cortez, Schiff team up to boost youth voter turnout MORE during Thursday’s Democratic primary debate called on White House officials to testify during the Senate’s impeachment trial. 

“As we face this trial in the Senate, if the president claims that he is so innocent, then why doesn’t he have all the president’s men testify?” Klobuchar told the audience at the PBS News Hour/Politico debate in Los Angeles. 

“Richard Nixon had his top people testify,” she continued. “We should be hearing from [White House chief of staff Mick] Mulvaney, who is the one under oath. Witnesses have said that Mulvaney is the one that said. ‘Okay, we’re going to withhold this aid to a fledgling democracy to get dirt on a political opponent.'”

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“We should hear from [former National Security Adviser John] Bolton, who told his own staff to go see a lawyer after they met with the president. That is the case,” she said. 

Steyer echoed Klobuchar’s sentiment, saying witnesses are required to present a fair case to the American people.

“I actually agree with Senator Klobuchar,” Steyer said. “The question here is if we want the American people to understand what is going on, we need to have the administration officials testify on TV so we can judge. The court that counts is the court of public of opinion.” 

Klobuchar’s comments come after Senate Minority Leader Charles SchumerChuck SchumerOvernight Health Care: US showing signs of retreat in battle against COVID-19 | Regeneron begins clinical trials of potential coronavirus antibody treatment | CMS warns nursing homes against seizing residents’ stimulus checks Schumer requests briefing with White House coronavirus task force as cases rise Schumer on Trump’s tweet about 75-year-old protester: He ‘should go back to hiding in the bunker’ MORE (D-N.Y.) said on Wednesday that he will ask for votes during the impeachment trial calling for witnesses, including Bolton and Mulvaney, to testify. 

Schumer has also said he would like Mulvaney’s senior adviser Robert Blair and budget staffer Michael Duffey to testify.

However, Republican senators have suggested that they want to delay a decision on witnesses until after the trial has started. 

Schumer on Thursday met with Senator Majority Leader Mitch McConnellAddison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote GOP senator to try to reverse requirement that Pentagon remove Confederate names from bases No, ‘blue states’ do not bail out ‘red states’ MORE (R-Ky.), but the two did not come to an agreement on witnesses or requests for additional documents ahead of the Christmas break. 

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